Ernie Sabella

Biography

Ernest “Ernie” Sabella, born September 19, 1949, in Westchester County, New York, is an American actor and voice artist. He studied theatre at the University of Miami and began his career on stage and in television in the mid-1970s. Sabella is best known for voicing the character Pumbaa in Disney’s The Lion King franchise, a role he has performed in most films, TV series, and video games associated with the franchise. Outside of voice work, he has had recurring and guest roles in popular television series, including Perfect Strangers, Saved by the Bell, That’s So Raven, and The Practice. On Broadway, he has starred in several major productions—among them Guys and Dolls, Chicago, Sweet Charity, Man of La Mancha, and Curtains. His work spans theatre, voice acting, and live-action roles. Sabella has also appeared in commercial campaigns and continues to perform actively. His warm and lively portrayal of Pumbaa has made him a beloved presence to multiple generations of audiences.