Roger Allers, the co-director of Disney’s classic animated film The Lion King, has passed away at the age of 76. The news was confirmed by a spokesperson for Walt Disney Animation Studios.

According to reports, Allers died suddenly on January 17 at his home in California, USA, following a brief but serious illness.

The news quickly spread across social media and the film industry, prompting an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, audiences, and Disney executives. Disney CEO Bob Iger wrote in a statement:
“I am deeply saddened to learn of Roger Allers’ passing. He was a visionary creator whose countless contributions helped shape an era of animation and continue to inspire audiences around the world. We are profoundly grateful for everything he gave to Disney. His legacy will live on for generations.”

Longtime colleague and producer-animator David Bossert also shared his grief, saying:
“I am heartbroken by the loss of our friend Roger Allers. We exchanged emails just last week while he was traveling in Egypt. Roger was an extraordinarily talented artist and filmmaker, and a true pillar of the Disney Animation Renaissance.”

Born in 1949 in New York, Roger Allers began his animation career working on Animalympics in 1978 before joining Walt Disney Animation Studios in 1985. At Disney, he contributed storyboard work to major titles including Oliver & Company, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Rescuers Down Under, and The Prince and the Pauper.

The pinnacle of his career came when he co-directed The Lion King (1994) with Rob Minkoff. The film became the highest-grossing hand-drawn animated movie of all time, earned the duo a Golden Globe, and won two Academy Awards—for Best Original Score and Best Original Song (“Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” performed by Sir Elton John).

Allers also co-wrote the Broadway musical adaptation of The Lion King (1997), which received a Tony Award nomination. His other credits include contributions to Aladdin and The Emperor’s New Groove. After leaving Disney in 2001, he directed the Oscar-nominated short The Little Matchgirl and Sony’s animated feature Open Season.

Roger Allers leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of the defining creative forces in modern animation.