Roger Allers was an American animation director, screenwriter, and story artist from Rye, New York. He rose to prominence during the Disney Renaissance era and became one of the most influential figures in modern animated filmmaking. He is best known as the co-director of The Lion King (1994), one of the highest-grossing and most widely studied animated films in cinema history. By 2026, his career and personal life were extensively documented through public records, interviews, and film credits.
Quick Bio
- Full Name: Roger Charles Allers
- Date of Birth: June 29, 1949
- Date of Death: January 17, 2026
- Age at Death: 76 years
- Birthplace: Rye, New York, USA
- Raised In: Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Not publicly documented
- Profession: Animation Director, Screenwriter, Story Artist
- Years Active: 1978 – 2026
Early Life, Parents & Education
Roger Charles Allers was born in Rye, New York, and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona. Details regarding his parents’ names and occupations have not been publicly disclosed in major biographical records.
There is no publicly documented information confirming whether he had siblings. From an early age, he demonstrated an interest in illustration, fine art, and storytelling.
Education
Allers earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Arizona State University. His interest in animation was later revitalized after attending a course at Harvard University, which influenced his decision to pursue animated filmmaking professionally.
Animation Career
Roger Allers began his animation career in the late 1970s. His early professional credits include work on animated and visual-effects projects such as Animalympics (1980), Tron (1982), Rock & Rule (1983), and Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland.
In 1985, he joined Walt Disney Animation Studios as a storyboard artist. During the Disney Renaissance, he served as head of story or story contributor on several major films.
His Disney-era credits include Oliver & Company (1988), The Little Mermaid (1989), Beauty and the Beast (1991), Aladdin (1992), and later story development on Lilo & Stitch (2002).
In 1994, Allers co-directed The Lion King with Rob Minkoff. The film became a global commercial success and remains one of Disney’s most influential animated productions.
Film & Television
Roger Allers worked primarily in animated feature films and short-form animation.
His directing credits include The Lion King (1994), Open Season (2006), the Academy Award–nominated short The Little Matchgirl (2006), Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet (2014), and Khumba (2013), produced by Triggerfish Animation Studios.
Relationships & Personal Life
Roger Allers married Leslee Hackenson in 1977. The couple had two children, Leah Allers and Aidan Allers. Public records indicate that divorce proceedings were filed in 2020.
He resided in California later in life and continued to mentor animation professionals until his death.
Physical Measurements
- Height: Not publicly documented
- Weight: Not publicly documented
- Body Type: Not publicly documented
- Hair Color: Gray
- Eye Color: Not publicly documented
Roger Allers did not publicly discuss physical measurements, fitness routines, or health programs.
Social Media
- Instagram: No official public account
- X (Twitter): No official public account
- YouTube: No official channel
Net Worth
At the time of his death in 2026, Roger Allers’ estimated net worth was between $5 million and $10 million, earned through film royalties, directing fees, consulting work, and long-term animation projects.
Trivia
- He co-directed The Lion King with Rob Minkoff.
- He was nominated for an Academy Award for The Little Matchgirl.
- He contributed to the Broadway adaptation of The Lion King.
- He worked on both Disney and international animation projects.
FAQs
How old was Roger Allers?
He was 76 years old at the time of his death in January 2026.
How tall was Roger Allers?
His height was not publicly documented in reliable sources.
What ethnicity was Roger Allers?
His ethnicity has not been publicly documented.
Who were Roger Allers’ parents?
The names of his parents have not been publicly disclosed.
Did Roger Allers have siblings?
There is no publicly available information confirming siblings.
Was Roger Allers married?
Yes, he married Leslee Hackenson in 1977 and had two children.
What is Roger Allers best known for?
He is best known for co-directing Disney’s The Lion King (1994).
