Hudson Valley celebrity and Disney Broadway actor Sam Wright died of prostate cancer on Monday at his home in Walden.

News 12’s Blaise Gomez spoke with a former student of the 74-year-old man, who says the father and mentor will be remembered tremendously. "I just remember the magical presence, the powerful presence he had. It was impactful,” says former student Mari Rodrigues.

Sam Wright was best known as Sebastian the Crab in Disney's 1989 hit "The Little Mermaid." His career spanned decades on Broadway.

Some of Wright’s former roles include Mufasa in the "The Lion King" and the voice of Kron in Disney’s "Dinosaur."

In his retirement years, the actor founded the Hudson Valley Conservatory, an arts school in Walden.

In an old interview with News 12, Wright says "That's my passion now – teaching kids and giving back.” 

Michael Coleman, a friend of Wright, appreciates how the celebrity never forgot where he came from, despite the fame.

"It was always that mentorship that really drew me to who he was as a person. He never forgot his home roots,” says Coleman.