James Earl Jones, the iconic actor whose deep, resonant voice became synonymous with characters like Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, has died at the age of 93. His passing was confirmed by his representatives on September 9, 2024, in his home in Dutchess County, New York. Jones, known for his monumental contributions to stage and screen, leaves behind a legacy that stretches across six decades of acting, cementing him as one of the most revered talents in Hollywood.
Born in 1931 in Mississippi, Jones grew up facing significant challenges, including a debilitating stutter that rendered him mute for much of his childhood. It wasn’t until a high school teacher encouraged him to recite poetry that Jones found his voice—literally and figuratively. His journey from silent child to one of the most distinctive voices in American cinema is a testament to his determination and talent.
RIP to the GOAT, James Earl Jones pic.twitter.com/OuzdNqudFJ
— Meredith Loftus (@MeredithLoftus) September 9, 2024
Jones's career spanned numerous genres and platforms. He made his Broadway debut in 1958 and soon became a regular in Shakespearean roles. He won two Tony Awards for his performances in The Great White Hope (1969) and Fences (1987), while his film roles were equally lauded. His portrayal of Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight boxing champion, in The Great White Hope earned him an Academy Award nomination.
While his stage and film performances were iconic, it was his voice work that captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. His portrayal of Darth Vader in Star Wars remains one of the most famous voice performances of all time, as does his role as Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King. His deep, authoritative tone also graced CNN’s tagline: "This is CNN."
RIP James Earl Jones#Jamesearljones #Darthvader #mufasa pic.twitter.com/KtKKicV8BG
— Chris Roman (@chrisromanvo) September 9, 2024
Over the years, Jones worked alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. His notable film credits include Dr. Strangelove, The Hunt for Red October, and Field of Dreams. Yet, it wasn’t just his on-screen presence that made him beloved. His peers deeply admired him for his humility and grace. Samuel L. Jackson once remarked, “If you aspired to be an actor, the standard we always had was to be a James Earl Jones.”
In addition to his career successes, Jones's life was marked by personal tragedy. He married twice, with his second wife, actress Cecilia Hart, passing away in 2016. The couple had one son, Flynn Earl Jones.
Tributes have poured in from across the world of entertainment. Actor Mark Hamill, who co-starred with Jones in Star Wars, described him as “a true legend whose talent will never be forgotten.” LeVar Burton added that “there will never be another like him.” Jones’s death is a monumental loss to the acting community, but his legacy will live on through his vast body of work.
James Earl Jones’s final public honor came in 2022 when the Cort Theatre on Broadway was renamed in his honor, a fitting tribute to a man whose impact on the arts is immeasurable.
