The Lion King 1994 Cast: Where Are The Voice Acting Legends Now? (Updated 2025)

Thirty years after its monumental debut, The Lion King (1994) remains the undisputed peak of the Disney Renaissance, a film whose emotional depth and breathtaking animation were matched only by its phenomenal ensemble cast. The voices behind the pride of Pride Rock—from the commanding presence of Mufasa to the comedic brilliance of Timon and Pumbaa—became instantly iconic, etching their performances into cinematic history.

As of late 2025, the original cast continues to make headlines, albeit sometimes with poignant news. The recent passing of an acting giant and the flurry of new projects from the remaining stars, including major Broadway, film, and television roles, prove that the magic of the 1994 cast is far from over. This deep dive explores the full biographies, career highlights, and the most current projects of the legendary voice actors who brought the savanna to life.

The Lion King 1994 Voice Cast: A Complete Biography and Profile

The original ensemble cast of The Lion King was a powerhouse of stage and screen legends, including multiple Tony, Oscar, and Emmy Award winners. Their combined talent is a key reason the film’s legacy endures.

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• James Earl Jones (Mufasa)
  • Born: January 17, 1931, Arkabutla, Mississippi, U.S.
  • Died: September 9, 2024, Dutchess County, New York, U.S.
  • Career Highlights: Voice of Darth Vader in the *Star Wars* franchise, Tony Award wins for *The Great White Hope* and *Fences*, Honorary Academy Award. His commanding voice defined the role of the noble king.
• Matthew Broderick (Adult Simba)
  • Born: March 21, 1962, New York City, New York, U.S.
  • Career Highlights: Tony Award winner for *Brighton Beach Memoirs* and *How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying*, star of *Ferris Bueller's Day Off*. Known for his distinctive, slightly anxious everyman voice.
• Jeremy Irons (Scar)
  • Born: October 29, 1948, Cowes, Isle of Wight, England.
  • Career Highlights: Oscar winner for *Reversal of Fortune*, star of *Die Hard with a Vengeance* and *The Borgias*. His chilling, theatrical voice performance as the villainous Scar is considered one of Disney's best.
• Jonathan Taylor Thomas (Young Simba)
  • Born: September 8, 1981, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, U.S.
  • Career Highlights: Star of the hit sitcom *Home Improvement* and numerous 90s films. He provided the speaking voice for the adventurous young lion cub.
• Nathan Lane (Timon)
  • Born: February 3, 1956, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
  • Career Highlights: Three-time Tony Award winner, star of *The Producers* and *The Birdcage*. His fast-talking, high-energy comedic style as the meerkat Timon is legendary.
• Ernie Sabella (Pumbaa)
  • Born: September 19, 1949, Westchester County, New York, U.S.
  • Career Highlights: Broadway veteran, best known for his long-running role as the warthog Pumbaa across the entire *Lion King* franchise.
• Rowan Atkinson (Zazu)
  • Born: January 6, 1955, Consett, County Durham, England.
  • Career Highlights: Creator and star of *Mr. Bean* and *Blackadder*. His dry, exasperated voice was perfect for the uptight hornbill Zazu.
• Whoopi Goldberg (Shenzi)
  • Born: November 13, 1955, New York City, New York, U.S.
  • Career Highlights: One of the few EGOT winners (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), star of *Sister Act* and co-host of *The View*. She voiced the sassy, short-tempered female hyena leader.
• Robert Guillaume (Rafiki)
  • Born: November 30, 1927, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
  • Died: October 24, 2017, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
  • Career Highlights: Two-time Emmy Award winner for *Benson* and a Tony Award nominee. His wise, melodic voice gave the mandrill Rafiki his spiritual authority.

The Poignant Loss: Honoring James Earl Jones (Mufasa)

The biggest and most recent news surrounding the cast is the passing of James Earl Jones, the iconic voice of Mufasa, who died in September 2024 at the age of 93. Jones’s voice was the moral compass of the film, delivering the timeless lessons of kingship and destiny from Pride Rock. His death marks the final curtain call for one of the greatest voice actors in cinematic history.

The actor's legacy extends far beyond Mufasa, encompassing his legendary work as Darth Vader and his distinguished career on Broadway, where he earned multiple Tony Awards. His resonant, commanding voice is often cited as the gold standard for voice acting, and his absence leaves a profound gap in the world of entertainment.

This loss, coming decades after the film’s release, underscores the enduring power of the 1994 cast. Even in death, his performance continues to inspire new generations through the timeless magic of *The Lion King*.

