Renowned filmmaker Roger Allers, best known for co-directing the Disney classic “The Lion King,” has died at the age of 76.
The news of his passing was shared by producer Dave Bossert in a heartfelt tribute on Sunday, referring to Allers’ death as a transition to his “next journey.”
Details regarding the cause of his death have not been disclosed.
Bossert paid homage to Allers, acknowledging his significant contributions to celebrated films such as “Aladdin,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “Watership Down,” and praised him as a “true pillar of the Disney Animation renaissance.”
While the exact date of Allers’ passing was not mentioned, Bossert noted that he had communicated with the filmmaker “this past week.”
“I am deeply saddened by the news that our friend Roger Allers has passed on to his next journey,” Bossert expressed.
Roger Allers, the filmmaker who co-directed the Disney classic The Lion King, has reportedly died at age 76; pictured 2015
Allers was described as a ‘true pillar of the Disney Animation renaissance’
‘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. He began at Disney doing per-production concepts for Tron.
‘He then became a story artist on Oliver & Company and The Little Mermaid and other films, eventually becoming head of story on Beauty and the Beast.
‘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 went on to co-direct The Lion King, a phenomenal success, yet it never went to his head. Roger treated everyone with genuine kindness and respect, regardless of title or position. 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.
‘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. I’m pictured with Roger in 2016 at an Academy event. I always admired his colorful sports jackets.’
An accomplished animated film director and writer, Aller’s impressive boasts some of the most beloved Disney films.
His IMDb resume includes credits in Tron, The Prince and the Pauper, Ice Age, Kung Fu Panda, The Emperor’s New Groove, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
Not only that but he also served as storyboard artist for the film about a foul-mouthed teddy bear, Ted.
Tributes came pouring in for Allers, pictured in 2019, with one Lion King fan calling him the ‘director of the greatest animated movie ever made’
The critically-acclaimed film about a lion reclaiming his throne was released in 1994
The film starred Matthew Broderick as the young lion returning to rule his homeland after being outcast by his uncle
His peers and fans mourned the loss online.
Animation Magazine reports that Disney producer Don Hahn wrote: ‘Feeling shaken and sad to share that our dear friend and creative brother Roger Allers has passed—an extraordinary artist, a man who lived fully and generously, and someone I loved deeply; along with all of us who knew and worked with him. Please hold him and his famly in your thoughts and let his spirit live on in you.”
Animator Dave Woodman wrote on Instagram: ‘We have all been moved by his tremendous artwork and spirit. Roger Allers was one of my very favorite people. Jarring last night to see he has been missing.’
Lion King fans mourned the loss on Reddit as well, with one calling him the ‘director of the greatest animated movie ever made.’
‘RIP Roger’s Allers, thank you for giving us The Lion King,’ another posted.
