James Earl Jones in 'Coming to America'. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
Advance:
- Legendary actor James Earl Jones dies at 93
- He was best known for his role as the voice of Darth Vader.
- Jones is one of the few actors to have won the EGOT
Featured Actor James Earl Jones died Monday at 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 dreamsand the voice of Mufasa in 'The Lion King.'
Jones had a distinguished career on both the big screen and 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 around 200 credits, including 'Star Wars,' 'Field of Dreams,' 'The Lion King,' 'Conan the Barbarian' 'The Sandlot' and much 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, Mississippi. After overcoming his childhood stutter, Jones made his Broadway debut in the play “The Egghead” in 1957. He soon became one of the best-known Shakespearean actors of the era, appearing in plays such as Othello, King Lear, A Midsummer Night's Dream and more.
He made his film debut in 'Dr. Lovestreange or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb” as young Lieutenant Lothar Sogg. In 1970, Jones played the lead role of Jack Johnson in “The Great White Hope', which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He was only the second African-American actor to be nominated for the award.
Jones made his mark as the voice of Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” trilogy in 1977. Such an iconic and commanding voice, with quotes like “No, I am your father,” “I find your lack of faith disturbing” is forever ingrained in pop culture.
Stars remember James Earl Jones
(From left to right) James Earl Jones, Kevin Costner and Amy Madigan in 'Field of Dreams'. Photo:
Universal images.
During his long career, Jones worked with an extensive list of actors, directors and producers, who paid tribute to him:
Marco Hamill wrote “RIP dad” along with a heartbreak emoji on his X account, as well as the following statement for The Associated Press:
“One of the world’s greatest actors, whose contribution to ‘Star Wars’ was immeasurable. He will be greatly missed.”
Actor The Var Burton He also wrote in X:
James Earl Jones… there will never be another particular combination of his graces.
– LeVar Burton (@levarburton) September 9, 2024
Disney CEO Bob Iger published 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 unique, commanding presence and a true richness of spirit have left an indelible mark on generations of viewers.”
Actress Octavia Spencer posted his feelings on Instagram:
“Legendary doesn’t even begin to describe his iconic roles and his impact on cinema forever. His voice and talent will be remembered forever. I send all my love to his family, friends and countless fans in galaxies far, far away.”
Jones was married to Cecilia Hartwho passed away 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.