Cast & creator
Ernie Sabella
Best known for Saturday Night Live, Seinfeld, The Good Wife
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.
Also known as: Ernest Sabella
44
film credits
45
television credits
89
1953–2025 · acting roles
6.8
average across scored titles
Signature credits
Known for
Across film & television
Filmography (89)
Showing 89 of 89 credits
Saturday Night Live
Self (uncredited)
1975
Seinfeld
Naked Man
1989
The Good Wife
Murray
2009
Married... with Children
Mr. Pond
1987
Cheers
Stan
1982
Knots Landing
Frank Edmunds
1979
The Practice
Harland Bassett
1997
Quantum Leap
Manny / Sancho Panza
1989
Mad About You
Maurice
1992
Hill Street Blues
1981Hill Street Blues
Paulie
1981
St. Elsewhere
Patient
1982
Coach
Ernie
1989
A Different World
Campus Policeman
1987
Alice
1976
The Facts of Life
1979
Murphy Brown
Julian
1988
Cagney & Lacey
1982
That's So Raven
Mr. Petracelli
2003
Newhart
1982Newhart
Police Officer
1982Newhart
Ed Halstead
1982
Timon and Pumbaa
Pumbaa (voice)
1995
The Lion King
Pumbaa (voice)
1994
Hunter
Earnie
1984
Providence
Lou Keppler
1999
The Oscars
Self
1953
The Lion Guard
Pumbaa (voice)
2016
Saved by the Bell
Leon Carosi
1989
Hardcastle and McCormick
Clyde Whitley
1983
Ed
Gary Swirdlock
2000
Disney's House of Mouse
Pumbaa (voice)
2001Disney's House of Mouse
Pumbaa
2001
Sledge Hammer!
Al Fresco
1986
Punky Brewster
1984
The Lion King II: Simba's Pride
Pumbaa (voice)
1998
The Lion King 1½
Pumbaa (voice)
2004
Perfect Strangers
Donald Twinkacetti
1986
She's the Sheriff
1987She's the Sheriff
Dickie Dinsmore
1987
MouseHunt
Maury
1997
It's Your Move
Lou Donatelli
1984
The New Odd Couple
Policeman
1982
Fright Night Part 2
Dr. Scott Harrison
1988
The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl
Self
2025
In & Out
Aldo Hooper
1997
Quiz Show
Car Salesman
1994
The Out-of-Towners
Getaway Driver
1999
Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse
Pumbaa (voice)
2001
The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar
Pumbaa (voice)
2016
A Fine Romance
George Shipman
1989
Around the World With Timon & Pumbaa
Pumbaa (Voice)
1996
Diff'rent Strokes
1978
City Heat
Ballistics Expert
1984Encore! Encore!
Leo Wodecki
1998
Dining Out with Timon & Pumbaa
Pumbaa (Voice)
1996
Tough Guys
Hotel Clerk
1986
Waking Sleeping Beauty
Self (archive footage)
2010
Copacabana
Sam Gropper
1985
Show of Titles
"Man of La Mancha" Performer
2021
Broadway on Showtime
Big Harp
1979
Bakery in Brooklyn
Dave
2016
On Holiday With Timon & Pumbaa
Pumbaa (Voice)
1997
Roommates
Stash
1995
Going Under
The Mole
1991
Just My Imagination
Arnold Mayer
1992Roxie
Vito Carteri
1987
Listen to Your Heart
Tony
2010
A Magical Walt Disney World Christmas
Self
1997
Wild About Safety with Timon & Pumbaa
Pumbaa
2008
Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade
Self
1996
Broadway's Lost Treasures II
Harry The Horse (segment "Guys & Dolls")
2004
Behind the Legend: Timon
Pumbaa (voice)
2004
Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable
Pumba
1995
Guys and Dolls: Off the Record
Himself / Harry the Horse
1992
Little Johnny Jones
Sing Song
1980Timon & Pumbaa's Virtual Safari 1.5
Pumbaa (voice)
2004Timon & Pumbaa Virtual Safari 2.0
Pumbaa (voice)
2004Timon & Pumba's Virtual Safari
Pumbaa (voice)
2003
Stand By Me
Pumbaa (voice)
1995
Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart Healthy & Fit!
Pumbaa (voice)
2008
The Robber Bridegroom
Big Harp
1980
Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart Goes Green!
Pumbaa (voice)
2009
Faith
Stanley
1990
Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart Honest and Real!
Pumbaa (voice)
2013
Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart in the Water!
Pumbaa (voice)
2009
Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart Online!
Pumbaa (voice)
2012
Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart on the Go!
Pumbaa (voice)
2013
Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart at Home!
Pumbaa (voice)
2008