Roger Allers, the acclaimed filmmaker and animation director best known for co-directing Disney’s timeless classic The Lion King, has passed away at the age of 76, the company confirmed.
Allers, celebrated as one of Disney’s most influential creative minds, shaped some of the studio’s most iconic animated films. His work extended beyond The Lion King (1994) to include contributions to Tron, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast, cementing his legacy in animation history.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Allers died suddenly at his home in California on Saturday, January 17, following a brief illness.
Disney CEO Robert Iger paid tribute to Allers on Instagram on Sunday night, calling him “a creative visionary whose many contributions to Disney will live on for generations to come.”
Iger highlighted Allers’ mastery of storytelling and the emotional depth he brought to his films. “He understood the power of great storytelling — how unforgettable characters, emotion, and music can come together to create something timeless,” he wrote.
Allers’ influence helped define a golden era of Disney animation, leaving a lasting mark on filmmakers and audiences around the world. His vision and dedication continue to inspire the art of animation and the magic of Disney storytelling.
