James Earl Jones, Legendary Actor and Voice of Darth Vader, Passes Away at 93
Jones’s career was distinguished by numerous awards and honors: Report
Dutchess County, New York, September 9 — James Earl Jones, the celebrated actor renowned for his iconic baritone voice and groundbreaking roles across film, television, and theater, has passed away at the age of 93. The news of his death was confirmed by his representative to Variety.
Jones’s illustrious career spanned over six decades, during which he made indelible contributions to the performing arts. Born in 1931 on a farm in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones faced a significant challenge in his early years—a severe stutter that impeded his ability to speak. However, his English teacher in high school encouraged him to overcome this obstacle by reading his poetry aloud, an experience that marked the beginning of his journey into acting.
After moving to Michigan with his maternal grandparents at age 5, Jones initially pursued a path in medicine at the University of Michigan before discovering his passion for drama. His early stage roles included a small part in the 1957 Off-Broadway production of Wedding in Japan, followed by various theater gigs and summer stock performances.
Jones made his Broadway debut in 1958 at the Cort Theatre, which was later renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre in 2022 to honor his legacy. His breakthrough came with his performance in Howard Sackler’s 1968 play The Great White Hope, where he portrayed Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight boxing champion. This role earned him critical acclaim and a Tony Award, marking a significant milestone in his career.
In the 1970s, Jones further established his reputation with a diverse range of roles. His portrayal of the first Black U.S. President in the 1972 film The Man and his memorable performance as the villain in 1982’s Conan the Barbarian showcased his versatility. He also gained recognition for his roles in Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove (1964), Field of Dreams (1989), and The Sandlot (1993), among others.
Jones’s iconic role as Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy—beginning with A New Hope in 1977—solidified his place in cinematic history. Although he was initially paid $7,000 for the role and chose not to take screen credit for A New Hope and its sequel, The Empire Strikes Back (1980), he eventually became synonymous with the character. Jones’s voice work as Vader continued through Return of the Jedi (1983), Episode III — Revenge of the Sith (2005), and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016). For the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022), he authorized the use of archival recordings and AI technology to recreate Vader’s voice.
Jones’s career was distinguished by numerous awards and honors. He won two Tony Awards, first in 1969 for his role in The Great White Hope and again in 1987 for his portrayal of Troy Maxson in August Wilson’s Fences. His performance in Fences also garnered him an Oscar nomination when the play was adapted into a film in 1980. Jones was nominated for eight Primetime Emmy Awards, winning twice in 1991 for his roles in Heat Wave and Gabriel’s Fire, becoming the first actor to win two Emmys in the same year.
In addition to his Tony and Emmy wins, Jones received a Kennedy Center Honor in 2002, a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement award in 2009, an honorary Oscar in 2011, and a lifetime achievement Tony Award in 2017. His Grammy Award for spoken word in 1977 made him one of the few actors to achieve an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony).
Jones’s commanding presence and rich voice made him a natural fit for Shakespearean roles, including Macbeth and Othello, for Joseph Papp’s American Shakespeare Festival. He also narrated several documentaries and famously voiced the tagline “This is CNN” for the cable news network.
On television, Jones’s credits included over 70 appearances in films and miniseries such as Roots and The Atlanta Child Murders, along with recurring roles on L.A. Law, Homicide: Life on the Street, and Everwood. He also made guest appearances on shows like The Simpsons, Picket Fences, and Law & Order.
Jones was first married to actress-singer Julienne Marie. His second marriage, to actress Cecilia Hart, lasted 34 years until her death in 2016. He is survived by his son, Flynn Earl Jones.
James Earl Jones’s profound impact on the arts and his remarkable career will be remembered as a testament to his talent, resilience, and contributions to the performing arts.
