James Earl Jones at the age of 93 marks a significant loss in the realm of performing arts. Renowned for his deep, resonant voice and commanding presence, Jones has left an indelible mark on both stage and screen. His performances spanned a wide array of genres, demonstrating his versatility as an actor. From his iconic role as Darth Vader in the "Star Wars" franchise to his Tony Award-winning performances in theater productions such as "Fences," Jones captivated audiences worldwide with his profound ability to convey complex emotions.
Beyond his impressive body of work, Jones was also celebrated for breaking racial barriers within the entertainment industry. He emerged during a time when opportunities for African American actors were limited and often relegated to stereotypical roles. By choosing diverse characters and delivering powerful performances, he challenged prevailing norms and paved the way for future generations of actors. His commitment to social justice extended beyond acting; he was actively involved in various initiatives aimed at improving representation within Hollywood.
James Earl Jones first crossed paths with Lucasfilm in early 1977 when he was cast to perform the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars: A New Hope. He’d already been an accomplished actor on stage and screen for decades, with appearances in such classics as Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964), a film that influenced writer/director George Lucas.
While Jones has what many would agree is one of the most recognizable voices of all time and has helped to make Darth Vader a cinema legend, he was actually not Lucas’ first choice for the voice role. “The rumor is that he thought of Orson Welles,” recalled Jones. “And then probably thought that Orson might be too recognizable, so what he ends up picking is a voice that was born in Mississippi, raised in Michigan, and was a stutterer. And, that happened to be my voice.”
Coming 2 America,” the long-awaited sequel to the 1988 classic. His final credit, according to IMDb, was voicing Darth Vader in the 2022 Disney+ mini series “Obi-Wan Kenobi.”
A CNN spokesperson said in a statement on Monday that Jones “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,” the statement added.
Over his long and prolific career Jones won three Tonys, two Emmys, a Grammy, a Golden Globe and numerous other awards.
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