Samuel E. Wright, who voiced the famous character of Sebastian the crab in Disney’s The Little Mermaid movie as well as the Oscar-winning song, “Under the Sea,” died on May 24 at his home in Walden, New York. Wright died from prostate cancer at age 74.
The town of Montgomery, New York’s Facebook page posted a tribute to the voice actor, writing, “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.”
According to Deadline, Wright was more than just the voice of the Jamaican crab who served as King Triton’s advisor and sang one of the most beloved songs in Disney’s extensive discography.
Wright is accredited to an extensive roster of Broadway credits, starting with his multiple roles (apostle, leper, reporter) in the original 1971 production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
In 1974, he replaced Ben Vereen as the Leading Player in the hit musical Pippin.
By the early 1990s, Wright had appeared on Broadway in Over Here!, The Tap Dance Kid (which scored him his first of two Tony Award nominations) Welcome to the Club and, in 1991, the hit Lincoln Center Theater production of Mule Bone by Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston with music by Taj Mahal.
In 1997, Wright originated the role of Mufasa in the Broadway production of The Lion King, earning him the second Tony nomination.
Wright delivered the quirky and catchy “Under the Sea” song with a reggae tune that would give voice to one of the most famous and loved songs written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.
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The role of Sebastian would stay with Wright for decades, as the actor voiced the jovial crustacean in sequels and spin-offs, including the 1992-94 TV series, video shorts such as Sebastian’s Caribbean Jamboree, Disney’s The Little Mermaid 2, House of Mouse, and his last and final credit, The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning in 2008.
