The distinctive and nearly universally celebrated screen and voice actor of six decades James Earl Jones has died at age 93 in his New York home on Monday, Sept. 9.
No cause of death was initially provided.
“Speech is a very important aspect of being human. A whisper doesn’t cut it.” Jones said.
Few in the entertainment industry have been heard by as eccletic an audience from several generations, to all demographics as Jones has. He is perhaps most renowned for his work in the monumentally successful “Star Wars” franchise [six total films] as the voice of Darth Vader and as the voice of Mufasa in “The Lion King.” The wide consensus on his roles is that his participation is irreplaceable, because of how deep, booming and captivating Jones’ voice was.
“There haven’t been enough profound things written about what being Black means and what a Black character is,” Jones said.
Some of Jones’ most well-known screen credits are in “Coming to America,” “Claudine” and “Field of Dreams.”
Allegedly Jones considered his work in Star Wars as “special effects” and was not credited for his work for the massive franchise until the third film, 1983’s “The Return of the Jedi.”
A life is full of complexities. Jones was born in the deep south in Arkabutla, Mississippi in 1931 but was raised in Michigan, a state bordering Canada. He had one of the most respected voices but had to overcome being mute in his childhood. He could be stoic while serving in the military and expressive and dynamic on Broadway. And most famously he is beloved worldwide for portraying a villain and an almost saintlike figure with his roles as Dark Vader and Mufasa.
“Silence isn’t bad. It’s good to listen. And I learned to listen,” Jones said.
“I was mute from first grade through freshman year in high school,” Jones said. “Mute because I just gave up on talking. It’s just another example: you find yourself with a weak muscle and you exercise it, and sometimes that becomes your strong muscle.”
His arguably seminal theatre performance was as boxer Jack Johnson in 1967’s The Great White Hope, for which he won a Tony. For the film adaptation, he received an Oscar nomination for best actor, the second Black actor nominated for the award.
Following the success of Star Wars Jones’ became an indisputable house-hold name. He now worked alongside other decade defining figures such as with Arnold Schwarzenegger as Thulsa Doom in “Conan the Barbarian,” and as Eddie Murphy’s father in “Coming to America.”
Jones honored his love for the stage and won a second Tony award in 1987 for his role as refuse collector Troy Maxson, and another Tony as chauffeur Hoke Colburn in the 2010 touring revival of Driving Miss Daisy.
“When I read great literature, great drama, speeches, or sermons, I feel that the human mind has not achieved anything greater than the ability to share feelings and thoughts through language,” Jones said.
Jones completed his life journey with 200 credits, and the esteemed EGOT [Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony] title. He played a key role in a legendary film franchise worth an estimated $46.7 billion, won the lifetime achievement award by the Academy Awards, three Tony Awards, including a lifetime honor, and two Emmys.
Following his passing several Hollywood icons and legends shared condolences and anecdotes about Jones, including Kevin Costner, Mark Hamill, Alec Baldwin, Danny DeVito, Ava DuVernay, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Jamie Foxx, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Kerry Washington, Rosario Dawson, Uzo Aduba, LeVar Burton, William Shatner, Disney CEO Bob Iger and George Lucas.
“Legendary doesn’t even begin to describe his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever,” actress Octavia Spencer said.
“An incredible actor, a most unique voice both in art and spirit,” Mark Hamill said.
“That booming voice.” Kevin Costner said. “That quiet strength. The kindness that he radiated. So much can be said about his legacy, so I’ll just say how thankful I am that part of it includes Field of Dreams.”