Iconic actor James Earl Jones, known for his deep, powerful voice, died at his home in Dutchess County, New York, at age 93 on Monday, September 9, 2024. His illustrious career spanned more than sixty years.
Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones overcame a severe childhood stutter that rendered him virtually voiceless for several years. His passion for language and sheer determination transformed him into a leading figure in the entertainment industry, earning him numerous awards, including two Tony Awards, two Emmys, a Grammy, and an honorary Academy Award.
Jones made his Broadway debut in 1957, quickly establishing a strong stage presence. His performance as boxer Jack Jefferson in “The Great White Hope” in 1969 earned him his first Tony Award. He reprised this role in the 1970 film adaptation, which earned him an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe.
Perhaps his most recognized role was as the voice of Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” franchise. His voice gave the iconic antagonist a profound and ominous presence. Jones also was the voice for Mufasa in Disney’s “The Lion King” (1994) and its 2019 remake, and was the voice behind CNN’s well-known tagline, “This is CNN.”
Beyond his renowned voice work, Jones had an extensive career in film. His significant roles include “Dr. Strangelove” (1964), “Field of Dreams” (1989), “The Hunt for Red October” (1990), and “Cry, the Beloved Country” (1995).
Jones’ career on television was equally noteworthy. In 1991, he became the first actor to win two Emmys in one year for his roles in “Heat Wave” and “Gabriel’s Fire.” He also made significant appearances on shows like “L.A. Law” and “Everwood.”
In 1987, Jones earned his second Tony Award for his portrayal of Troy Maxson in August Wilson’s “Fences.” His performance revealed his ability to provide depth and subtlety to multifaceted characters. In a 2014 interview, Jones attributed his sustained presence in the industry to his view of himself as a working actor, always learning from each role. Despite numerous honors, including a Kennedy Center Honor in 2002 and the renaming of the Cort Theater in his honor in 2022, Jones maintained a humble perspective of his craft.
Jones had two marriages, first to Julienne Marie and later to Cecilia Hart, mother to his son, Flynn Earl Jones. Hart passed away in 2016.
News of Jones’ death has elicited tributes from colleagues, directors, and fans globally, all celebrating his distinguished life and career. Actor Mark Hamill, known for his role as Luke Skywalker in the “Star Wars” films, posted a heartfelt message on social media, referring to Jones as “dad” with a broken heart emoji. Actor LeVar Burton also expressed his condolences, lauding Jones’ unique combination of attributes.
Although James Earl Jones’ powerful voice has been silenced, his influential performances will continue to echo in the world of entertainment for future generations.