The animation world is in mourning following the shock death of Roger Allers, the celebrated co-director of Disney's classic film The Lion King. He was 76 years old.
A Sudden and Shocking Loss
The news was broken on Sunday by producer Dave Bossert in a heartfelt Facebook post. Rob Minkoff, who co-directed the iconic 1994 film alongside Allers, has now spoken exclusively of his grief, describing the loss as a "terrible shock".
"I had lunch with Roger a couple weeks ago and he was in fine health," Minkoff, 63, revealed in a statement. He remembered his friend and collaborator as a "one-of-a-kind, eccentric creative spirit who touched many lives deeply, including my own." Minkoff added that Allers' vast body of work "will continue to delight and inspire generations to come."
A Pillar of Disney's Renaissance
Bossert, who announced the passing, praised Allers as a "true pillar of the Disney Animation renaissance." He noted that the pair had been in contact "this past week" while Allers was travelling in Egypt, making the news feel "all the more unreal." A specific date and cause of death have not been disclosed.
In his tribute, Bossert detailed Allers' remarkable career, which began with pre-production concepts for Tron. He served as a story artist on Oliver & Company and The Little Mermaid, rose to head of story on Beauty and the Beast, and ultimately co-directed the phenomenally successful The Lion King.
"He was, without question, one of the kindest people you could hope to know and work alongside," Bossert wrote. "Roger treated everyone with genuine kindness and respect, regardless of title or position... He carried a sense of wonder, generosity, and enthusiasm that lifted everyone around him."
A Legacy of Beloved Films
Roger Allers' influence on animation extended far beyond The Lion King. His impressive IMDb resume includes credits on a host of beloved projects, showcasing his versatility and skill.
Key credits in his extensive filmography include:
- The Little Mermaid (Story Artist)
- Beauty and the Beast (Head of Story)
- Aladdin
- The Emperor's New Groove
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Storyboard work for Ted
The news prompted an outpouring of grief from across the industry. Disney CEO Bob Iger honoured Allers as a "creative visionary" whose work "helped define an era of animation." Producer Don Hahn called him an "extraordinary artist" and a "creative brother," while animator Dave Woodman remembered him as "one of my very favourite people."
The passing of Roger Allers marks the end of an era for Disney and global animation. His contributions to some of the most cherished films in history ensure his creative spirit and legacy will endure indefinitely, bringing joy to audiences for generations to come.
