James Earl Jones, Darth Vader and Mufasa voice actor dies

James Earl Jones, American film and theater legend, passed away this Monday, September 9, 2024, at the age of 93. While his face may be unfamiliar to some, his voice is one of the most iconic. His credits include the voices of Darth Vader in the Star Wars universe and Mufasa in The Lion King, as well as the famous “This is CNN”.

After overcoming a childhood case of mutism and stuttering, James Earl Jones has become a major figure on stage and screen. Over the course of his long career, he has appeared in some 20 Broadway shows and won three Tony Awards: the first, in 1969, for his performance in The Great White Hope; the second, in 1987, for his role in Fences; and the most recent, in 2017, honoring his entire career.

For more than 60 years, James Earl Jones has been at the forefront of acting, appearing on the big screen in such films as Dr. Strangelove, Conan the Barbarian , Coming to America, The Sandlot, The Hunt for Red October and Field of Dreams. On television, the actor has appeared in over 80 series and movies, including The Big Bang Theory, Everwood, The Simpsons, Under One Roof, Paris, Pros and Cons, and Dr. Kildare.

Thanks to his many roles and performances, James Earl Jones is one of the few actors to have won the “EGOT”, the four most prestigious awards in the USA: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. Nominated for eight Emmy Awards, James Earl Jones won two in 1991: Best Actor in a Drama Series for his role in Gabriel’s Fire, and Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie for his performance in Heat Wave. In 1977, he won a Grammy Award for his vocal performance in The Great American Documents, while in 2012, he received an honorary Oscar for his career. In 1971, he was nominated for Best Actor for his role in The Great White Hope, but the Academy Awards went to George C. Scott for his performance in Patton.

On social media, many Hollywood personalities paid tribute to James Earl Jones, praising the person he was and the immense talent he possessed.

This man was the living embodiment of artistry, integrity, creativity, and dignity. James Earl Jones is the sole reason I became an actor. He stirred a vocation in me that gave voice to my unsung heart songs. By example, he led me on the exploration of my own personal humanity… pic.twitter.com/gze67IuVOI

— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) September 9, 2024

James Earl Jones… there will never be another of his particular combination of graces.

— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) September 9, 2024

Thank you dear James Earl Jones for everything. A master of our craft. We stand on your shoulders. Rest now. You gave us your best. pic.twitter.com/vD0V7y613w

— Colman Domingo (@colmandomingo) September 9, 2024