S Poddar
Legendary actor James Earl Jones, best known as the voice behind Star Wars’ Darth Vader, has died. He was 93 years old. Jones died peacefully early Monday morning surrounded by his family, according to his agent, Barry McPherson.
Jones collected titles aplenty throughout his storied career. Throughout his career, he made films in all genres: Field of Dreams, Coming to America, Conan the Barbarian, and The Lion King, in which his voice gave life to one of his most famous voice-over characters, Mufasa. But it was his role as Darth Vader that seared itself into movie history. His deep voice became so synonymous with that of the Star Wars villain that for many, Darth Vader became one of the most recognizably popular characters to have ever appeared on celluloid.
Following news of his death, Mark Hamill, who portrayed his son Luke Skywalker, in Star Wars, also took to social media to react. He further placed a simple and emotional message: “RIP Dad” with a heartbreak emoji.
Indeed, James Earl Jones’ contribution to cinema was not a small one. He has been variously rewarded during his career with three Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, and a Grammy. In 2011, he was awarded an honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement-the proof of his long-lasting impact on the industry.
He also broke barriers; he was only the second Black man to be nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award, in 1971, after Sidney Poitier. His talent and versatility had won him wide respect among peers and fans.
Tributes to Jones have been forthcoming from across the entertainment spectrum. Actor LeVar Burton, most known for his role in Star Trek, called the late actor, “there will never be another of his particular combinations of graces.” Highly regarded actor Colman Domingo said on social media, “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.”
Kevin Costner, Jones’ Field of Dreams costar, made an emotional tribute: “That booming voice. 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.”
Oscar-winning actress Octavia Spencer celebrated Jones, too, saying his “voice and talent will be remembered always”; she added that “legendary doesn’t even begin to describe his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever.” Crystal Minkoff, wife of The Lion King co-director Rob Minkoff, headed to Instagram to remember Jones’s contribution to the classic film by posting an adorable photo of him holding up a statue of Mufasa and reflected her gratitude for the opportunity to have worked with him.
Beyond just films, Jones was also the voice behind CNN’s famous “This is CNN” tagline, which further engraved his ability for on-vocal performance. Looking back on his tenure with the network, CNN issued a statement to the Hollywood Reporter: “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.”
Born in Mississippi in January 1931, Jones had a difficult childhood; he had developed a severe stammer that rendered him mute for much of his childhood. He went on to create one of the most distinctive voices in Hollywood. He overcame his impediment with aplomb and continues to use it to make his mark.
Jones started with his Darth Vader role in the original Star Wars film back in 1977 and continued once more in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Years later, he came back for Rogue One and The Rise of Skywalker to make sure that his legendary voice was the mainstay of the Star Wars tradition.
Whereas Jones did the voice of Darth Vader, the man who provided that character with his physical movements and a costume was the late David Prowse. Always humble, at one point in time, Jones referred to this work as simply a “special effect,” and he received no credit for many years. He earned only $9,000 working on that first film and did not start rethinking the value of his contribution until the movies became phenomenally successful.
Beyond science fiction, Jones also carved out careers in television and theatre. He played Alex Haley in Roots: The Next Generation and won one of his two Emmy Awards for his starring role in the drama Gabriel’s Fire. His voice turned up in shows like The Simpsons, and he appeared in the early years of Sesame Street.
On the stage, Jones was an unforgettable character in his iconic performances of Othello and King Lear. With such dedication to his craft, he has received admiration and respect from audiences both on-screen and live on the stage.
