James Earl Jones, the famous actor known for his deep voice as Darth Vader and other memorable roles, has died at the age of 93.
His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed that Jones passed away on Monday morning at his home in New York’s Hudson Valley. The cause of death has not been announced.
Jones had a long and successful career. He was one of the first African American actors to gain recognition on daytime television with his role on “As the World Turns” in 1965.
Over the years, he won many awards, including two Emmys, a Golden Globe, two Tony Awards, a Grammy, the National Medal of Arts, and the Kennedy Center Honors. In 2022, a Broadway theater was renamed in his honor.
Despite facing challenges like a severe stutter and racial prejudice, Jones became a celebrated performer. He was known for his roles in films like “Field of Dreams,” “The Great White Hope,” and “Roots: The Next Generation.”
He also provided the iconic voice for Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” films and King Mufasa in Disney’s “The Lion King.”
Jones was also the voice behind CNN’s famous introduction, “This is CNN,” and he won a Grammy in 1977 for narrating “Great American Documents.”
Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones moved to Michigan as a child. He overcame his stutter with help from a supportive teacher and went on to study drama at the University of Michigan. After serving in the Army, he moved to New York to pursue acting.
His big break came with the Broadway play “The Great White Hope” in 1970, where he played Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight boxing champion. This role earned him an Academy Award nomination and made him a leading actor.
Jones was married twice. His first wife was Julienne Marie Hendricks, and after their divorce, he married Cecilia Hart in 1982. Hart, known for her role in “Paris,” passed away in 2016. They had one son, Flynn Earl, born in 1983.
In 2022, a Broadway theater was named after Jones to honor his contributions. His impact on acting and culture continues to be remembered and celebrated.
