The animation world is mourning Roger Allers, the legendary Disney animator and co-director of The Lion King, who has died at 76. A cornerstone of the Disney Renaissance, Allers shaped some of the studio’s most iconic films, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin, and helped define the golden era of modern animation.
Born in 1949 in Rye, New York, Allers studied fine arts at Arizona State University before joining Disney, where his creative vision helped elevate The Lion King from a modest project into a global phenomenon, both on screen and later on Broadway, earning him a Tony nomination for Best Book of a Musical. His work extended beyond Disney to projects like Open Season and the animated adaptation of Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet, as well as The Little Matchgirl, which garnered an Academy Award nomination.
Allers was celebrated not only for his artistic talent but also for his mentorship, curiosity, and humanity. Disney CEO Bob Iger called him a “creative visionary,” while colleagues remembered him as a steady leader who prioritized storytelling and emotional depth.
He is survived by his children, Leah and Aidan, and his partner, Genaro. From Pride Rock to The Little Matchgirl, Allers’ work continues to inspire, leaving a lasting legacy in animation and storytelling.