Roger Allers Dies at 76 Legendary Animator and The Lion King Co Director Passes Away

Roger Allers, the acclaimed animator, filmmaker, and co director of Disney’s The Lion King, has died at the age of 76. Allers passed away on January 17, 2026, at his home in Santa Monica, California. His death marks the loss of a key figure in modern animation and the Disney Animation Renaissance.

Allers began his career in the late 1970s, contributing to storyboards and visual development on films such as Tron. He later joined Walt Disney Feature Animation, where his work spanned multiple iconic projects. His credits include Oliver & Company, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Lilo & Stitch, solidifying his reputation as one of the leading creative talents in animation.

He is best known for co directing the 1994 animated blockbuster The Lion King alongside Rob Minkoff. The film became one of the highest grossing traditionally animated movies in history and received major awards recognition, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.

News of Allers’ passing was first confirmed by his friend and Disney colleague Dave Bossert via Facebook, “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. 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. I’m pictured with Roger in 2016 at an Academy event. I always admired his colorful sports jackets.”

Don Hahn, a producer who worked alongside Allers on The Lion King said, “Every once in a while, life puts someone in our path who helps us see more clearly. Roger was that person for me, and for so many of us who worked with him. He was the rarest of people, endlessly curious, playful and deeply human, always eager to tell stories that reminded us of the wonder in life. He lives on in his work, and in the hearts of all of us who were lucky enough to know him.”

Disney CEO Bob Iger released the following statement, “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 film, Allers co wrote the Broadway adaptation of The Lion King, which opened in 1998. The stage production won multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical and brought the story to global audiences. He also worked on projects outside Disney, including co directing Sony Pictures Animation’s Open Season and writing and directing The Prophet, an animated adaptation of Kahlil Gibran’s work.

Roger Allers is survived by his two children. His career left a lasting mark on animated filmmaking and his contributions to both the big screen and stage continue to influence audiences and creators worldwide.