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Ernie Sabella

Ernie Sabella

Actor · Born September 19, 1949 (77) · Westchester, New York, USA

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.

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
September 19, 1949 (77)
From
Westchester, New York, USA
Works as
Actor
Titles
41 on MovieCove · 78 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 157 days to Oct 28Down 40% in 30 days

What are Ernie Sabella's films like?

Across their 15 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Bonds and Self.

Genres

Animation5 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 65th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Animation movies
Comedy5 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 24th percentile
: browse their Comedy movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Bonds
45%
Self
25%
Morality
10%
Society
10%
Power
6%
Ideas
4%
Family bonds5 titles, browse their movies with this themeIdentity4 titles, browse their movies with this themeFriendship3 titles, browse their movies with this themeRomantic love2 titles, browse their movies with this themeCommunity4 titles, browse their movies with this themeComing of age3 titles, browse their movies with this themeRedemption2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 13 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Light: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their light movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

Light 8 · Serious 4 · Dark 1

Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

Grounded 4 · Stylized 8 · Heightened 1

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 5 · Charged 8 · Intense 0

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

A split, not a type: Steady 7 · Shifting 4 · Whiplash 2

Some laughs: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their some laughs movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 2 · Some laughs 6 · Funny 5

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

A split, not a type: Slow burn 7 · Even-paced 5 · Relentless 1

Casual: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their casual movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 12 · Engaged 1 · Full focus 0

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 13 · Open-ended 0 · Ambiguous 0

Roles they play

5 analyzed roles

Usually the Ally: 4 of 5 analyzed roles.

Ally
4 of 5
Trickster
1 of 5

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Joyful
8
Warm
7
Absurd
6
Romantic
3
Melancholic
3
Other
10

How their films linger

Feel-good10 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFun7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful6 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteRousing2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end

  • Happy10
  • Bittersweet3
  • Tragic1
  • Cyclical1

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Ernie Sabella's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 29 of their 41 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Tubi (10).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Ernie Sabella's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

78 credits, 41 with a MovieCove page; 7 appearances as themselves are hidden until asked for.

  • Show of Titles (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2021)

    as "Man of La Mancha" Performer

  • Bakery in Brooklyn(2016)

    as Dave

    Midcredits score: 9th percentile of all films

  • The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar(2015)

    as Pumbaa (voice)

    Midcredits score: 44th percentile of all films

  • The Lion Guard(2015)

    Show 2 episodes · as Pumbaa (voice)

    Midcredits score: 36th percentile of all shows

  • You're So Cool, Brewster! The Story of Fright Night(2016)

    as Dr. Harrison

    Midcredits score: 96th percentile of all films

  • Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart Honest and Real! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    as Pumbaa (voice)

  • Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart on the Go! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    as Pumbaa (voice)

  • Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart Online! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

    as Pumbaa (voice)

  • Listen to Your Heart(2010)

    as Tony

    Midcredits score: 80th percentile of all films

  • The Good Wife(2009)

    Show 1 episode · as Murray

    Midcredits score: 94th percentile of all shows

  • Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart in the Water! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

    as Pumbaa (voice)

  • Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart Goes Green! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

    as Pumbaa (voice)

  • Wild About Safety with Timon & Pumbaa (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    Show 8 episodes · as Pumbaa

  • Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart at Home! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    as Pumbaa (voice)

  • Wild About Safety: Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart Healthy & Fit! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    as Pumbaa (voice)

  • The Lion King 1½(2004)

    as Pumbaa (voice)

    Midcredits score: 65th percentile of all films

  • Broadway's Lost Treasures II (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

    as Harry The Horse (segment "Guys & Dolls")

  • Timon & Pumbaa Virtual Safari 2.0 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

    as Pumbaa (voice)

  • Behind the Legend: Timon (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

    as Pumbaa (voice)

  • Timon & Pumbaa's Virtual Safari 1.5 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

    as Pumbaa (voice)

  • Timon & Pumba's Virtual Safari (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    as Pumbaa (voice)

  • That's So Raven(2003)

    Show 2 episodes · as Mr. Petracelli

    Midcredits score: 40th percentile of all shows

  • Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse(2001)

    as Pumbaa (voice)

    Midcredits score: 70th percentile of all films

  • Disney's House of Mouse (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    Show 10 episodes · as Pumbaa · as Pumbaa (voice)

  • Ed (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    Show 1 episode · as Gary Swirdlock

  • The Out-of-Towners(1999)

    as Getaway Driver

    Midcredits score: 24th percentile of all films

  • Providence (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    Show 3 episodes · as Lou Keppler

  • The Lion King II: Simba's Pride(1998)

    as Pumbaa (voice)

    Midcredits score: 65th percentile of all films

  • Encore! Encore! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)

    Show 13 episodes · as Leo Wodecki

  • Mousehunt(1997)

    as Maury

    Midcredits score: 63rd percentile of all films

  • In & Out(1997)

    as Aldo Hooper

    Midcredits score: 63rd percentile of all films

  • On Holiday With Timon & Pumbaa (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    as Pumbaa (Voice)

  • The Practice(1997)

    Show 4 episodes · as Atty. Harland Bassett

    Midcredits score: 82nd percentile of all shows

  • Dining Out with Timon & Pumbaa (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    as Pumbaa (Voice)

  • Around the World with Timon & Pumbaa(1996)

    as Pumbaa (Voice)

    Midcredits score: 61st percentile of all films

  • Stand By Me (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    as Pumbaa (voice)

  • Timon & Pumbaa(1995)

    Show 169 episodes · as Pumbaa (voice)

    Midcredits score: 53rd percentile of all shows

  • Roommates(1995)

    as Stash

    Midcredits score: 55th percentile of all films

  • Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    as Pumba

  • Quiz Show(1994)

    as Car Salesman

    Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all films

  • The Lion King(1994)

    as Pumbaa (voice)

