James Earl Jones, the legendary actor whose voice gave life to Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, has died at his home in Dutchess County aged 93 per a DEADLINE report.
Jones, a celebrated figure in stage, film, and television, was one of the rare performers to achieve EGOT status, earning amazing awards in an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar (Honorary), and Tony over a six-decade career.
Jones was widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest actors, and now leaves behind a legacy of nearly 200 screen credits after playing unforgettable roles.
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Born on January 17, 1931, Mississippi, Jones began his career in television during the early 1960s and made a notable appearance in Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove (1964).
His breakthrough came with his powerful portrayal of Jack Jefferson in The Great White Hope, a role that earned him a Tony Award in 1969 and an Academy Award nomination for its 1970 film adaptation.
However, it was his deep, commanding voice that made Jones a household name. His portrayal of the villainous Darth Vader in George Lucas’ Star Wars trilogy—Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Return of the Jedi (1983)—, all cemented his place in cinematic history.
Jones reprised the role in Revenge of the Sith (2005), Rogue One (2016), The Rise of Skywalker (2019), and on television in Obi-Wan Kenobi and Star Wars: Rebels.
Jones also lent his iconic voice to the character of Mufasa in The Lion King (1994) and its 2019 remake. Additionally, his work for CNN’s “This is CNN” campaign remains one of the most recognizable voiceovers in television history.
On stage, Jones was a commanding presence, and he starred in nearly two dozen Broadway shows. He earned four Tony nominations, winning twice: for The Great White Hope in 1969 and August Wilson’s Fences in 1987. His other stage credits include The Iceman Cometh (1974), Othello (1982), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (2008), and You Can’t Take It with You (2014). His final Broadway performance was in The Gin Game (2017).
Jones was honored with numerous lifetime achievement awards, including from SAG-AFTRA in 2009 and the Kennedy Center in 2002. In 2012, he received an Honorary Academy Award for his contributions to film.
In September 2022, the Cort Theatre in New York City was renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre in recognition of his indelible contributions to American theater. Reflecting on his career at the time, Jones said, “For me standing in this very building 64 years ago at the start of my Broadway career, it would have been inconceivable that my name would be on the building today. Let my journey from then to now be an inspiration for all aspiring actors.”
Jones’ big-screen and hard earned career spanned notable roles in Coming to America (1988), Conan the Barbarian (1982), The Hunt for Red October (1990), and The Sandlot (1990). His work in television earned him eight Emmy nominations and two wins, both in 1991 for Gabriel’s Fire and Heat Wave.
His passing has left his family and fans devastated, however, many will find solace in the fact that he made a difference and impact in the world, and he will be remembered by many as one of the brightest talents in movie industry history.
