Roger Allers, ‘Loin King’ & ‘Aladdin’ co-write, dies at 76

Roger Allers, the legendary Disney animator, director, and co-writer, has passed away at the age of 76.

The filmmaker has been behind classics like The Lion King, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast.

The news was shared by longtime collaborator and producer Dave Bossert, who called Allers “an extraordinarily gifted artist and filmmaker, a true pillar of the Disney Animation renaissance.”

Bossert recalled exchanging emails with Allers just last week while he was traveling in Egypt, adding that the loss feels “all the more unreal.”

Allers began his Disney career as a storyboard artist on Tron (1982) and later worked on Oliver & Company (1988) and The Little Mermaid (1989).

He rose to prominence as head of story on Beauty and the Beast (1991) before co-directing The Lion King (1994), which remains one of Disney’s most celebrated animated films.

Bossert praised Allers’ humility and kindness, noting that despite his phenomenal success, he treated everyone with respect and generosity.

“Roger had a joyful, luminous spirit, and the world is dimmer without him,” Bossert said, reflecting on the late filmmaker’s enduring legacy.

Roger Allers’ contributions to animation have left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide, inspiring generations of artists and filmmakers.