‘The Lion King’ Co-Director Roger Allers Dies at 76
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A beloved figure in animation, Roger Allers, best known for co-directing Disney’s animated classic The Lion King, has died at the age of 76.
Allers’ passing was confirmed by film producer Dave Bossert via a Facebook post on January 18, 2026. Bossert expressed deep sadness, noting he had been exchanging emails with Allers just last week while the director was traveling in Egypt. “This loss feels all the more unreal,” Bossert wrote.
A Legacy Forged in Animation
Allers’ career spanned decades, beginning as an animator and writer before his directorial breakthrough. He contributed to a string of iconic animated films, including Beauty and the Beast, Oliver & Company, sesame Street, The Electric Company, The Little Mermaid, and Aladdin. This extensive background provided a strong foundation for his later success.
He partnered with Rob Minkoff to co-direct the 1994 masterpiece, The Lion King. According to Bossert, even the phenomenal success of The Lion King did not alter allers’ character. “The success never went to his head,” Bossert stated.”Roger treated everyone with genuine kindness and respect, regardless of title or position.”
Remembered for Kindness and Humility
Those who worked with Allers consistently highlighted his exceptional character. Bossert described him as “one of the kindest people you could hope to know and work alongside.” this reputation for humility and respect clearly left a lasting impression on his colleagues.
Allers’ personal life included a marriage to Leslee Hackenson in 1977, with the couple reportedly filing for divorce in 2020. Thay shared two children: a daughter, Leah, and a son, Aidan.
The animation world mourns the loss of a true visionary, a talented storyteller, and, by all accounts, a genuinely kind soul.
