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Ernie Sabella

Acting

Born September 19, 1949 · Westchester, New York, USA

Also known as Ernest Sabella

Biography

Ernest Sabella (born September 19, 1949) is an American actor, who is best known for his role as the voice of Pumbaa from The Lion King franchise voicing the character in all media except the 2019 and 2024 films. He is also recognized for his work in Broadway theatre, including starring roles in Guys and Dolls and Man of La Mancha.

Filmography40 titles

The Lion King

1994as Pumbaa (voice)

Seinfeld

1989as Naked Man

Quantum Leap

1989as Manny / Sancho Panza

Sledge Hammer!

1986as Al Fresco

Saved by the Bell

1989as Leon Carosi

The Practice

1997as Atty. Harland Bassett

Married... with Children

1987as Mr. Pond

The Lion Guard

2015as Pumbaa (voice)

The Good Wife

2009as Murray

Cheers

1982as Stan

Hill Street Blues

1981as Paulie

That's So Raven

2003as Mr. Petracelli

Quiz Show

1994as Car Salesman

Punky Brewster

1984

Waking Sleeping Beauty

2009as Self (archive footage)

Timon and Pumbaa

1995as Pumbaa (voice)

The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl

2025as Self

Listen to Your Heart

2010as Tony

Hunter

1984as Earnie

The Facts of Life

1979

Diff'rent Strokes

1978

Alice

1976

Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse

2001as Pumbaa (voice)

A Different World

1987as Campus Policeman

Cagney & Lacey

1982

The Lion King II: Simba's Pride

1998as Pumbaa (voice)

Knots Landing

1979as Frank Edmunds

Saturday Night Live

1975as Self (uncredited)

Mad About You

1992as Maurice

Coach

1989as Ernie

Perfect Strangers

1986as Donald Twinkacetti

The Lion King 1½

2004as Pumbaa (voice)

In & Out

1997as Aldo Hooper

Mousehunt

1997as Maury

Hardcastle and McCormick

1983as Clyde Whitley

Murphy Brown

1988as Julian

Tough Guys

1986as Hotel Clerk

Roommates

1995as Stash

St. Elsewhere

1982as Patient

Bakery in Brooklyn

2016as Dave