Roger Allers, famous for his astounding work with Disney, including co-directing the original 1994 “The Lion King” with Rob Minkoff and developing illustrations for “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid,” among many other notable works, has died at the age of 76.
Film producer Dave Bossert confirmed the death on Jan. 18 by writing a lengthy Facebook post, where he shared how he will remember the animation filmmaker for his kind heart and colorful sports jackets.
Roger Allers Remembered as an ‘Extraordinarily Gifted Artist’
Getty“I am deeply saddened by the news that our friend Roger Allers has passed on to his next journey. We were just trading emails this past week while he was traveling in Egypt, which makes this loss feel all the more unreal,” Bossert wrote.
“Roger was an extraordinarily gifted artist and filmmaker, a true pillar of the Disney Animation renaissance. He began at Disney doing pre-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,” he added.
Bossert said that “without question,” Allers was “one of the kindest people you could hope to know and work alongside,” adding that the late Disney trailblazer had a “joyful, luminous spirit.”
Friends and fans of Allers poured their hearts into comments under Bossert’s post, where they remembered the Disney filmmaker for being one of a kind.
Disney CEO Bob Iger Honors Roger Allers
Getty“So sad to hear this. A tremendous talent who has given the world so much joy,” wrote one.
“I am so sorry to hear about this loss Dave, the art he has left behind, I hope he realized just how impactful it was for so many,” said another.
“This is so heartbreaking and unexpected! He was such a wonderful soul,” added a third.
Disney CEO Bob Iger also honored Allers in a heartfelt statement, as reported by Fantasy Land News. “Roger Allers was a creative visionary whose many contributions to Disney will live on for generations to come,” Iger wrote. “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.”
While perhaps his most remarkable work was with “The Lion King,” Allers also worked on developing stories for “Aladdin,” “Lilo & Stitch,” “The Prince & the Pauper,” “The Little Matchgirl,” “Return to Never Land,” “The Emperor’s New Groove,” “The Prophet” and more.
