It’s a sad day for animation lovers around the world. Roger Allers, the filmmaker who helped bring The Lion King to life and played a key role in Disney’s animation golden era, has passed away at the age
of 76, leaving behind a legacy that shaped childhoods across generations.
Allers’ death was confirmed by veteran visual effects supervisor Dave Bossert, a longtime collaborator and friend, who shared the news in an emotional Facebook post. “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 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.”
A respected writer and director at Disney, Allers co-directed the 1994 animated classic The Lion King alongside Rob Minkoff. Featuring the voices of Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons and James Earl Jones, the film went on to become one of Disney’s most celebrated titles. Its original theatrical release earned $771 million worldwide, while the 2019 live-action remake later crossed $1.6 billion globally, making it one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
Disney CEO Bob Iger also paid tribute to Allers, remembering his impact on the studio and the art of storytelling. “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.”
Beyond The Lion King, Allers directed the 2006 animated adventure Open Season and the Oscar-nominated short film The Little Matchgirl. He also contributed as a writer and story artist on several Disney projects, including Aladdin, The Emperor’s New Groove and Brother Bear, and worked on the direct-to-video release The Lion King 1 1/2.
Reflecting on their collaboration, Bossert added, “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.”
