Samuel E. Wright

Samuel Ernest Wright (November 20, 1948 – May 24, 2021) was an American actor and singer best known as the voice of Sebastian in Disney's The Little Mermaid. He provided the lead vocals to the Academy Award-winning song 'Under the Sea.' Wright also portrayed Dizzy Gillespie in the biographical film Bird and played Mufasa in the original cast of The Lion King on Broadway. Additionally, he voiced Kron the Iguanodon in the film Dinosaur. Born in Camden, South Carolina, Wright attended Camden High School before moving to New York City to pursue his acting career. On Broadway, he originated the role of 'Sam' in Over Here! and replaced Ben Vereen in Pippin. He also appeared as Officer Turk Adams in the TV series Enos.