Veteran Disney animator and filmmaker Roger Allers has passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most gifted artists in the history of the Disney Animation renaissance. According to his colleague Dave Bossert, who announced his death on social media, Allers was an "extraordinarily gifted artist and film-maker" whose contributions to Disney will be felt for generations to come.
Born in New York in 1949 but raised in Arizona, Allers' love affair with animation began at the tender age of five when he watched Disney's Peter Pan. His journey at Disney spanned over two decades, taking him from his early days as a storyboard artist on films like Oliver & Company and The Little Mermaid to his role as head of story on Beauty and the Beast.
It was during this time that Allers collaborated with Rob Minkoff on one of Disney's most iconic successes - The Lion King. Released in 1994, the film went on to become the highest-grossing film of that year and remains one of the best-selling films on home video, with over 55 million copies sold worldwide.
The Lion King's success was not limited to its box office performance; it also earned Allers and Minkoff a Golden Globe for best motion picture musical or comedy. The film's impact extended beyond the screen as well, inspiring a Tony-winning Broadway adaptation written by Irene Mecchi, which continues to be performed around the world.
In addition to his work on The Lion King, Allers collaborated with Sony Pictures Animation on Open Season and co-directed the film with Jill Culton. He also worked on Lilo & Stitch and was involved in the early stages of what would later become The Emperor's New Groove.
Disney CEO Bob Iger remembered Allers as a "creative visionary" whose contributions to the company will be felt for generations to come. His passing leaves behind a void that can never be filled, but his legacy will continue to inspire audiences around the world.
Born in New York in 1949 but raised in Arizona, Allers' love affair with animation began at the tender age of five when he watched Disney's Peter Pan. His journey at Disney spanned over two decades, taking him from his early days as a storyboard artist on films like Oliver & Company and The Little Mermaid to his role as head of story on Beauty and the Beast.
It was during this time that Allers collaborated with Rob Minkoff on one of Disney's most iconic successes - The Lion King. Released in 1994, the film went on to become the highest-grossing film of that year and remains one of the best-selling films on home video, with over 55 million copies sold worldwide.
The Lion King's success was not limited to its box office performance; it also earned Allers and Minkoff a Golden Globe for best motion picture musical or comedy. The film's impact extended beyond the screen as well, inspiring a Tony-winning Broadway adaptation written by Irene Mecchi, which continues to be performed around the world.
In addition to his work on The Lion King, Allers collaborated with Sony Pictures Animation on Open Season and co-directed the film with Jill Culton. He also worked on Lilo & Stitch and was involved in the early stages of what would later become The Emperor's New Groove.
Disney CEO Bob Iger remembered Allers as a "creative visionary" whose contributions to the company will be felt for generations to come. His passing leaves behind a void that can never be filled, but his legacy will continue to inspire audiences around the world.
just heard about Roger Allers passing away at 76... it's sad news 
he was such an iconic figure in Disney's history, especially with The Lion King 
which is still so loved today 
it's crazy to think about how many people grew up watching that movie and looking up to him as a genius behind the scenes 
he left behind an incredible legacy and I'm sure his work will continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike 
passin at 76 
loved his work on The Lion King 
always amazed by Disney magic 
still gets chills thinkin about that iconic soundtrack 
... anyway, what I'm saying is, his legacy will live on, but it's still weird to think he's really gone 
he was truly one of the greatest in the game and left an amazing legacy with the lion king 
what a cool guy to have worked alongside bob iger must've been some epic storytime sessions at disney HQ 
! He was literally da best animator EVER! I mean, who else could make The Lion King so iconic? 
His passing leaves behind a huge void but his legacy will live on and inspire new generations of animators and filmmakers. He was one of those rare creatives who left an indelible mark on the industry... 
? The Lion King is still one of my fave films of all time, and it's crazy that Roger was a part of its team. He must've been an amazing storyteller and collaborator - I'm so grateful we got to see his work on screen 
golden globe winner too? what an incredible legacy he left behind 
He was an iconic part of Disney's golden era, and I'm still in awe of how he helped bring The Lion King to life 
it was like nothing anyone had ever seen before... that animation is still iconic today 
and btw, why do they have to post the forum rules AGAIN every time someone makes a new thread 
his work on The Lion King still gives me goosebumps after all these years 
loved seeing him work alongside Rob Minkoff too, what a dream team 
it's sad he's gone but his legacy is gonna live on forever 
but what's crazy is how many talented ppl worked on that film and now we're losin' another legend 
. and the fact that he collaborated with so many talented artists and directors over the years is just amazing. his legacy will definitely be felt for generations to come 
i remember watching the lion king as a kid and thinking that music was the best part (and it totally is 
) but i had no idea there were so many behind-the-scenes geniuses making it all happen behind the scenes. anyway, his legacy lives on through all those amazing films he worked on and it's so cool to think about what other stuff he might've created if he was still with us 
Roger was a total genius when it comes to bringing characters to life 
And can we talk about that iconic music? "Hakuna Matata" is forever etched in my mind