Roger Allers, Disney Animator and ‘The Lion King’ Co-Director, Dies at Age 76

Allers, remembered as an important contributor to the Disney universe, died suddenly at his California home following a short illness.

Director/writer Roger Allers attends day two of the Variety Studio presented by Moroccanoil at Holt Renfrew during the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto on Sept. 6, 2014. Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Variety

Disney Animation filmmaker and storyboard artist Roger Allers, best known for co-directing 1994’s “The Lion King,” has died at 76 years old.

Producer and fellow animator, David Bossert, who frequently collaborated with Allers, confirmed news of his passing in a statement on Jan. 18.