James Earl Jones, the esteemed actor known for his powerful voice and iconic performances, died on Monday, 9 September 2024. He was 93.
James Earl Jones dies: What’s the cause of death?
Jones had battled diabetes for several years, and while the official cause of death has not been fully disclosed, his agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed that he passed away surrounded by his family.
Jones’s passing marks the end of a career that spanned over seven decades, where his distinct voice and commanding presence left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
James Earl Jones biography
James Earl Jones was born on 17 January 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi.
Overcoming a childhood stutter, Jones developed a passion for poetry and acting, which helped him find his voice—literally and figuratively. He went on to pursue acting after serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Jones made his Broadway debut in 1957 in Sunrise at Campobello, and his career skyrocketed with his role in The Great White Hope in 1968, which earned him a Tony Award and an Academy Award nomination when adapted for film.
His second Tony Award came in 1987 for his performance in Fences, showcasing his versatility on stage.
While Jones’s acting achievements were remarkable, it was his deep, resonant voice that made him an international sensation.
He became the voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise, a role that cemented his status as a pop culture icon. Beyond Star Wars, Jones voiced Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King (1994), further expanding his legacy in film.
In addition to his film roles, Jones made a mark on television, winning two Primetime Emmy Awards for Heat Wave(1990) and Gabriel’s Fire (1991).
His work in shows such as Roots, Frasier, and Homicide: Life on the Street solidified his reputation as one of America’s most distinguished actors.
Jones’s numerous accolades include the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honours, and an Honorary Academy Award, making him one of the few to achieve the coveted EGOT status—having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.
Reactions to Jones’s death
The entertainment industry and fans worldwide have reacted with sorrow and admiration to the death of James Earl Jones.
Star Wars actor Mark Hamill took to X (formerly Twitter) and posted a broken heart emoji, captioning his tribute, “#RIP Dad,” referring to Jones’s role as Darth Vader.
Lucasfilm, the production company behind Star Wars, expressed its grief in a statement:
“The menacing baritone he brought to Darth Vader will forever be beloved by fans and regarded as one of the great villainous performances in cinema. His commanding presence on screen, and warm personality off-screen will be greatly missed.”
Celebrities and fans alike have shared their memories and tributes to Jones online:
Jones leaves behind an unparalleled legacy, inspiring generations of actors and voice artists with his work on stage, screen, and beyond.