Legendary actor James Earl Jones, best known for voicing Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise, has passed away at the age of 93. Surrounded by family, Jones died early Monday, as confirmed by his agent, Barry McPherson.
Jones, an American icon, made an indelible mark on Hollywood, starring in films such as Field of Dreams, Coming to America, Conan the Barbarian, and The Lion King. However, he gained worldwide recognition as the gravelly, commanding voice of Star Wars villain, Darth Vader.
Tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry. Mark Hamill, who portrayed Luke Skywalker, shared a heartfelt “RIP Dad” on social media, honoring Jones’ portrayal of his character’s father. Other prominent figures, including Kevin Costner and Octavia Spencer, highlighted the impact of Jones’ unforgettable voice and his contributions to cinema.
With a career spanning decades, Jones earned numerous accolades, including three Tony Awards, two Emmys, a Grammy, and an honorary Oscar in 2011 for lifetime achievement. He was also the second Black actor ever nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1971, following Sidney Poitier.
Born in Mississippi in 1931, Jones struggled with a childhood stammer, which he eventually overcame, developing his signature deep voice. Beyond Star Wars, Jones lent his voice to countless other projects, including The Lion King, where he portrayed Mufasa, and even became the voice behind CNN’s famous tagline, “This is CNN.”
James Earl Jones’ legacy extends far beyond the screen. His contributions to film, television, and theatre, along with his commanding presence, have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. As LeVar Burton aptly stated, “there will never be another” like him.
