James Earl Jones, the legendary actor, has died at 93.
He passed away this morning at his home in Dutchess County, New York.
The news was confirmed by his representatives at Independent Artist Group.
Jones was celebrated for his iconic roles. He voiced Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King and portrayed Darth Vader in Star Wars. His influence spanned both stage and screen.
James Earl Jones, Distinguished Actor and Voice of Darth Vader, Dies at 93 https://t.co/ThOrCRdBRm
— Variety (@Variety) September 9, 2024
He debuted on Broadway in 1958 at the Cort Theatre, renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre in 2022. Throughout his career, he was nominated for four Tony Awards, winning two.
He first won in 1969 for his role as boxer Jack Johnson in The Great White Hope and again in 1987 for playing Troy Maxson in August Wilson’s Fences.
Jones’s career extended into film and television, with a filmography in the double digits.
He featured in Eddie Murphy’s 1988 comedy Coming to America and John McTiernan’s The Hunt for Red October. He earned two Emmy awards in 1991 and an honorary Oscar in 2011.
Tributes have poured in following the sad news.
LeVar Burton from Star Trek tweeted: “James Earl Jones… there will never be another of his particular combination of graces.”
Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker and Jones’s son in Star Wars, wrote: “[Rest in peace] dad,” with a broken heart emoji.
Actress Octavia Spencer posted on Instagram: “I’m incredibly saddened to learn of James Earl Jones passing today. Legendary doesn’t even begin to describe his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever. His voice and talent will be remembered always. Sending love to his family, friends and countless fans in all the galaxies, far, far away.”
A fan on Twitter wrote: “Rest in peace, James Earl Jones. One of the most powerful, evocative, emotional voices in cinema history.”
Born in Mississippi in 1931, Jones is survived by his only son, Flynn Earl Jones.
The cause of death remains undisclosed.
What Other Media Are Saying
- CBS News reports that James Earl Jones, the voice of Darth Vader, has died at the age of 93, surrounded by his family.(read more)
- ABC15 reports that legendary actor James Earl Jones has died at the age of 93, known for iconic roles such as Darth Vader in “Star Wars” and Mufasa in “The Lion King.”(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
When did James Earl Jones pass away?
James Earl Jones passed away at the age of 93.
Where did James Earl Jones die?
He died at his home in Dutchess County, New York.
What are James Earl Jones’ most famous roles?
He is best known for voicing Mufasa in The Lion King and Darth Vader in Star Wars.
How many Tony Awards did James Earl Jones win?
James Earl Jones won two Tony Awards.
Did James Earl Jones receive any honorary awards?
Yes, he received an honorary Oscar in 2011.