Samuel E. Wright, the voice actor who gave life to Sebastian the Crab in the beloved Disney Princess film “The Little Mermaid,” has passed away. He was 74 years old.
The news was confirmed by his daughter to The Hollywood Reporter. “He was the brightest light,” she said.
It was also announced through a Facebook post published by the town of Montgomery, New York, where Wright founded the Hudson Valley Conservatory, a performance and event venue, with his family.
“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,” the post read.
“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.”
Wright died peacefully in his home on Monday night, May 24, after a three-year battle with prostate cancer.
Other than playing the iconic crustacean character and singing the film’s Oscar-winning song “Under the Sea” and Oscar-nominated “Kiss The Girl,” Wright was also known in the Broadway scene, acting in multiple productions such as “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Pippin,” and “The Lion King.”
He also guest-starred on television series such as “The Cosby Show,” and did voice-acting work on the 2000 movie “Dinosaur.”
He is survived by his wife, Amanda, and their children, Keely, Dee, and Sam.
(ALSO READ: ‘The Little Mermaid’, ‘The Lion King’ animator dies from coronavirus at 91)
May he rest in peace.
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