Roger Allers, the visionary American film director, animator, and screenwriter whose storytelling prowess captivated generations, passed away on January 17, 2026, at his home in Santa Monica, California, after a short illness. He was 76. Renowned for co-directing the animated masterpiece "The Lion King" and contributing to the beloved "Aladdin," Allers left an indelible mark on the world of animation. His unique ability to blend profound emotional depth with vibrant visual narratives defined a significant era of cinematic storytelling. He will be remembered for his contributions to some of the most cherished films in animation history.

Born in Rye, New York, on June 29, 1949, Allers grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. As a child, he was enchanted by Disney movies like "Peter Pan" and dreamed of working for the animation giant one day. He studied fine arts at Arizona State University, and later, an animation class at Harvard reignited his interest in the medium. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for his future as one of animation's most influential storytellers.

Before joining Disney, Allers worked with Lisberger Studios, contributing to television shows and films including "Sesame Street," "The Electric Company," and the groundbreaking "Tron." By the mid-1980s, he had found his way to his childhood dream, hired by Disney as a storyboard artist for "Oliver & Company." He quickly rose through the ranks, contributing his talents as a story artist to films like "The Little Mermaid," demonstrating a keen eye for character development and narrative structure.

Allers's creative genius truly shone during the Disney Renaissance. He served as Head of Story for the critically acclaimed "Beauty and the Beast" before co-writing the screenplay for the magical "Aladdin." His crowning achievement came in 1994 as co-director of "The Lion King" with Rob Minkoff, a film that garnered immense critical and commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing traditionally animated film of all time. His direction brought to life the epic tale of Simba with breathtaking animation and unforgettable musical numbers. He later wrote the book for the Tony Award-winning Broadway adaptation, further cementing the story's place in cultural history.

Following his groundbreaking work at Disney, Allers continued to explore diverse animated projects. He directed the 2006 Oscar-nominated short "The Little Matchgirl," a poignant adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen tale. That same year, he co-directed the computer-animated feature "Open Season" for Sony Pictures Animation, showcasing his versatility across different animation styles. Later, he directed the beautifully artistic "Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet" in 2014, an anthology film that further demonstrated his commitment to meaningful and visually rich storytelling.

Roger Allers is survived by his children, Leah and Aidan, and his partner, Genaro. His legacy is one of imaginative vision, emotional resonance, and a profound dedication to the art of animation, inspiring countless artists and enchanting audiences worldwide.