Samuel E. Wright

Samuel E. Wright was an American actor and singer best known to millions as the voice of Sebastian, the excitable Jamaican crab in Disney's animated film «The Little Mermaid» (1989). His performance of «Under the Sea», which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, became one of the most beloved musical numbers in Disney history, and he reprised the role in the film's sequels, television series and stage adaptations.

Beyond animation, Wright had a long career in film and especially theater, appearing on Broadway in productions including «The Tap Dance Kid», for which he received a Tony Award nomination. His warm, rich baritone and comic timing made him a natural fit for character-driven musical roles, and songs like «Kiss the Girl» and «The Morning Report» further showcased his ability to blend humor with genuine emotional warmth.

Wright's work on «The Little Mermaid» soundtrack, alongside composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman, helped define the sound of the Disney Renaissance era and introduced calypso-inflected pop into mainstream animated musicals. Decades after the film's release, his portrayal of Sebastian remains a touchstone of American animated film music.