Roger Allers, a Disney screenwriter and co-director of the animated film The Lion King, has died at the age of 76. Allers co-directed The Lion King with Rob Minkoff. The film, released in 1994, is considered one of the most successful and famous projects in Disney animation history. During its initial release, it grossed $771 million worldwide. The 2019 remake grossed about $1.6 billion and became one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
In addition to The Lion King, Allers directed the animated adventure film Open Season (2006) and the short film The Little Matchgirl, which received an Academy Award nomination. He also worked as a writer and story developer on several other Disney projects, including Aladdin, Treasure Planet, and Brother Bear.
Allers was also honored by Disney CEO Bob Iger.