Roger Allers, the filmmaker who co-directed the Disney classic The Lion King, has reportedly died at age 76.
The loss was announced by producer Dave Bossert, who revealed on Sunday that Allers ‘passed onto his next journey’ in a touching tribute.
A cause of death was not revealed.
Bossert described Allers – whose credits include beloved films Aladdin, The Little Mermaid and Watership Down – as a ‘true pillar of the Disney Animation renaissance.’
The tribute did not state when exactly Allers died, however Bossert said he had been in contact with the filmmaker ‘this past week.’
Roger Allers, the filmmaker who co-directed the Disney classic The Lion King, has reportedly died at age 76
Allers was described as a ‘true pillar of the Disney Animation renaissance’
‘I am deeply saddened by the news that our friend Roger Allers has passed on to his next journey,’ Bossert wrote.
‘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.’
