Roger Allers, who co-directed The Lion King with Rob Minkoff, passed away on January 17 at the age of 76. The Oscar-winning filmmaker also had a hand in some of the biggest films of the Disney Renaissance, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin. He is survived by his husband Genaro Pereira, and children Leah and Aidan, and will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Santa Monica.
Read below for some tributes from those who knew him best.
THE ALLERS FAMILY
“Anyone who knew Roger, loved Roger. His spirit shone like a thousand suns, and anywhere his light touched, the world was a better place. Every life he touched was blessed by his never-ending joy, his spirit, and his energy. We are absolutely devastated, heartbroken, and in shock. There will never be another Roger Allers.”
SIR TIM RICE
THE LION KING COLLABORATOR
“I met Roger Allers when working on the original Lion King animated movie which he co-directed with skill, warmth and humour, this latter quality being one of the main reasons we remained good friends for over 30 years. I shall never forget his wonderful laugh, laid back wit and superb artwork adorning so many of his letters and cards. Gone too soon but never to be forgotten.”
THOMAS SCHUMACHER
ORIGINAL PRODUCER OF THE LION KING ON BROADWAY AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF THE 1994 FILM
“The shocking news about Roger Allers has broken so many hearts. It's impossible to properly recap his gifts to the global community who have seen, mostly unknowingly, his remarkable work. His contribution to The Lion King on screen and on stage is immeasurable. Along with his extraordinary story and visual sense was a deep-rooted commitment to bringing the voice of South Africa to the film - which was then substantially expanded in the stage version.”
DON HAHN
PRODUCER OF THE LION KING
“Every once in a while, life puts someone in our path who helps us see more clearly. Roger was that person for me, and for so many of us who worked with him. He was the rarest of people: endlessly curious, playful, and deeply human, always eager to tell stories that reminded us of the wonder in life. He lives on in his work, and in the hearts of all of us who were lucky enough to know him.”
IRENE MECCHI
CO-WRITER OF THE LION KING FILM AND BOOK CO-WRITER WITH ROGER ON THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
“Roger was a joy to collaborate with… so much fun when we visited far-flung cities where a new production was launching. Roger was one of the very few who always lived in the moment. He was a true artist, a wit and a poet, a rare combination we were all so fortunate to experience. His passing is such a profound loss to all of us.”
LEBO M
GRAMMY AWARD® WINNING COMPOSER/SONGWRITER, AND “VOICE AND SPIRIT” OF THE LION KING
“Every time I was with Rog, I felt a bit more alive… Roger’s always been the most authentic. He is a global icon.”
BOB IGER
CEO, THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
“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.”
