James Earl Jones
Legendary American actor, James Earl Jones, best known for voicing Darth Vader in ‘Star Wars’ and Mufasa in ‘The Lion King’, has passed away at the age of 93.
His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed that Jones died early Monday morning, surrounded by family.
Jones, whose powerful, gravelly voice became iconic through roles in films such as ‘Field of Dreams’, ‘Coming to America’, and ‘Conan the Barbarian’, was celebrated for his distinct contribution to cinema.
Mark Hamill, who portrayed Luke Skywalker in ‘Star Wars’, honoured Jones by posting “RIP Dad”, with a broken heart emoji.
Throughout his prolific career, Jones earned numerous accolades, including three Tony Awards, two Emmys, a Grammy, and an honorary Oscar in 2011 for lifetime achievement.
In 1971, he made history as only the second Black actor nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor, following Sidney Poitier.
Tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry, with Star Trek actor LeVar Burton remarking, “There will never be another of his particular combinations of graces.”
Actor Colman Domingo also paid homage, saying, “Thank you dear James Earl Jones for everything. A master of our craft… Rest now. You gave us your best.”
Jones leaves behind an enduring legacy, cemented by his remarkable voice and profound influence on the world of film and theatre.