James Earl Jones, the iconic and prolific performer who graced the silver screen, television, and theater stages with his resounding, unmistakable baritone, most famously etched in the hearts of fans as the menacing voice of Darth Vader in the "Star Wars" saga, passed away peacefully on Monday morning at his Dutchess County, New York, residence, confirmed his representative to Variety. At the age of 93, he left behind a legacy that spanned over six decades of unparalleled artistry.
Having triumphantly overcome a severe stutter in his youth, Jones emerged as a trailblazing figure among Black actors of his era, crafting a diverse and illustrious career that began with his Broadway debut in 1958 at the Cort Theatre, which was fittingly renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre in 2022, and culminated in his most recent appearance in 2021's "Coming 2 America," where he reprised his beloved role as King Jaffe Joffer, a character he first brought to life in the 1988 Eddie Murphy comedy "Coming to America." This was just one of the many roles, including Darth Vader and the voice of King Mufasa in Disney's "The Lion King" franchise, that Jones revisited with grace and distinction, showcasing his remarkable versatility.
His filmography boasts over 80 credits, each a testament to his remarkable talent. From his debut as a B-52 bombardier in Stanley Kubrick's satirical masterpiece "Dr. Strangelove" (1964) to portraying the first Black president of the United States in "The Man" (1972), the fear-inducing villain in "Conan the Barbarian" (1982), a reclusive author in "Field of Dreams" (1989), a blind former baseball star in "The Sandlot" (1993), and a minister navigating apartheid-era South Africa in "Cry, the Beloved Country" (1995), Jones left an indelible mark on cinema.
His stage work was equally impressive, earning him four Tony Award nominations and two wins: one in 1969 for his portrayal of boxer Jack Johnson in "The Great White Hope" (which he also reprised on screen, earning an Oscar nod), and another in 1987 for originating the role of Troy Maxson in August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama "Fences."
In television, Jones was nominated for eight Primetime Emmy Awards, winning two in a historic year of 1991—for his supporting role in the miniseries "Heat Wave," which chronicled the 1965 Watts riots, and for lead actor in the drama series "Gabriel's Fire," a groundbreaking portrayal of a wrongfully imprisoned ex-cop turned private investigator. This double victory marked the first time an actor had achieved such a feat in a single year.
James Earl Jones' life was a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of the human voice to inspire and captivate generations. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
In the annals of showbiz glory, James Earl Jones stands tall, adorned with accolades that speak volumes of his towering talent. In 2002, he was bestowed the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor, followed by the Screen Actors Guild's Life Achievement Award in 2009, an honorary Oscar in 2011, and culminating in a Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2017. Adding a unique feather to his cap, his 1977 Grammy for a spoken word album propels him into the esteemed ranks of the EGOT club, a rare fraternity indeed.
Jones' imposing yet endearing demeanor and his orotund voice were a godsend for Shakespearean roles, where he excelled as Macbeth and Othello, gracing the stages of Joseph Papp's American Shakespeare Festival. His narrative prowess extended to documentaries, from the poignant 'Malcolm X' in 1972 to the majestic 'Earth' by Disneynature in 2007, and he forever etched his voice in the annals of television as the iconic tagline, "This is CNN."
His television odyssey boasts over 70 credits, a tapestry woven with films, miniseries like 'Roots' and 'The Atlanta Child Murders,' recurring arcs in 'L.A. Law,' 'Homicide: Life on the Street,' and 'Everwood,' and cameo appearances that lit up screens in 'The Simpsons,' 'Picket Fences,' 'Law & Order,' 'Frasier,' and 'House.'
Yet, among his myriad achievements, his most iconic role remains that of Darth Vader in 'Star Wars: A New Hope.' In 1977, for a mere $7,000, Jones lent his voice to the galaxy's most feared villain, declining on-screen credit out of respect for David Prowse, the man behind the mask. But as Vader's legend grew, so did Jones's recognition, earning him credits from 'Return of the Jedi' in 1983 onwards. He reprised the role for 'Episode III – Revenge of the Sith' and 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,' yet for 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' on Disney+, he authorized Lucasfilm to blend archival recordings with AI magic, ensuring Vader's voice echoed through time.
When queried by the New York Times in 2014 about the secret to his enduring career, Jones' response embodied the humility that permeated his performances. "The key lies in remembering that you're a lifelong actor, where nothing is definitive, neither your crowning achievement nor your lowest ebb," he mused. "In truth, I still see myself as a student of the craft."
Born amidst the rolling fields of Arkabutla, Mississippi, in 1931, James Earl Jones embarked on a journey that would forever resonate in the annals of acting. His father, Robert Earl Jones, a restless spirit, ventured forth shortly after his son's birth, chasing his own dreams of theatrical glory. Though their paths diverged, they eventually converged in harmony when the younger Jones reached his twenties, even sharing the stage in a testament to familial reconciliation.
