James Earl Jones in ‘Coming to America.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.
Preview:
- Legendary actor James Earl Jones passes away at 93
- He was best known for his role as the voice of Darth Vader
- Jones is one of the few actors who have won the EGOT
Distinguished actor James Earl Jones passed away this Monday in his home in Dutchess County, New York, at the age of 93. Jones is known for roles such as the voice of Darth Vador in ‘Star Wars’, Terence Mann in ‘Field of Dreams,’ and the voice of Mufasa in ‘The Lion King.’
Jones had a prominent career both on the big screen and on stage, and is known as one of the few actors to have won the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony). During his 60-year career, Jones has about 200 credits, including ‘Star Wars,’ ‘The Field of Dreams,’ ‘The Lion King,’ ‘Conan the Barbarian,’ ‘The Sandlot’ and more.
A Look Back At His Work
James Earl Jones as Darth Vader in ‘Star Wars’. Photo: Lucasfilm.
James Earl Jones was born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, MS. Overcoming his stutter as a child, Jones made his Broadway debut in the play ‘The Egghead’ in 1957. Soon, he became one of the best-known Shakespearean actors of the time, acting in plays such as Othello, King Lear, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ and more.
He made his film debut in Stanley Kubrick’s ‘Dr. Lovestreange or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb’ as young Lt. Lothar Sogg. In 1970, Jones played the lead role of Jack Johnson in ‘The Great White Hope’, which will earn him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. He was the second African-American male performer to be nominated for the award.
Jones went on to make his mark as the voice of Darth Vader in the ‘Star Wars’ trilogy in 1977. A voice so iconic and commanding, with quotes like “No, I am your father.”, “I find your lack of faith disturbing” is forever ingrained in pop culture
Stars Remembering James Earl Jones
(L to R) James Earl Jones, Kevin Costner and Amy Madigan in ‘Field of Dreams.’ Photo:
Universal Pictures.
During his long career, Jones worked with an extensive list of actors, directors, and producers, who paid tribute to to him:
Mark Hamill wrote “RIP dad” next to a heartbreak emoji on his X account, as well as the below statement to The Associated Press:
“One of the world’s finest actors whose contributions to ‘Star Wars’ were immeasurable. He’ll be greatly missed.”
Actor LeVar Burton also wrote on X:
James Earl Jones… there will never be another of his particular combination of graces.
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) September 9, 2024
Disney CEO Bob Iger released the following in a statement:
“From the gentle wisdom of Mufasa to the menacing threat of Darth Vader, James Earl Jones gave voice to some of the greatest characters in cinema history. A celebrated stage actor with nearly 200 film and television credits to his name, the stories he brought to life with a uniquely commanding presence and a true richness of spirit have left an indelible mark on generations of audiences.”
Actress Octavia Spencer posted her sentiment on Instagram:
“Legendary doesn’t even begin to describe his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever. His voice and talent will be remembered always. Sending love to his family, friends and countless fans in all the galaxies, far, far away.”
Jones was married to Cecilia Hart, who passed in 2016. He is survived by his son, Flynn Earl Jones.
James Earl Jones as the voice of Mufasa in ‘The Lion King’. Photo: Disney.