Roger Allers, Disney Animator and ‘The Lion King’ Co-Director, Dies at Age 76

Disney Animation filmmaker and storyboard artist Roger Allers, best known for co-directing 1994’s “The Lion King,” has died at 76 years old.

Producer and fellow animator, David Bossert, who frequently collaborated with Allers, confirmed news of his passing in a statement on Jan. 18.

“I am deeply saddened by the news that our friend Roger Allers has passed on to his next journey,” Bossert captioned a photo of the two on Facebook. “Roger was an extraordinarily gifted artist and filmmaker, a true pillar of the Disney Animation renaissance.

“I had the privilege of being part of the crew with Roger on many films in the late ’80s and throughout the ’90s, and he was, without question, one of the kindest people you could hope to know and work alongside,” he wrote.

“Roger treated everyone with genuine kindness and respect, regardless of title or position,” Bossert continued. “He carried a sense of wonder, generosity, and enthusiasm that lifted everyone around him. 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.”

According to Animation Magazine, Allers died suddenly at his residence in Santa Monica, California, following a short illness. He is survived by his children, Leah and Aidan.

The Epoch Times reached out to Disney Animation for further comment on the matter but did not hear back by the time of publication.

In a tribute of his own, Disney CEO Bob Iger referred to Allers as someone who made important contributions to the company.

“Roger Allers was a creative visionary whose many contributions to Disney will live on for generations to come,” wrote Iger on Instagram. “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,” he added. “Our hearts are with his family, friends, and collaborators.”

Born in 1949, in Rye, New York, and raised in Scottsdale, Allers developed an early passion for animation and went on to earn a fine arts degree from Arizona State University.

In 1978, Allers relocated to Los Angeles and throughout the ’80s began working on animated projects around the globe, his first being the TV film “Animalympics.”

His career took off as a storyboard artist for Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he contributed to classic animated features including “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “Aladdin.”

Allers’ other credits include films “Oliver and Company,” “Rescuers Down Under,” “The Emperor’s New Groove,” and “Lilo & Stitch.”

He received a Tony nomination in 1998 for Best Book of a Musical for the Broadway musical adaptation of “The Lion King” and an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Short Film in 2007 for “The Little Matchgirl.”