Walden, New York - Actor Samuel E Wright, who voiced Sebastian the crab in The Little Mermaid, has died aged 74.

His daughter Dee announced the devastating news to The Hollywood Reporter, sharing that he died peacefully after a three-year struggle with prostate cancer.

"He was the brightest light," she said.

Wright's death was also confirmed by the official Facebook page for Montgomery, the New York town he lived in.

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On Tuesday, they shared a picture of the beloved voice actor with Town Supervisor Brian Maher and his brother Patrick.

"Sam and his family have impacted countless Hudson Valley youth always inspiring them to reach higher and dig deeper to become the best version of themselves", the tribute read.

"On top of his passion for the arts and his love for his family, Sam was most known for walking into a room and simply providing PURE JOY to those he interacted with. He loved to entertain, he loved to make people smile and laugh and he loved to love."

Samuel Wright kicked off his impressive career on stage, performing in a Broadway production of Jesus Christ Superstar in 1971.

He also starred in Pippin and in the stage version of The Lion King.

In 1989, he voiced Sebastian the crab in Disney's The Little Mermaid, scoring smash hits with the songs Under The Sea and Kiss The Girl.

Wright is survived by his wife, Amanda Wright, their children Dee, Keely and Sam.