Samuel E. Wright was an American actor and singer best known for voicing Sebastian in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, as well as portraying Mufasa in the Broadway version of The Lion King. He also voiced Kron in the animated film Dinosaur. Wright’s performances left a lasting impact on both theater and animation.
Personal and Family Life
Samuel Ernest Wright was born on November 20, 1946, in Camden, South Carolina. He married Amanda Wright on June 14, 1974, and they had three children together: Keely, Dee, and Sam Wright. Wright was also known for running his own drama school, the Hudson Valley Conservatory, located in Walden, New York.
Death and Legacy
Wright passed away on May 24, 2021, in Montgomery, New York, after battling prostate cancer. He is remembered for his incredible contributions to theater and animated films, especially for his roles in classic Disney productions. His portrayal of Sebastian remains beloved by fans around the world.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Little Mermaid | 1989-11-17 | Sebastian (voice) |
| Dinosaur | 2000-05-19 | Kron (voice) |
| The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea | 2000-01-23 | Sebastian (voice) |
| Bird | 1988-06-01 | Dizzy Gillespie |
| The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning | 2008-08-25 | Sebastian (voice) |
| Sebastian’s Party Gras | 1991-10-10 | Sebastian |
| Sebastian’s Caribbean Jamboree | 1991-10-10 | Sebastian |
| Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser | 1988-10-25 | Narrator (voice) |
| The Little Mermaid Live! | 2019-11-05 | Sebastian (voice) |
| Brass | 1985-01-01 | Capt. Michael Shore |
| Law & Order | 1990-09-13 | Defense Attorney Dubois |
| Disney’s House of Mouse | 2001-01-13 | Sebastian (voice) |
| The Cosby Show | 1984-09-20 | |
| Simon & Simon | 1981-11-24 | |
| Enos | 1980-11-12 | Turk Adams |
| Alex Haley’s Queen | 1993-02-14 | Alfred |