Roger Allers, the visionary animator and filmmaker behind The Lion King, has passed away at 76 in Santa Monica after a brief illness. His work shaped a golden era of animation, touching generations of audiences worldwide.
Allers co-directed The Lion King, which earned nearly $1 billion and became the highest-grossing traditional animation ever. He later adapted it for Broadway, earning a Tony nomination. His influence also spans classics like Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, The Rescuers Down Under, and the groundbreaking Tron. His short film The Little Matchgirl received an Academy Award nomination.
Disney CEO Bob Iger called him “a creative visionary,” and producer Don Hahn praised his curiosity, playfulness, and humanity.
Allers is survived by his children, Leah and Aidan, and his partner, Genaro. Though he is gone, his stories, music, and characters continue to inspire wonder and joy worldwide.
