Actor
Ernie Sabella
Born 19 September 1949 · Westchester, New York, USA
Ernie Sabella is an American actor and singer, born in 1949 in Westchester, New York. He is best known as the voice of Pumbaa, the warthog in Disney's The Lion King and its sequels, spin-offs and TV series. He also has a long career on Broadway and in supporting film roles.
Key films
The Lion King (1994)
His signature role as the voice of Pumbaa, opposite Nathan Lane's Timon, in a landmark Disney animated hit.
The Lion King II: Simba's Pride (1998)
Reprised Pumbaa in the direct-to-video sequel, continuing his association with the franchise.
The Lion King 1½ (2004)
Retells the original story from Timon and Pumbaa's perspective, giving his character a central role.
Quiz Show (1994)
Supporting role in Robert Redford's acclaimed drama about the 1950s television quiz show scandal.
MouseHunt (1997)
Live-action comedy supporting role showing his range beyond voice work.
Key awards
No major awards are documented here.
On Cinespective
Full filmography · 44
- 1980The Robber Bridegroom · as Big HarpActor
- 1980Little Johnny Jones · as Sing SongActor
- 1984City Heat · as Ballistics ExpertActor
- 1985Copacabana · as Sam GropperActor
- 1986Tough Guys · as Hotel ClerkActor
- 1988Fright Night Part 2 · as Dr. Scott HarrisonActor
- 1990Faith · as StanleyActor
- 1991Going Under · as The MoleActor
- 1992Just My Imagination · as Arnold MayerActor
- 1992Guys and Dolls: Off the Record · as Himself / Harry the HorseActor
- 1994The Lion King · as Pumbaa (voice)Actor
- 1994Quiz Show · as Car SalesmanActor
- 1995Roommates · as StashActor
- 1995Stand By Me · as Pumbaa (voice)Actor
- 1995Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable · as PumbaActor
- 1996Around the World With Timon & Pumbaa · as Pumbaa (Voice)Actor
- 1996Dining Out with Timon & Pumbaa · as Pumbaa (Voice)Actor
- 1996Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade · as SelfActor
- 1997MouseHunt · as MauryActor
- 1997In & Out · as Aldo HooperActor
- 1997On Holiday With Timon & Pumbaa · as Pumbaa (Voice)Actor
- 1997A Magical Walt Disney World Christmas · as SelfActor
- 1998The Lion King II: Simba's Pride · as Pumbaa (voice)Actor
- 1999The Out-of-Towners · as Getaway DriverActor
- 2001Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse · as Pumbaa (voice)Actor
- 2003Timon & Pumba's Virtual Safari · as Pumbaa (voice)Actor
- 2004The Lion King 1½ · as Pumbaa (voice)Actor
- 2004Broadway's Lost Treasures II · as Harry The Horse (segment "Guys & Dolls")Actor
- 2004Behind the Legend: Timon · as Pumbaa (voice)Actor
- 2004Timon & Pumbaa Virtual Safari 2.0 · as Pumbaa (voice)Actor
- 2004Timon & Pumbaa's Virtual Safari 1.5 · as Pumbaa (voice)Actor
- 2008Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart at Home! · as Pumbaa (voice)Actor
- 2008Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart Healthy & Fit! · as Pumbaa (voice)Actor
- 2009Waking Sleeping Beauty · as Self (archive footage)Actor
- 2009Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart in the Water! · as Pumbaa (voice)Actor
- 2009Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart Goes Green! · as Pumbaa (voice)Actor
- 2010Listen to Your Heart · as TonyActor
- 2012Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart Online! · as Pumbaa (voice)Actor
- 2013Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart on the Go! · as Pumbaa (voice)Actor
- 2013Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart Honest and Real! · as Pumbaa (voice)Actor
- 2016The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar · as Pumbaa (voice)Actor
- 2016Bakery in Brooklyn · as DaveActor
- 2021Show of Titles · as "Man of La Mancha" PerformerActor
- 2025The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl · as SelfActor
Filmography data from TMDB. The profile text is a draft written for Cinespective.