James Earl Jones, the iconic actor known for his profound contributions to cinema and theater, has passed away at the age of 93. Best remembered for his commanding portrayal of Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” franchise, Jones’ death was confirmed by his representative to ABC News. He passed away on Monday at his home in Dutchess County, New York, surrounded by his family, according to his longtime agent, Barry McPherson.
Jones’ career spanned over six decades, during which he became one of the most revered voices in the industry. He won three Tony Awards, including a lifetime achievement honor in 2017, two Emmy Awards, and a Grammy. His achievements were also recognized with an Academy Honorary Award in 2011 for lifetime achievement.
Born in Mississippi in 1931, Jones overcame a severe childhood stutter, which ironically became the foundation of his acting career. A high school teacher introduced him to poetry, which helped him find his voice and led to his pursuit of acting. After college and military service in the Korean War, Jones sought a career in theater.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Jones became a prominent figure on Broadway, earning four Tony Award nominations and winning for “The Great White Hope” in 1969 and “Fences” in 1987. His Broadway success extended to television and film, where he won two Emmy Awards in 1991 and earned an Oscar nomination for his performance in the film adaptation of “The Great White Hope” in 1970.
Jones’ most widely recognized role came in 1977, when he voiced Darth Vader in “Star Wars: A New Hope.” His deep, resonant voice became synonymous with the villainous Sith lord, delivering iconic lines that have cemented his place in cinematic history. Despite being the voice behind one of the most feared villains, Jones remained humble, considering himself a “special effect” for George Lucas, the creator of “Star Wars.”
Throughout his career, Jones appeared in nearly 200 films and TV shows, with memorable roles in “Coming to America,” “Field of Dreams,” and Disney’s animated classic “The Lion King,” where he voiced Mufasa. He continued to reprise his role as Darth Vader in various “Star Wars” projects, including the 2022 Disney+ series “Obi-Wan Kenobi.”
Jones’ contributions to film and theater were recognized in 2022 when Broadway’s Cort Theatre was renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre. He was married twice and is survived by his son, Flynn Earl Jones.