Roger Allers, the celebrated animator and filmmaker best known for co-directing Disney’s 1994 blockbuster The Lion King, has died on January 17, 2026, at the age of 76. Allers was an influential figure in animation with a career that spanned four decades where he worked a number of jobs including animation, character design, and storyboarding.
He helped make our childhood
Roger Allers was born on June 29, 1949, in Rye, New York, and grew up with a lifelong passion for animation that eventually led him to Walt Disney Animation Studios. Over his long career, he worked on some of the most beloved animated films in history.
His first animation job was at Lisberger Studios where he worked on Sesame Street, The Electric Company, and more. From there he worked on the “Animalympics”, “Tron”, the infamous Rock & Rule and later “Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland” (my kids loved that one.)
Eventually he made his way to Walt Disney Studios to work on” Oliver & Company”, “The Little Mermaid”, “The Rescuer’s Down Under “Beauty and the Beast”, “Aladdin” and then he was co-director on “The Lion King.” Later he worked on “The Emperor’s New Groove” (the earlier version “Kindom of the Sun“)and “Lilo and Stitch”.
Allers also worked on other films outside Disney like “Open Season”, “The Little Matchgirl”, “Ron’s Gone Wrong,” and “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.”
The animation community is truly saddened by his passing as are fans of his work,
Disney CEO Bob Iger posted a statement saying,
“Roger Allers was a creative visionary whose many contributions to Disney will live on for generations to come. 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.”
It is a sad day indeed.
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