James Earl Jones, Authoritative Actor and Voice of Darth Vader, Dies at 93

THR ^ | 9 Sep 2024 | Jacqueline Mansky

[Rummyfan]

The honorary Oscar recipient and two-time Tony winner overcame a stutter to stand out in such films as 'The Great White Hope,' 'The Lion King,' 'Field of Dreams' and 'The Sandlot.'

James Earl Jones, a commanding presence onscreen who nonetheless gained greater fame off-camera as the sonorous voice of Star Wars villain Darth Vader and Mufasa, the benevolent leader in The Lion King, died Monday. He was 93.

Jones, who burst into national prominence in 1970 with his powerful Oscar-nominated performance as America’s first Black heavyweight champion in The Great White Hope, died at his home in Dutchess County, New York, Independent Artist Group announced.

The distinguished star made his big-screen debut in Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) and was noteworthy in many other films, including Claudine (1974) opposite Diahann Carroll; Field of Dreams (1989), as the reclusive author Terence Mann; and The Sandlot (1993), as the intimidating neighborhood guy Mr. Mertle.

[dfwgator]

He was the only good thing in “Soul Man”.

“If you have to work twice as hard as these little white s___s then you damn well better work twice as hard!”

[webheart]

They don’t mention his greatest role in any movie, Thulsa Doom in Conan the Barbarian.

[TribalPrincess2U]

As they say. “A legend in his own time.”

RIP Mr. Jones. Another great actor and person.

[No name given]

He was a Republican as a matter of fact and pretty critical of Obeyme from what I understand.

[Ciaphas Cain]

I heard him speak at Virginia Tech in 2003. He expressed reluctance at being called an African American, noting that he was also part Cherokee and part Irish.

[Political Junkie Too]

Does anyone remember this? I do, because I once lived in that town.

From the Tampa Bay Times (1/16/2002): Plaque to honor actor names killer

Excerpt:

A plaque intended to honor deep-voiced actor James Earl Jones at this city's Martin Luther King Jr. celebration instead had this extremely incorrect message: "Thank you James Earl Ray for keeping the dream alive."

The plaque, to be presented at Lauderhill's annual King celebration Saturday, was made by Georgetown, Texas-based Merit Industries at the request of Adpro, a Lauderhill-based business.

But instead of thanking Jones, it erroneously honors Ray, who shot and killed King in 1968.

-PJ

[Kid Shelleen]

Great White Hope (1970, trailer)

[Joe 6-pack]

He was also an army Ranger earning his tab as an infantry lieutenant back in the 1950s.

[MPJackal]

I read an interview where he said he was in the Army, stationed at Fort Carson CO. Said he loved it. Mountain climbing in the Summer. Skiing in the Winter. Thought about staying in. I think he made the right decision.

[montag813]

Conan : You killed my mother! You killed my father, you killed my people! You took my father's sword...

Thulsa Doom : Ah. It must have been when I was younger. There was a time, boy, when I searched for steel, when steel meant more to me than gold or jewels.

Conan : The riddle... of steel.

Thulsa Doom : Yes! You know what it is, don't you boy? Shall I tell you? It's the least I can do. Steel isn't strong, boy, flesh is stronger! Look around you. There, on the rocks; a beautiful girl. Come to me, my child...

[coaxes the girl to jump to her death]

Thulsa Doom : That is strength, boy! That is power! What is steel compared to the hand that wields it? Look at the strength in your body, the desire in your heart, I gave you this! Such a waste. Contemplate this on the tree of woe. Crucify him!

R.I.P., Legend!

[NorthernDancer]

I saw him as Othello at the Kennedy Center sometime around 1980, with Christopher Plummer as Iago! It was one of the most memorable productions I’ve been to.

[Texan4Life]

I loved JEJ’s role in The Hunt For Red October!

JEJ appeared at our County Community College years ago to open a Joint City/College Library. I attended.

[rktman]

Who?

[DAC21]

He also did the narrative for the L.A. Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics back in 1984 with Rafer Johnson lighting the torch.

[Retain Mike]

OMG. What an unbelievable pair. they are two of my favorites.

[Trump_Triumphant]

“THAT is strength, boy! THAT is power!”

[gunnut]

I hope he recorded his own eulogy and possibly the audio for his life story.

[Thank You Rush]

“”But many many roles to choose from.””

Yes, so many...great actor with a great voice!!!

[doorgunner69]

Geez, ho could I forget that, those blue contact lenses were great.

[where's_the_Outrage?]