Samuel E. Wright: ‘The Little Mermaid’ Actor Who Voiced Sebastian Passes Away At 74

Samuel E. Wright, the actor who had a major role in “The Little Mermaid,” died at the age of 74, according to his daughter Dee.

According to The Hollywood Reporter Wright, a two-time Tony nominee who portrayed a crab dubbed Sebastian in Disney’s 1989 cartoon hit, passed Monday at his Walden, New York, home following a three-year struggle with prostate cancer.

Wright’s vocals grace one of Disney’s most beloved musical performances, “Under the Sea,” which received an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy.

Today, the Town of Montgomery mourns the loss of Sam Wright. Pictured here with Town Supervisor Brian Maher and his brother Patrick in Walden in the early 1990’s. Sam was an inspiration to us all and along with his family established the Hudson Valley Conservatory. 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. 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. As we say goodbye to a pillar in our community and ask everyone to share a memory and help us celebrate the life of this great man.

– Town of Montgomery

Samuel E. Wright On His Role As Sebastian In “The Little Mermaid” | MadameNoire