Photo: 不明 / CC BY-SA 4.0 (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Ernie Sabella was born in Westchester County, New York, United States on September 19, 1949. Ernie Sabella is listed as a voice actor, stage actor and television actor. That works out to 76 years old in 2026. Schooling on record includes Westlake High School and University of Miami. Notable works include The Lion King, The Lion King II: Simba's Pride and The Lion King 1½.
My Take
You may not know the name Ernie Sabella, but everyone knows Pumbaa, and that gap delights me. A University of Miami-trained actor at home on stage, screen and television, Sabella poured genuine comfort into that warthog's voice. There is real generosity in committing to a children's character across an entire franchise, the kind of unglamorous craft that earns lifelong affection rather than awards. I love that a serious working actor gave kids one of their most beloved companions, singing Hakuna Matata with such ease. To me he is a quiet hero of voice work, making the world smile from behind the scenes.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Ernie Sabella
- Name (Japanese)
- アーニー・サベラ
- Reading
- あーにー・さべら
- Born
- September 19, 1949 (age 76)
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Virgo / Ox
- Origin
- Westchester County, New York, United States
- Occupation
- voice actor / stage actor / television actor / film actor / singer
2. Background
- High school
- Westlake High School
- University
- University of Miami
3. Works & records
| Category | Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notable work | The Lion King | — | |
| Notable work | The Lion King II: Simba's Pride | — | |
| Notable work | The Lion King 1½ | — | |
| Notable work | Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse | — |
4. Links
- Wikipedia (English)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernie%20Sabella
- Wikidatahttps://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q451833
5. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-20
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Ernie Sabella born?
Born September 19, 1949 (age 76).
Where is Ernie Sabella from?
Ernie Sabella is from Westchester County, New York, United States.
What does Ernie Sabella do?
Ernie Sabella works as voice actor, stage actor, television actor, film actor, singer.
What is Ernie Sabella known for?
Notable works include The Lion King, The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, The Lion King 1½.
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