Roger Allers, one of the key creative minds behind Disney Animation’s late-20th-century revival and the co-director of The Lion King, has died aged 76.
His death was confirmed by a Disney Animation spokesperson, marking the loss of a filmmaker whose influence ran deep across one of the studio’s most consequential creative periods.
While The Lion King became his most visible legacy, Allers’ career was defined by decades of story work, leadership and mentorship that helped shape Disney’s animation voice from the inside out.
A storyteller who helped define a generation
Allers arrived at Walt Disney Animation Studios in the mid-1980s, as the company was rebuilding its animation pipeline and rediscovering its confidence as a storytelling powerhouse.
His work spanned roles as a story artist, head of story and director, contributing to films including Oliver & Company, The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast.
He also served on storyboard teams for The Rescuers Down Under and The Prince and the Pauper, helping establish the narrative clarity and emotional pacing that became hallmarks of the era.
That creative groundwork culminated in The Lion King, co-directed with Rob Minkoff and released in 1994, a film that became the highest-grossing traditionally animated feature of all time and a cornerstone of Disney’s global legacy.
‘A creative visionary’
Disney CEO Bob Iger paid tribute to Allers’ impact on the studio and its storytelling tradition.
“I was sad to learn of Roger Allers’ passing. He co-directed 1994’s The Lion King among many other important contributions to Disney that will live on for generations to come,” Iger wroteon Instagram.
In a longer statement, Iger said Allers’ understanding of narrative craft helped elevate animation as an emotional art form.
“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,” Iger added. “Our hearts are with his family, friends, and collaborators.”
‘It never went to his head’
Animator and producer David Bossert, who worked closely with Allers across multiple projects, announced his death in a Facebook post, reflecting on both his professional influence and personal character.
“I am deeply saddened by the news that our friend Roger Allers has passed on to his next journey,” Bossert wrote. “We were just trading emails this past week while he was travelling in Egypt, which makes this loss feel all the more unreal.”
Bossert described Allers as a foundational figure during Disney Animation’s resurgence.
“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 & Company and The Little Mermaid and other films, eventually becoming head of story on Beauty and the Beast.”
Despite the success of The Lion King, Bossert said Allers remained grounded and generous.
“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.”
Bossert also recalled working with Allers on The Little Matchgirl.
“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.”
A career built on craft, not spotlight
Born on June 29, 1949, in Rye, New York, and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona, Allers earned a fine arts degree from Arizona State University before moving to Los Angeles in 1978.
His early career included work on the animated television film Animalympics, alongside Steven Lisberger. After projects in Toronto and Tokyo, Allers returned to Los Angeles and joined Disney Animation in 1985, beginning a decades-long association with the studio.
Following The Lion King, Allers continued to work across film and animation, directing The Little Matchgirl, co-directing Sony Pictures Animation’s Open Season with Jill Culton, and later writing and directing The Prophet (2014), based on Kahlil Gibran’s book.
He also helped adapt The Lion King for the stage, collaborating with Irene Mecchi on the Broadway musical’s book. The production earned 11 Tony Award nominations and won six, including best musical.
Allers is survived by his former wife, Leslee Hackenson, and his children, Leah and Aidan.