tech
January 19, 2026
Roger Allers, Disney film-maker and co-director of The Lion King, dies aged 76
With Rob Minkoff, Allers directed 1994’s The Lion King, which remains the highest-grossing traditionally animated film of all time
TL;DR
- Roger Allers, co-director of The Lion King, has died at 76.
- He worked on Disney films including Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid.
- Dave Bossert remembered Allers as a gifted artist and kind colleague.
- Disney CEO Bob Iger acknowledged Allers as a creative visionary whose contributions will last for generations.
- Allers started at Disney on Tron and worked as a storyboard artist on several films before becoming head of story for Beauty and the Beast.
- The Lion King, co-directed by Allers, was the highest-grossing film of 1994 and remains the highest-grossing hand-drawn animated film.
- Allers also wrote the Tony-winning Broadway adaptation of The Lion King.
- He also worked on Lilo & Stitch and co-directed Sony Pictures Animation's first feature film, Open Season.
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