James Earl Jones was an American actor. Jones, best known for his iconic voice as Darth Vader in Star Wars, has passed away. He died on September 9th at his home in Pawling, New York at 93 years old. During his military service, Jones converted to Catholicism, and often explained that his favorite role was narrating the Bible (Available here: https://amzn.to/3XcdJq8). His Broadway debut was in 1957, Jones has won many awards, including a Tony Award for his role in The Great White Hope, which also earned him a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role for the film version of the play. Jones has won three Emmy Awards, including two in the same year in 1990. He is also known for his voice roles as Darth Vader in the Star Wars film series, Field of Dreams, and Mufasa in Disney's The Lion King, as well as many other film, stage and television roles.
Biography:
Actor James Earl Jones was born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi. As a child, Jones developed a severe stutter, which he overcame during his high school years. He went on to star in a long list of successful movies and plays, becoming widely known as the voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars film franchise. Jones won Tony Awards for his performances in The Great White Hope and Fences, and garnered an honorary Academy Award in 2011. He is also a two-time Emmy Award winner.
Early Life and Education
James Earl Jones was born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi. His father, Robert Earl Jones, a boxer and actor, was largely absent from his life growing up. At an early age, Jones was raised by his maternal grandparents in Mississippi before moving with them to Michigan. He is of African, Cherokee, Choctaw and Irish descent.
Jones went to the University of Michigan to study medicine, but soon discovered acting. After college, he served in the military during the Korean War, returning to his passion of performing once he finished his service. Moving to New York City, Jones studied at the American Theatre Wing and eventually took on the stage name Todd Jones for a little while, inspired by a childhood nickname. He found a job as a janitor to make ends meet during the early days of his career and got to know his father, who was then working in the dramatic arts as well.
Jones was active in the Shakespeare in the Park program, appearing in one of its first productions in 1962, and in 1964, he gave a tremendous performance as the title character in Othello, going on to play the character numerous times.
Personal Life
Previously married to actress Julienne Marie, with whom he co-starred in Othello, Jones wed Cecilia Hart in 1982. The couple has one son, Flynn Earl Jones.
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