Roger Allers, "The Lion King" Co-Director, Dies at 76

Roger Allers, the Disney filmmaker behind the animated classics "The Lion King", "Aladdin," "The Little Mermaid," and more, has died. He was 76.

Allers’ death was confirmed by veteran visual effects supervisor Dave Bossert, who honored his friend and collaborator on Facebook.

“I am deeply saddened by the news that our friend Roger Allers has passed on to his next journey,” he wrote. “We were just trading emails this past week while he was traveling in Egypt, which makes this loss feel all the more unreal. Roger was an extraordinarily gifted artist and filmmaker, a true pillar of the Disney Animation renaissance.”

Allers helmed “The Lion King” alongside Rob Minkoff. Starring Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, and James Earl Jones, the film is widely considered among the best in Disney’s animated catalog. 

Released in 1994, “The Lion King” grossed $771 million globally in its original theatrical run. The 2019 remake is one of the highest-grossing films of all time at $1.6 billion worldwide.

Bob Iger, the CEO of Disney, paid tribute to Allers on Instagram, writing: “Roger Allers was a creative visionary whose many contributions to Disney will live on for generations to come. He understood the power of great storytelling – how unforgettable characters, emotion and music can come together to create something timeless. His work helped define an era of animation that continues to inspire audiences around the world, and we are deeply grateful for everything he gave to Disney. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and collaborators.”

His other animation directing credits include the 2006 outdoor adventure “Open Season” and the Oscar-nominated short “The Little Matchgirl.” Allers also worked as a writer and story developer for Disney films like “Aladdin,” “The Emperor’s New Groove,” and “Brother Bear.” He also contributed to the straight-to-DVD film “The Lion King 1 1/2.”

“I worked very closely with him on ‘The Little Matchgirl,’ and it was nothing short of a joy—he carried a sense of wonder, generosity, and enthusiasm that lifted everyone around him,” Bossert added. “Roger had a joyful, luminous spirit, and the world is dimmer without him. Rest in peace, my friend. Until we meet again on the other side.”