At the tender age of five, fate intervened, and Jones found himself transplanted to the bustling state of Michigan, under the watchful eyes of his maternal grandparents. This seismic shift in his world triggered a profound stammer, a barrier that confined his voice to the pages of his journal. It was only in the crucible of high school, where an astute English teacher discerned his poetic prowess, that Jones began to shatter the shackles of his stutter. Encouraged to recite his verses aloud, he slowly but surely regained his voice.
As an undergraduate at the prestigious University of Michigan, Jones initially charted a course towards medicine, yet the allure of drama proved irresistible. His theatrical debut, a modest role in the 1957 Off-Broadway production "Wedding in Japan," marked the dawn of a new era. Balancing odd jobs with fleeting opportunities on Broadway stages in "Sunrise at Campobello," "The Cool World," and "The Pretender," he honed his craft amidst the summer stock theater scene.
In 1960, Jones's star ascended further when he joined the esteemed Papp's New York Shakespeare Festival. The following year, he etched his name in theatrical history with a groundbreaking performance as Deodatus in Jean Genet's "The Blacks." This triumph was merely the prelude to a series of Shakespearean triumphs, including his celebrated portrayal of Oberon in "A Midsummer Night's Dream." In 1964, his towering interpretation of Othello captivated audiences Off-Broadway, where the production lingered for nearly a year, a testament to his mastery.
But the silver screen beckoned, and Jones's cinematic breakthrough arrived via Papp's staging of "The Merchant of Venice." As the Prince of Morocco, he held his own alongside George C. Scott's iconic Shylock. When Stanley Kubrick, the visionary filmmaker, caught wind of Scott's performance and subsequently encountered Jones, he was so struck that he cast the latter in "Dr. Strangelove," a film that would forever alter the landscape of cinema.
In 1966, Jones donned the mantle of Macbeth at the New York Shakespeare Festival, receiving accolades that echoed through the theatrical realm. That same year, he made another groundbreaking stride, securing a recurring role on "As the World Turns," marking a milestone as the first Black actor to have a continuous presence on a daytime soap opera. Thus, James Earl Jones's journey from a stammering child on a Mississippi farm to a towering figure in the world of theater and film, was a testament to the indomitable spirit of perseverance and the transformative power of art.
Yet, he remained shrouded in obscurity, a veritable gem among Broadway's tightly guarded secrets, until 1968, when he captivated audiences as Jack Johnson in Howard Sackler's seminal work, "The Great White Hope." This portrayal marked the first Black man to triumphantly clinch the world heavyweight boxing crown on stage, and it was a triumph that resonated far beyond the theater's walls. The accolades that ensued, including a Tony Award, arrived at a pivotal juncture in the late 1960s, a time when quality roles for Black actors were scarce and hard-won. Yet, despite the accolades he garnered for both the stage play and its cinematic adaptation, Jones has often mused that these achievements did not immediately propel his career to new heights.
It was 1977, a watershed year indeed, when Jones' voice, ominous and menacing, first reverberated through cinematic universes as Darth Vader, igniting a pivotal shift in his stardom. That same year, he graced the small screen in ABC's groundbreaking miniseries "Roots," embodying the author Alex Haley, whose eponymous genealogical masterpiece had sparked a national conversation. While he never quite attained the status of a towering star in the conventional sense, his string of successes that year indelibly etched his name into popular culture, lending gravitas and prestige to projects that might have otherwise lacked depth.
Theater, however, remained Jones' steadfast bastion of box office magic, and even in his eighties, he continued to draw crowds in awe. In 2005, he graced Broadway once more, opposite Leslie Uggams in "On Golden Pond," earning yet another Tony nomination, a testament to his enduring charm and prowess. Fast forward to 2008, and he commanded the stage as Big Daddy in a groundbreaking all-Black cast production of Tennessee Williams' "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," sharing the spotlight with luminaries like Terrence Howard, Anika Noni Rose, and Phylicia Rashad.
Two years later, Jones returned to Broadway's limelight in a revival of "Driving Miss Daisy," alongside Vanessa Redgrave, a performance that would later take him across the pond to London. This international journey necessitated a poignant absence from the Honorary Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles, but fate had other plans. Sir Ben Kingsley, in a heartwarming gesture, surprised Jones backstage after a matinee performance, presenting him with his statuette in person.
Jones' personal life was as rich and layered as his professional endeavors. He was first united in matrimony with actress-singer Julienne Marie, and later, for 34 years, shared his life with actress Cecilia Hart, who sadly passed away in 2016. He leaves behind a cherished legacy, including his son, Flynn Earl Jones, who will forever carry the torch of his father's remarkable talent and enduring spirit.
