It is with a heavy heart that we report that Actor Samual E. Write, known by most Disney Fans as the Voice and Singing Vocals for Sebastian the Crab from 1989’s “The Little Mermaid“, has sadly passed away at age 74.

Samual E. Write was an actor who began his career in the 1970s as a stage actor on Broadway, working smaller roles on a number of productions like “Jesus Christ Superstar“, “Two Gentlemen of Verona“, “Pippin” and others. He then went on to appear on Television in a few smaller roles in different shows like “Ball Four” and “Enos“.



He later decided to try working as a Voice Actor and auditioned for “The Little Mermaid“, which at the time was seen as Disney’s big attempt to try and regain their former glory. He landed the role of Sebastian the Crab, a small crab with a Jamaican accent who is the Right Hand Man, or in their case his Right Hand Shellfish, to King Triton and somewhat mentor to Princess Ariel. He can seem to be mostly a coward-like individual but he does have his moments of bravery.

Write would not only voice the character in the 1989 film, but also in it’s Direct-to-Video Sequel “The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea” in 2000, a Second Direct-to-Video Sequel “The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning” in 2008, “The Little Mermaid (TV Series)” from 1992 – 1994 and a handful of video games. Sadly he didn’t voice Sebastian for the Little Mermaid Ride “Under The Sea” at Disney World as he had retired from acting in 2008. Write would also be known for playing Mufasa in the 1997 Broadway Production of “The Lion King“, which was his Final Role on Stage.



The Town of Montgomery took to Facebook to share the sad news of his passing

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.

Write is survived by his Wife and Three Children. He will be dearly missed.

Source: Inside The Magic