Roger Allers, co-director of Disney's The Lion King, has died aged 76.
Aller's death was confirmed on Facebook in a statement by Dave Bossert, who worked on the 2006 short film The Little Matchgirl with him.
"I am deeply saddened by the news that our friend Roger Allers has passed on to his next journey," the statement posted on Monday said.
"I worked very closely with him on The Little Matchgirl, and it was nothing short of a joy, he carried a sense of wonder, generosity, and enthusiasm that lifted everyone around him.
"Roger had a joyful, luminous spirit, and the world is dimmer without him. Rest in peace, my friend. Until we meet again on the other side."
Allers began his career with Disney on the storyboard production team for the film Tron in the 1980s.
He worked as a storyboard artist for several years for many beloved Disney animated films, including The Little Mermaid (1989), The Prince and the Pauper (1990) and Aladdin (1992).
Roaring success with The Lion King
In 1994, he went on to direct The Lion King with Robert Minkoff.
The Lion King became one of the most successful films of all time, winning two Academy Awards and the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture for a Musical/Comedy.
Following the film's success, Allers co-wrote a book with Irene Mecchi for the Broadway musical, which premiered in 1997 and is still being performed to this day.
The Lion King was the highest-grossing film of 1994 and held the title of highest-grossing animated film until it was replaced by Finding Nemo in 2003.
Mr Bossert said in his Facebook statement that despite the film's roaring success, "it never went to his head. Roger treated everyone with genuine kindness and respect, regardless of title or position."
Other directorial successes
As well as The Lion King, Allers also co-directed Sony Pictures Animation's first film, Open Season, with Jill Culton in 2006.
Open Season had several famous actors voicing characters for the film, including Martin Lawrence and Ashton Kutcher.
In the same year Open Season was made, Allers also directed The Little Matchgirl.
The short animated film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short but lost to The Danish Poet at the awards in 2007.
In 2014, Allers directed The Prophet, an animated film that also had many famous actors voicing the characters, including Salma Hayek and Liam Nesson.
Disney CEO pays tribute
In a post on Instagram, Disney chief executive officer Robert Iger paid tribute to Allers.
"Roger Allers was a creative visionary whose many contributions to Disney will live on for generations to come," the post said.
Mr Iger added that: "He understood the power of great storytelling, how unforgettable characters, emotions and music can come together to create something timeless.
"Our hearts are with his family, friends and collaborators."
Allers is survived by his daughter, Leah Allers.
