James Earl Jones, a pioneer and extremely versatile Hollywood actor, died on Monday, September 9th, 2024. Confirmed by the office of Barry McPherson, his agent, the famous actor passed away at 93 years old at his home in Dutchess County, N.Y.
Not everyone may recognize the name, but it is impossible to not recognize the most iconic character played by the actor. In the 1970s, during a time of great racial prejudice in the United States, an unknown filmmaker at the time, George Lucas, made a very bold decision. Darth Vader, who would go on to become one of the greatest characters in film history, needed an actor to play him. Lucas decided to put the voice of an anonymous African American actor behind the mask. That voice became Vader’s voice. However, English actor David Prowse was cast as the physical model for the role at a tall height of 6’6” feet. In the end, the iconic character of today resulted from the combination of Prowse’s intimidating presence and James’s powerful, yet subtle voice.
Although uncredited at the original release, Jame’s role at voicing Darth Vader led to some of his other very well known performances. Perhaps his second most iconic character, Mufasa, in The Lion King, was also portrayed by the elegant voice, this time credited. In 1988, Jones played King Jaffe, a completely different character from either Vader or Mufasa, in the comedy movie Coming to America. All three of these roles were reprised in future works including the 2016 Rogue One, the 2019 live-action Lion King and the 2021 Coming 2 America. In addition, James has worked in nearly 90 television shows and approximately 120 movies, encompassing a lifetime career of work. Among these roles, Jones has made a comedic appearance on The Big Bang Theory, pairing up with the titular character Sheldon. The actor has also worked in theater, one time appearing in 18 plays over a span of 30 months, a very tiresome feat.
From a stuttering 8 year-old who was afraid of speaking because of a strict grandmother to becoming the winner of Tonys, Golden Globes, Emmys and an honorary Academy Award, there has never been someone quite like James Earl Jones, and there most likely never will. The voice that mesmerized a generation, then being passed on to other generations. And now, after 93 years of life and a seven-decade career like no other, that voice is now at rest, but never forgotten.
