Roger Allers dead: Legendary Disney animated director of The Lion King died aged 76

Roger Allers who co-directed the 1994 film The Lion King and worked on other major films including The Little Mermaid has died at the age of 76, a close friend has confirmed

Iconic Disney animated film director Roger Allers has died at the age of 76. Producer and special effects expert Dave Bossert, who worked with Roger on Disney projects, shared the sad news on Sunday.

A cause of death was not immediately revealed, while Roger shared an emotional tribute to the late film director. Roger, who directed the animated classic The Lion King alongside Rob Minkoff, also directed the Sony animated film Open Season and was a Storyboard Artist on The Little Mermaid and Return to Never Land.

Taking to Facebook on Sunday, Dave penned a heartfelt tribute to his friend and colleague. He wrote: "I am deeply saddened by the news that our friend Roger Allers has passed on to his next journey.

"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. He began at Disney doing per-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."

Sharing more details of their shared work, Dave continued: "I had the privilege of being part of the crew with Roger on many films in the late ’80s and throughout the ’90s, and he was, without question, one of the kindest people you could hope to know and work alongside."

Moving on to huge achievements by his friend, he wrote: "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.

"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."

The post was shared alongside an image of Dave and the late firector together. Dave stated: "I'm pictured with Roger in 2016 at an Academy event. I always admired his colorful sports jackets."

Born in Rye, New York on 29 June 1949, Roger was mesmerised by animation after watching Disney's Peter Pan when he was five years old. He achieved a Fine Arts degree from Arizona State University and later worked at Lisberger Studios, where he provided animations for projects including Sesame Street and The Electric Company.

After moving to Los Angeles in the mid-1980s, he secured work with Disney by the end of the decade, kick starting an impressive animation career that included credits on some of the biggest animated films of all time.

In his personal life, he married Leslee Hackenson in 1977 after meeting while travelling around Greece after his graduation. The couple welcomed two children together, a daughter and Leah, and a son named Aidan.

Roger and Leslee divorced in 2020. He is survived by his ex-wife and their children.

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