The Lion King co-director Roger Allers has died at the age of 76.
The passing of the filmmaker — who helmed the 1994 Disney animated classic alongside Rob Minkoff — was announced on Sunday (Jan 18) by producer Dave Bossert, who stated that Allers had “passed onto his next journey”.
A cause of death has not been revealed.
Bossert hailed the director, who had worked on flicks such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, as a “true pillar of the Disney Animation renaissance”.
He wrote: “I am deeply saddened by the news that our friend Roger Allers has passed on to his next journey.
“We were just trading emails this past week while he was travelling 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 pre-production concepts for Tron.
“He then became a story artist on Oliver and 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. “
Bossert continued: “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.”
Disney CEO Bob Iger hailed Allers as a “creative visionary” in a statement paying tribute to a man who had worked on some of the studio’s most successful animated films.
He said: “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.”
Disney producer Don Hahn revealed that he was “shaken and sad” to have learned news of Roger’s death.
He 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 family in your thoughts and let his spirit live on in you.”
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