    Midcredits score: 99th percentile of all films

  • Just My Imagination (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    as Arnold Mayer

  • Mad About You(1992)

    Show 1 episode · as Maurice

    Midcredits score: 38th percentile of all shows

  • Going Under(1991)

    as The Mole

    Midcredits score: 3rd percentile of all films

  • Faith (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    as Stanley

  • Saved by the Bell(1989)

    Show 7 episodes · as Leon Carosi

    Midcredits score: 59th percentile of all shows

  • Seinfeld(1989)

    Show 1 episode · as Naked Man

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all shows

  • Quantum Leap(1989)

    Show 1 episode · as Manny / Sancho Panza

    Midcredits score: 94th percentile of all shows

  • Coach(1989)

    Show 1 episode · as Ernie

    Midcredits score: 53rd percentile of all shows

  • A Fine Romance (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Show 13 episodes · as George Shipman

  • Murphy Brown (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Show 1 episode · as Julian

  • Fright Night Part 2(1988)

    as Dr. Scott Harrison

    Midcredits score: 45th percentile of all films

  • A Different World(1987)

    Show 1 episode · as Campus Policeman

    Midcredits score: 54th percentile of all shows

  • She's the Sheriff (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Show 1 episode · as Dickie Dinsmore

  • Married... with Children(1987)

    Show 1 episode · as Mr. Pond

    Midcredits score: 87th percentile of all shows

  • Roxie (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Show 6 episodes · as Vito Carteri

  • Tough Guys(1986)

    as Hotel Clerk

    Midcredits score: 49th percentile of all films

  • Sledge Hammer!(1986)

    Show 1 episode · as Al Fresco

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all shows

  • Perfect Strangers(1986)

    Show 28 episodes · as Donald Twinkacetti

    Midcredits score: 55th percentile of all shows

  • Copacabana(1985)

    as Sam Gropper

    Midcredits score: 62nd percentile of all films

  • City Heat(1984)

    as Ballistics Expert

    Midcredits score: 21st percentile of all films

  • It's Your Move (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Show 18 episodes · as Lou Donatelli

  • Hunter(1984)

    Show 1 episode · as Earnie

    Midcredits score: 48th percentile of all shows

  • Punky Brewster(1984)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 34th percentile of all shows

  • Hardcastle and McCormick (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    Show 1 episode · as Clyde Whitley

  • The New Odd Couple (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Show 1 episode · as Policeman

  • St. Elsewhere (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Show 1 episode · as Patient

  • Newhart (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Show 1 episode · as Police Officer

  • Cheers(1982)

    Show 2 episodes · as Stan

    Midcredits score: 86th percentile of all shows

  • Cagney & Lacey(1981)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 43rd percentile of all shows

  • Hill Street Blues(1981)

    Show 3 episodes · as Paulie

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all shows

  • Little Johnny Jones (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Sing Song

  • The Robber Bridegroom (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Big Harp

  • Knots Landing(1979)

    Show 2 episodes · as Frank Edmunds

    Midcredits score: 49th percentile of all shows

  • The Facts of Life(1979)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 45th percentile of all shows

  • Broadway on Showtime (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Show 1 episode · as Big Harp

  • Diff'rent Strokes (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Alice(1976)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 44th percentile of all shows

Career shape

Star power in the 98th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 77 titles from 1976 to 2021; peak year 1997.

Biggest box office

The Lion King (1994)

$979M worldwide

Highest rated

The Lion King (1994)

Midcredits 99th

Most popular right now

Timon & Pumbaa (1995)

Film career

19762021

Peak 1997 · fewer prominent film roles lately. Top draw in 3 MovieCove titles. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting77 of 77: 77 only acting, 0 with another role · typical Midcredits score55th

By decade

1970s5 · acting1980s28 · acting1990s20 · acting2000s16 · acting2010s7 · acting2020s1 · acting

Billing

usually 9th · top billed in 6% of 17 roles
8499

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30; the columns are the share of top-billed roles in each era, 5-year spans from the year on the label, merged until each holds at least 5 roles.

How do Ernie Sabella's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 62nd percentile, the median of all 19; across their 13 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 59th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

59thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 13

Approval · how many liked their films

58thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 13

Reach · how many have seen their films

76thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 13

Midcredits score across 41 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up12
  • 50th to 74th13
  • 25th to 49th12
  • Below 25th4

Shape of the crowd

18 of their 41 titles are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Universally Loved8
  • Cult Classic1
  • Crowd Pleaser18
  • Broadly Agreed4
  • Mixed10

Most divisive · actor

The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar (2015)

75th percentile spread · 25% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

The Lion King (1994)

Midcredits 99th · 93% liked

Reviewers score the acting 58/100 in their films, across 11 reviewed titles; fans 75, detractors 37. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Is Ernie Sabella's work okay for kids?

Across up to 5 MovieCove titles with content scores, sex & nudity runs lighter than most films.

Their medianMedian of all filmsMiddle 80% of their titles
Violence & Gore4 titlesmedian 38 · moderateMedian of all films: 44
Sex & Nudity5 titles16–49 · median 18 · mildlighter than most filmsMedian of all films: 32
Profanity3 titlesmedian 5 · minimalMedian of all films: 36
Alcohol & Drugs3 titlesmedian 4 · minimalMedian of all films: 33
Frightening / Intense4 titlesmedian 47 · moderateMedian of all films: 39

Severity 0–100 from the Content Guide. Categories with under 10 votes on a title are not counted. The band's colour is the severity of their median, named beside it.

Who does Ernie Sabella work with?

People who share at least 2 of Ernie Sabella's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Nathan Lane shares the most, 4.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Producers

Mixed roles