This is so sad. Samuel E. Wright, the voice behind the beloved character of Sebastian the Crab from The Little Mermaid, has passed away.
Wright was a two-time Tony-nominated actor, who made his acting debut on Broadway in 1971 in Jesus Christ Superstar. He has also starred in Pippen from 1972-1977 and The Lion King as Mufasa in 1997.
According to reports, Wright was battling prostate cancer for three years and he died peacefully in his Walden, New York home. The news of Wright’s death was announced on his Facebook page.
“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.
We will keep his family and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.