Filmmaker Roger Allers, best known for co-directing Disney's iconic 'The Lion King,' has passed away at 76. His death was confirmed by longtime collaborator Dave Bossert, who shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook. Allers leaves behind a legacy of beloved animated classics.
Oh, the circle of life just got a whole lot sadder. 😢 Roger Allers, the animation wizard who co-helmed 1994's 'The Lion King' alongside Rob Minkoff, has died at 76. Film producer Dave Bossert dropped the bombshell on Facebook, writing, "I am deeply saddened by the news that our friend Roger Allers has passed on to his next journey. We were just trading emails this past week while he was traveling in Egypt, which makes this loss feel all the more unreal."
Bossert, who teamed up with Allers on projects through the '80s and '90s, couldn't say enough about the man's character. "One of the kindest people you could hope to know and work alongside," he gushed. Even after 'The Lion King' roared to box-office glory, Allers stayed grounded. "The success never went to his head," Bossert noted. "Roger treated everyone with genuine kindness and respect, regardless of title or position."
Before Simba stole our hearts, Allers was already a Disney staple. He animated and wrote for gems like 'Beauty and the Beast,' 'Oliver & Company,' 'The Little Mermaid,' and 'Aladdin.' Don't sleep on his early TV creds either—'Sesame Street' and 'The Electric Company' owe him some puppets' thanks.
On the personal front, Allers tied the knot with Leslee Hackenson in 1977. They reportedly filed for divorce in 2020 and shared two kids: daughter Leah and son Aidan.
In a world of diva directors, Allers was the king of chill. Will Hollywood ever see another one quite like him? 👑
