‘The Lion King’ Co-Director Roger Allers Has Passed Away at 76
The Disney world is in mourning this afternoon, as news has broken that Roger Allers, the famed Disney animator, story artist, and director, has passed away at the age of 76.
Born June 29, 1949, in Rye, New York, Allers fell in love with animation after watching Walt Disney’s Peter Pan.
Photo: Deadline
Moving to Scottsdale, Arizona, as a child, he eventually studied Fine Arts at Arizona State University.
Upon graduating, Allers found work in television and commercials, including a stint on Sesame Street.
Move to Disney
In the late 1980s, Allers was hired by Walt Disney Animation as a storyboard artist on Oliver & Company after the sudden passing of Pete Young.
Image Credit: Disney
He would continue to work as a storyboard artist and story developer on The Little Mermaid, The Rescuers Down Under, and The Prince and the Pauper.
‘The Lion King’ and Disney Renaissance
By 1991, Allers was promoted to Head of Story on Beauty and the Beast, leading the creation of the first animated feature film ever nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars.
Photo: Disney
After assisting on Aladdin, Allers was named co-director of The Lion King. Under his watchful eye, the film would become the defining release of the Disney Renaissance, one of the highest-grossing animated films ever released, and a movie that would inspire generations.
Following the unprecedented success of The Lion King, Allers co-wrote the book for the Broadway musical of the film with Irene Mecchi.
Photo: D23
Eventually, the stage adaptation would become a global phenomenon, earning multiple Tony Awards and solidifying Disney as a Broadway powerhouse.
Photo: IMDb
After the Lion King, Allers would contribute to later Disney animated hits, including The Emperor’s New Groove and Lilo & Stitch. He also directed the Academy Award-nominated short The Little Matchgirl.
Bob Iger’s Tribute to Allers
Upon hearing of Allers’ passing, Disney CEO Bob Iger paid tribute to the animation titan.
“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,” he said in a statement.
Photo: ABC
“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.”
Photo: Variety
Allers is survived by ex-wife Leslee Hackenson, their daughter Leah, and son Aidan.
