Roger Allers, a long-standing Disney writer and co-director of the beloved 1994 animated masterpiece "The Lion King," has sadly passed away at the age of 76. The news of his demise was confirmed by veteran visual effects supervisor Dave Bossert, who paid tribute to his dear friend and collaborator on Facebook.
"I am deeply saddened by the news that our friend Roger Allers has embarked on his next journey," he wrote. "We were still exchanging emails just last week while he was traveling in Egypt, which makes this loss feel all the more unsettling. Roger was an exceptionally gifted artist and filmmaker, a true pillar of the Disney Animation renaissance."
Allers, alongside Rob Minkoff, was the guiding force behind "The Lion King," a film starring Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, and James Earl Jones that is widely regarded as one of the greatest in Disney's animated repertoire. Released in 1994, "The Lion King" grossed a staggering $771 million globally during its initial theatrical run. The 2019 remake further cemented its status as one of the highest-grossing films of all time, with a worldwide total of $1.6 billion.
Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, paid a touching tribute to Allers on Instagram. "Roger Allers was a creative visionary whose many contributions to Disney will endure for generations to come," he wrote. "He understood the power of great storytelling - how unforgettable characters, emotion, and music can coalesce to create something timeless. His work helped define an era of animation that continues to inspire audiences worldwide, and we are profoundly grateful for everything he gave to Disney. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and collaborators."
Allers' other directing credits include the 2006 outdoor adventure "Open Season" and the Oscar-nominated short "The Little Matchgirl." He also served as a writer and story developer for Disney films such as "Aladdin," "The Emperor's New Groove," and "Brother Bear." He even contributed to the straight-to-DVD film "The Lion King 1 1/2."
"I worked 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."
