James Earl Jones Remembered by Star Wars Co-Star Mark Hamill and Others
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Legendary actor James Earl Jones, renowned for his unforgettable voice and commanding presence on stage and screen, has passed away at the age of 93.
Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones overcame a childhood stutter to become one of the most revered voices in entertainment history. Known to many as the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars and for his iconic “This is CNN” line, Jones had a career spanning decades in film, television, and theater.
His career highlights include starring roles as Jack Jefferson in The Great White Hope, for which he was nominated for an Oscar, and voicing Mufasa in The Lion King. He was also a towering presence on Broadway, earning a Tony Award for his portrayal of Othello in 1982.
Jones’s powerful voice made him a cultural icon, but he remained humble throughout his life. “You’re the only person who can tell whether you have talent or not,” he once said in an interview, offering wisdom on pursuing a career in the arts.
Hollywood paid tribute to Jones following the news of his death with his Star Wars co-star Mark Hamill sharing on X: “#RIP dad 💔”
Disney CEO Bob Iger posted on the company’s official Instagram: “From the gentle wisdom of Mufasa to the menacing threat of Darth Vader, James Earl Jones gave voice to some of the greatest characters in cinema history. A celebrated stage actor with nearly 200 film and television credits to his name, the stories he brought to life with a uniquely commanding presence and a true richness of spirit have left an indelible mark on generations of audiences. On behalf of all of us at Disney, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Actor LeVar Burton, who starred alongside Jones in the TV movie Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones, tweeted, “James Earl Jones…there will never be another of his particular combination of graces.”
Actor Colman Domingo wrote, “Thank you dear James Earl Jones for everything. A master of our craft. We stand on your shoulders. Rest now. You gave us your best.”
Actress Octavia Spencer said, “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.”
Actress Yvette Nicole Brown wrote, “Besides Star Wars, the first film I remember ever seeing was Claudine. James Earl Jones is a part of my cinematic DNA. Heartbroken doesn’t begin to cover it.”
