Roger Allers’ The Lion King co-director Rob Minkoff has broken his silence in the wake of the filmmaker’s shock death at age 76.
Allers’ passing was announced by producer Dave Bossert in a Facebook post on Sunday.
Minkoff, 63, subsequently expressed his grief in an exclusive statement shared with Daily Mail.
‘It came as a terrible shock,’ the animator said about his friend’s sudden death. ‘Roger was a one-of-a-kind, eccentric creative spirit who touched many lives deeply, including my own.’
He went on to say, ‘His work will continue to delight and inspire generations to come.’Â
The animator shared that he had seen Allers recently, adding, ‘I had lunch with Roger a couple weeks ago and he was in fine health.’Â Â
Roger Allers’ The Lion King co-director Rob Minkoff (L) has broken his silence in the wake of the filmmaker’s shock death at age 76; The two pictured in 2011
Allers’ passing was announced by producer Dave Bossert on Sunday; pictured in 2015
Bossert described Allers — whose credits include beloved films Aladdin, The Little Mermaid and Watership Down — as a ‘true pillar of the Disney Animation renaissance.’Â
The statement did not disclose exactly when Allers died, however Bossert said he had been in contact with the filmmaker ‘this past week.’Â
‘I am deeply saddened by the news that our friend Roger Allers has passed on to his next journey,’ Bossert wrote.Â
A cause of death was not revealed.Â
Bossert shared online, ‘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.
‘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.
‘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. I’m pictured with Roger in 2016 at an Academy event. I always admired his colorful sports jackets.’
Minkoff, 63, expressed his grief in an exclusive statement shared with Daily Mail, describing Allers’ death as ‘a terrible shock’
In addition to The Lion King, Allers’ IMDb resume includes credits in Tron, The Prince and the Pauper, Ice Age, Kung Fu Panda, The Emperor’s New Groove, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
The late filmmaker pictured in Los Angeles in September 2023
An accomplished animated film director and writer, Allers’ impressive repertoire includes some of the most cherished Disney films.
His IMDb resume lists credits in Tron, The Prince and the Pauper, Ice Age, Kung Fu Panda, The Emperor’s New Groove, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
He also served as storyboard artist for the film about a foul-mouthed teddy bear, Ted.
His peers and fans mourned the loss online on Sunday.
Disney producer Don Hahn wrote: ‘Feeling shaken and sad to share that our dear friend and creative brother Roger Allers has passed — an extraordinary artist, a man who lived fully and generously, and someone I loved deeply; along with all of us who knew and worked with him. Please hold him and his family in your thoughts and let his spirit live on in you.’
Animator Dave Woodman wrote on Instagram: ‘We have all been moved by his tremendous artwork and spirit. Roger Allers was one of my very favorite people. Jarring last night to see he has been missing.’
Disney CEO Bob Iger praised him as an impactful ‘creative visionary’ in a statement honoring the late animator: ‘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.’
