Photo: 不明 / CC BY-SA 4.0 (source: Wikimedia Commons)
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
- Blood type
- Private
- Height
- Private
- Agency
- Private
- Occupation
- voice actor / stage actor / television actor / film actor / singer
2. Background
- Elementary school
- Private
- Junior high
- Private
- High school
- Westlake High School
- University
- University of Miami
3. Relationships
- Spouse
- Private
- Children
- Private
- Parents
- Private
- Siblings
- Private
4. Personality
Motto
Private
5. 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 | — |
6. Links
- Wikipedia (Japanese)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernie%20Sabella
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.
Voice actor — see all → · Stage actor — see all → · More people from United States →
7. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-20
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public items are marked "Private / Unknown". English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.