On Monday, September 9, 2024 esteemed actor James Earl Jones died at the age of 93 at his residence in Dutchess County, New York. Jones’ death brings a close to an extraordinary career that spanned more than six decades.
Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones faced and overcame a severe stutter during his childhood, which rendered him almost silent for many years. His resolve and passion for language eventually propelled him to become one of the most recognizable and esteemed voices in the entertainment industry.
During his career, he was awarded two Tony Awards, two Emmys, a Grammy, and an honorary Academy Award.
Jones’ Broadway career started in 1957, and his talent quickly established him as a potent force on stage. In 1969, his role as boxer Jack Jefferson in “The Great White Hope” won him his first Tony Award. He continued the role in the film adaptation in 1970, earning him both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination.
He is perhaps best known for his role as the voice of Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” series, lending an ominous depth to the well-known villain. Jones also voiced Mufasa in Disney’s “The Lion King” (1994) and its 2019 remake. His voice was also linked to CNN’s famous tagline, “This is CNN.”
In addition to his voice acting, Jones had a productive film career. His notable roles include “Dr. Strangelove” (1964), “Field of Dreams” (1989), “The Hunt for Red October” (1990), and “Cry, the Beloved Country” (1995).
Jones’ television career was also quite significant. He made history in 1991 when he became the first actor to win two Emmys in the same year for his roles in “Heat Wave” and “Gabriel’s Fire.” His memorable performances on shows like “L.A. Law” and “Everwood” were also well-received.
In 1987, Jones won his second Tony Award for his performance in August Wilson’s “Fences.” In this production, his depiction of Troy Maxson demonstrated his ability to convey complexity and subtlety in his characters.
Jones maintained a humble demeanor throughout his career. In a 2014 interview, he attributed his longevity in the industry to viewing himself simply as a working actor. He stressed the value of learning from every role and treating each as a step in an ongoing journey. Despite his many awards, including a Kennedy Center Honor in 2002 and the renaming of the Cort Theatre in his honor in 2022, Jones always considered himself a student of his craft.
Jones was married twice, first to Julienne Marie and later to Cecilia Hart, with whom he had a son, Flynn Earl Jones. Hart died in 2016.
News of Jones’ death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow actors, directors, and fans around the globe, all commemorating this extraordinary talent’s life and work. Actor Mark Hamill, known for his role as Luke Skywalker in the “Star Wars” films, posted a moving message on social media, referring to Jones as “dad” and featuring a broken heart emoji. Actor LeVar Burton also expressed his condolences, lauding Jones’ unique blend of qualities.
While Jones’ voice has been stilled, the influence of his performances will continue to be felt by future generations.
