James Earl Jones, the iconic actor whose deep, resonant voice became legendary through roles like Darth Vader and Mufasa, has sadly died at 93 years old. Jones had diabetes for many years, and died on Monday at home, his agent Barry McPherson said.
Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones overcame a childhood stutter to become one of the most admired actors of all time. He discovered his voice as a tool for both acting and empowerment. His career trajectory, from stage roles in Broadway productions to voicing legendary characters, is nothing short of remarkable. Here’s how he died and the legacy he left behind.
James Earl Jones Was A Hollywood Icon And A Legendary Voice
James Earl Jones made his big-screen debut in Stanley Kubrick’s ‘Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb‘ (1964). Over the years, he played memorable roles in films like ‘Claudine‘ (1974) and ‘Field of Dreams‘ (1989).
But his talents extended far beyond film. On stage, he earned two Tony Awards for Best Actor, including one for his portrayal of Jack Jefferson in ‘The Great White Hope‘, a role that also got him an Oscar nomination.
When director George Lucas needed a voice for the menacing Darth Vader in ‘Star Wars‘, he turned to Jones. He offered him a flat fee of $7,000 to bring the character to life. The decision proved to be a game-changer. Jones once joked about using the voice to freak out truckers over a CB radio, causing quite the stir with his impromptu ‘Star Wars‘ performance.
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While many knew him as Darth Vader or Mufasa, Jones’ acting range went far beyond. He played the gruff yet endearing Mr. Mertle in ‘The Sandlot‘ (1993) and the stern but wise Admiral Greer in ‘The Hunt for Red October‘ (1990). His ability to jump between genres, from the animated magic of ‘The Lion King‘ to the political intrigue of Tom Clancy thrillers, solidified his place in Hollywood history
In addition to his success onscreen, Jones was a towering figure on Broadway. He earned accolades for his portrayal of Hoke Colburn in ‘Driving Miss Daisy‘ and Thurgood Marshall in ‘Thurgood‘. In 2022, the Cort Theatre in New York was renamed The James Earl Jones Theatre, a fitting tribute to a man who left an undeniable legacy in both film and theater.
James Earl Jones’ Life Beyond The Blockbusters
In 2011, Jones received an honorary Oscar, and in his typically humble and self-deprecating way, he said, “You cannot be an actor like I am and not have been in some of the worst movies like I have. But I stand before you deeply honored, mighty grateful, and just plain gobsmacked.“
Jones was a man who lived for the love of the craft, and he shared a vital piece of advice that his father, fellow actor Robert Earl Jones, had given him early on: “If you want to do this business, you gotta do it because you love it, not because it’s gonna make you rich or famous.”
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Outside of acting, Jones was deeply devoted to his family. He was married twice, first to actress Julienne Marie, and then to actress Cecilia Hart, with whom he had a son, Flynn. Sadly, Hart passed away in 2016, and Jones often spoke fondly of their time together.
George Lucas summed up Jones’ influence perfectly. He said, “James was an incredible actor, a most unique voice both in art and spirit. For nearly half a century, he was Darth Vader, but the secret to it all is he was a beautiful human being.“
