Samuel E. Wright, who played Sebastian in The Little Mermaid, has passed away.
The 74-year-old had a list of acting credits, but his biggest claim to fame was lending his dulcet tones to the hilarious and funky crab in the 1989 Disney film.
Wright was clearly rehired for The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea in 2000.
He’s also starred in shows like Simon & Simon, The Cosby Show, and All My Children, as well as on stage in Jesus Christ Superstar and Pippin.
In the Broadway musical The Lion King, he also played Mufasa.
Wright’s death was verified by a Facebook post from his hometown.
It said: “Today, the Town of Montgomery mourns the loss of Sam Wright.
“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.”
People who lived in the town and had encounters with Sam over the course of their lives filled the post with feedback.
Samuel E. Wright, rest in peace.
