Overview
- A Walt Disney Animation Studios spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter that Allers died at his Santa Monica home following a short illness.
- Longtime collaborator Dave Bossert first shared the news in a Facebook post, noting they had exchanged emails days earlier while Allers was traveling in Egypt.
- Disney CEO Bob Iger and colleagues including producer Don Hahn issued statements praising Allers’ artistry and leadership during the studio’s renaissance.
- Allers co-directed 1994’s The Lion King, co-wrote its Tony-winning Broadway adaptation, and later earned an Oscar nomination for The Little Matchgirl.
- He is survived by his children, Leah and Aidan, and ex-wife Leslee Hackenson, and Leah is developing a documentary about his life.