R.I.P James Earl Jones (1923 -2024) Actor and iconic voices of characters including Star Wars’ Darth Vader and The Lion King’s Mufasa
The actor, responsible for some of the most iconic characters in modern cinema, has died at the age of 93. :(
Legendary actor James Earl Jones has died at his home in Dutchess County, New York, at the age of 93.
Deadline was first to report the beloved actor’s passing – no cause of death has been released at this time.
While he had memorable roles in films like Coming To America, Field of Dreams and The Hunt for Red October, Earl Jones’ voice was arguably even more recognisable than his face: He provided his vocal talents to iconic characters including Star Wars’ Darth Vader and The Lion King’s Mufasa.
From his big-screen debut in 1964’s Dr Strangelove onwards, the actor never stopped working, amassing dozens of credits across film, television and theatre. IMDB lists hist most recent project as 2021’s Eddie Murphy sequel, Coming 2 America.
Hollywood reacts:
Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, son of Jones’ Darth Vader in Star Wars, remembered Jones, writing on X, “#RIP dad.”
LeVar Burton also was among the first to pay tribute to Jones. “James Earl Jones…there will never be another of his particular combinations of graces.”
Colman Domingo remerbered Jones on X, writing “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.”
Garcelle Beauvais penned a tribute to Jones on Instagram. “Words cannot express how sad this makes me! thank you for gracing us with your talent and your spirit! It was a pleasure to work and know you #jamesearljones 🙏🏽 🖤restinpower”, she wrote.
Crystal Minkoff, wife of The Lion King co-director Rob Minkoff, wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of Jones holding a statue of Mufasa: “Rest in Power, Mr. Jones. You made a young animator’s dream come true when you accepted the role of Mufasa. Thank you for all you have done for Rob. Your memory will live on. ❤️
Director Paul Feig remembered Jones on X, writing: “James Earl Jones will never die. His talent, work and influence will be with us always. RIP, Mr. Jones.”
SAG-AFTRA released a statement, describing Jones as a “unique talent and thoughtful, profound, and unwavering in his convictions. His body of work speaks volumes about his dedication, not only to the craft of acting but to the integrity and depth he brought to every role,” said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. “In 2008, our union proudly honored him with the Life Achievement Award — an acknowledgment of his towering contributions both on-screen and behind the scenes. His immense talent, boundless wisdom, and unmistakable voice will be deeply missed.”
Throughout his career, Earl Jones won three Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, and a Grammy Award. A prolific theatre actor, he was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1985. He also received an honourary Academy Award in 2011.
Earl Jones was married twice and had one child. His second wife, Cecilia Hart, died in 2016.
Jones also lent his sonorous voice to the famous “This is CNN” promo campaign for the cable news network. “We are deeply saddened to hear of James’s passing,” the network said in a statement. “He was the voice of CNN and our brand for many decades, uniquely conveying through speech instant authority, grace, and decorum. That remarkable voice is just one of many things the world will miss about James. Our thoughts are with his family.”
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