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Roger Allers: Director of The Lion King Dies at 76

Published January 19, 2026, 12:33
Roger Allers: Director of The Lion King Dies at 76

Roger Allers, the director of the classic Disney animated film "The Lion King," has died at the age of 76. The news was announced by his close friend and colleague Dave Bossert, who expressed his deep sadness over the loss. Allers began his career at Disney working on "Tron" and later served as a story artist on films such as "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast." Bossert described Allers as an exceptionally charismatic artist and director, a true pillar of the Disney animation renaissance. He emphasized Allers' kindness and respect for everyone, regardless of their position. Allers was known for his enthusiasm and optimism, which uplifted the spirits of his collaborators. The CEO of the Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger, also paid tribute to Allers, calling him a "creative visionary." He highlighted the power of storytelling and Allers' ability to combine characters, emotion, and music to create timeless works. Born in 1949, Allers decided to pursue a career in animation after seeing "Peter Pan" as a child. He studied fine arts and began working at Disney in 1981. Directing "The Lion King" established him as one of the most important animation directors.