NEW YORK—One of the world’s most iconic voices, James Earl Jones, 93, passed away on September 9, 2024, at his home in Dutchess County, New York. Jones’ life story is one of overcoming personal adversity to achieve universal acclaim, of using one’s voice not just to entertain but to educate and uplift.
Jones retired from acting in 2023, leaving behind a legacy that spanned over six decades. Below are highlights from his career:
Movies:
- Voice of Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” franchise (1977, 1980, 1983, 2016, 2019)
- Voice of Mufasa in “The Lion King” (1994, 2019)
- “The Great White Hope” (1970) as Jack Jefferson
- “Malcolm X” (1972) as Malcolm X
- “Conan the Barbarian” (1982) as Thoth-Amon
- “Coming to America” (1988) as King Jaffe Joffer
- “Field of Dreams” (1989) as Terrence Mann
- “The Hunt for Red October” (1990) as Admiral James Greer
- “Patriot Games” (1992) and “Clear and Present Danger” (1994) reprising his role as Admiral Greer
- “Soul Man” (1986)
- “Gardens of Stone” (1987)
- “Matewan” (1987)
- “Best of the Best” (1989)
- “By Dawn’s Early Light” (1990) as General Charlie
- “The Ambulance” (1990)
- “Sneakers” (1992)
- “A Piece of the Action” (1977)
- “The Comedians” (1967)
- “The Man” (1972)
- “Claudine” (1974)
- “Swashbuckler” (1976)
- “Exorcist II: The Heretic” (1977)
- “The Greatest” (1977)
- “Cry, the Beloved Country” (1995)
- “The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride” (1998) as Mufasa (voice)
Plays and Theater Performances:
- “The Great White Hope” (1968) as Jack Jefferson
- “Othello” (1964-1965)
- “King Lear” (1973)
- “Fences” by August Wilson, both on Broadway and in film adaptations
- “The Gin Game” (2015) with Cicely Tyson
- Various Shakespearean roles in productions like “The Merchant of Venice,” “The Winter’s Tale,” “Coriolanus,” and “Hamlet”
- Shakespeare in the Park performances, notably his lauded “Othello” in 1964
Voice Work and Other Notable Roles:
- Narrator for numerous documentaries and series, including “The Discovery Channel”
- Voice of CNN’s tagline “This is CNN”
- Various roles in “The Simpsons”
- Voice work in video games like “Under a Killing Moon”
His departure from the stage and screen in 2023, and now death a year later is not just the end of an era but a moment to reflect on how one man’s voice shaped the narrative of culture.
Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones’ early life was fraught with challenges. Raised by his grandparents in Michigan after his parents’ separation, he developed a stutter so severe that he avoided speaking for years. His journey into acting began at the University of Michigan, where he discovered drama as a therapeutic outlet for his stutter.
He started his professional debut on Broadway in 1957 with “Sunrise at Campobello.” However, it was his portrayal of boxer Jack Jefferson in “The Great White Hope” in 1968 that catapulted him to stardom. The role not only earned him a Tony Award but also an Academy Award nomination when it was adapted for film in 1970.
Jones played Shakespearean roles like King Lear and Othello bringing a unique interpretation to characters often played by white actors. His work in “Fences” by August Wilson, both on stage and in the 1987 film adaptation, highlighted his skill in portraying the African American experience with authenticity and emotional gravitas.
However, it was his voice to Darth Vader, one of cinema’s most iconic villains, in the “Star Wars” franchise, Jones is best known for. His voice, both menacing and authoritative, added layers to Vader’s character, making him not just a villain but a tragic figure. This role, alongside his work as Mufasa in Disney’s “The Lion King,” ensured that his voice would be recognized by generations.
Beyond the screen, Jones’ contributions to audiobooks and commercials made his voice a familiar presence in American households. His narration of “Roots: The Saga of an American Family” by Alex Haley was particularly poignant, bringing the epic tale of African heritage to life with a personal touch that resonated deeply with listeners. For years, he was introductory voice on CNN with the phrase, “This, is CNN.”
Jones was also an advocate for arts education and spoke openly about his battle with stuttering, inspiring countless individuals to overcome their own speech impediments. His work with the National Stuttering Association and his public speeches on the subject provided hope and a model for resilience.
Jones received numerous accolades, including the National Medal of Arts in 1992 and a Kennedy Center Honor in 2005. These honors not only celebrated his career but also his impact on American culture and the arts.
