Samuel E. Wright, known to millions as the voice of Sebastian the crab in The Little Mermaid, has died at the age of 74.
A Montgomery, New York, resident, Wright was first reported to have died by the Town of Montgomery Facebook page, which called the actor “an inspiration to us all.”
“Sam and his family have impacted countless Hudson Valley youth always inspiring them to reach higher and dig deeper to become the best version of themselves,” the post said. “On top of his passion for the arts and his love for his family, Sam was most known for walking into a room and simply providing PURE JOY to those he interacted with. He loved to entertain, he loved to make people smile and laugh and he loved to love. The greater Town of Montgomery Community mourns together today.”
The cause of death was not disclosed.
JIM KLOBUCHAR, COLUMNIST AND FATHER OF AMY KLOBUCHAR, DIES AT 93
Wright was born on Nov. 20, 1946, in Camden, South Carolina. In a career spanning decades, he was nominated for two Tony awards, once in 1984 for his performance in The Tap Dance Kid and again in 1998, when he took on the role of Mufasa in the Broadway version of The Lion King.
The actor attracted a new level of fame for voicing Sebastian the crab in Disney‘s The Little Mermaid, a film released in 1989, captivating audiences with his performances of “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl.”
“I flipped out because I always wanted to work for Disney. Ever since I was a little kid, I wanted to work for Disney. … It was like a dream come true,” Wright said of the role, adding, “Sebastian is a part of me.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
He is survived by his wife, Amanda Wright, and their three children.
Representatives for Disney did not immediately respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment.