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Hakuna Matata: Where Are The Living Legends Now? (2024–2025 Updates)

While the film’s central figure has passed, the rest of the ensemble cast remains highly active, with several major projects planned for 2024 and 2025. Their careers demonstrate the enduring appeal of the Disney Renaissance era's voice acting talent.

Matthew Broderick (Adult Simba) and Jeremy Irons (Scar)

Matthew Broderick has maintained a strong presence on both stage and screen. In early 2024, he concluded a successful run of the Broadway revival of *Plaza Suite* alongside his wife, Sarah Jessica Parker. Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 season, Broderick is set to headline the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s season in a new adaptation of the satirical novel *Babbitt*, marking a highly anticipated return to dramatic theatre.

Jeremy Irons, whose chilling portrayal of Scar earned him critical acclaim, continues his prolific film career. In 2024, he appeared in the action film *The Beekeeper*. Furthermore, he has joined the star-studded cast of the upcoming *Highlander* reboot, scheduled for a 2025 release, cementing his status as a versatile, in-demand actor across various genres.

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Nathan Lane (Timon) and Ernie Sabella (Pumbaa)

The iconic duo of Timon and Pumbaa, voiced by Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella, remains one of the most beloved comedic pairings in Disney history. Lane, a Broadway titan, is currently expanding his television work. He is starring in the new Hulu comedy series *Mid-Century Modern*, a sitcom focusing on a group of gay male friends. Additionally, he is set to star alongside Bette Midler in the upcoming comedy film *CUT OFF*, which has a projected 2025 release.

Ernie Sabella continues to be the definitive voice of Pumbaa in various franchise media, though he did not reprise the role for the 2019 or 2024 live-action films. His continued involvement in projects like *Notes & Frames: Disney's 'The Lion King' Live in Concert* in the 2024-2025 season highlights his enduring connection to the character and the *Lion King* legacy.

Whoopi Goldberg (Shenzi) and Rowan Atkinson (Zazu)

Whoopi Goldberg, the voice of the hyena Shenzi, maintains her high-profile role as a co-host on the daytime talk show *The View*. Beyond her daily television duties, she is actively developing the highly anticipated *Sister Act 3* for Disney+, where she will reprise her iconic role as Deloris Van Cartier. She has also returned to the stage, appearing in a production of *Annie* in 2024, proving her EGOT-winning talent is still focused on live performance.

Rowan Atkinson, the master of physical comedy, is venturing back into television with a new Netflix comedy series titled *Man vs Baby*, which is currently in production and expected to premiere in 2025. This new project follows his recent appearance in the 2023 film *Wonka* and precedes rumors of a fourth installment in his spy spoof franchise, *Johnny English 4*.

Jonathan Taylor Thomas (Young Simba) and Cheech Marin (Banzai)

The voice of Young Simba, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, has famously stepped away from the spotlight. Since the mid-2000s, he has focused on his education and behind-the-scenes work in writing and directing, choosing a highly private life. A rare public sighting in 2023 was a major news event, confirming his deliberate distance from the public eye and his focus on personal and creative pursuits outside of acting.

Cheech Marin, who voiced the hyena Banzai, has dedicated his recent years to his passion for Chicano art. His major focus is the *Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture* in Riverside, California. The center celebrated its second anniversary in June 2024 and features new exhibitions running through April 2025, highlighting Marin’s role as a major collector and cultural advocate. A bronze statue of Marin himself was unveiled at the center in November 2024, a testament to his cultural impact.

The Undeniable Legacy of The Original Voice Actors

The *Lion King 1994* cast is more than just a list of names; it is a collection of celebrity voice acting legends whose performances defined a generation. The film's success, which includes nearly a billion dollars at the global box office and a massive cultural footprint, is inextricably linked to the vocal performances of these actors.

The decision to hire established, recognizable actors like James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, and Whoopi Goldberg, alongside Broadway stars like Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella, was a masterstroke of the Disney Renaissance. It added a layer of gravitas and comedic timing that elevated the animated feature from a simple children's movie to a timeless epic.

Today, as the cast continues their diverse careers—from Matthew Broderick’s return to the stage to Cheech Marin’s dedication to Chicano art—their original roles in *The Lion King* remain the cornerstone of their legacy. The passing of James Earl Jones in 2024 serves as a powerful reminder of the irreplaceable talent that made "The Circle of Life" a reality, ensuring that the original cast of 1994 will forever be royalty in the Disney kingdom.