Samuel E. Wright

Samuel E. Wright
Background information
Born	Samuel Edward Wright November 20, 1946 Camden, South Carolina, United States
Died	May 24, 2021 (age 74) Walden, New York, United States
Cause of death	Prostate cancer
Nationality	American
Alternate names	Sam Wright
Occupation	Actor, singer
Years active	1974-2008
Spouse	Amanda Wright
Children	Keely, Dee, and Sam

Samuel Edward Wright was an American actor and singer, who voiced Sebastian in the 1989 Disney animated feature film, The Little Mermaid and has reprised the role in various Disney projects; until his retirement in 2008. He also voiced Kron in the 2000 Disney animated film, Dinosaur. He even performed "Animal Calypso" in the Mickey's Fun Songs video, Let's Go to the Circus!.

Wright was nominated for two Tony Awards for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, including his role as Mufasa in The Lion King.

He reprised his role again as Sebastian in The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning, which was his last role before his retirement and death.

Wright died in his sleep at his home in Walden, NY on May 24, 2021 due to prostate cancer.

Disney Roles

Sebastian
(The Little Mermaid franchise: 1989–2008)

Kron
(Dinosaur)

Mufasa
(The Lion King musical)

Gallery

Samuel E. Wright behind the scenes of The Little Mermaid.

Samuel E. Wright with (left to right) Pat Carroll, Tara Strong, Buddy Hackett, and Jodi Benson at premiere of The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea in September 2000.

Sam Wright with his wife, Amanda at premiere of The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning in August 2008.

Trivia

• He was considered for the role of Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.  However, Liam Neeson was cast at the end.