James Earl Jones, Acclaimed Performer & Darth Vader Voice Actor, Dies at 93

James Earl Jones, a legendary actor and EGOT winner known for his prolific appearances in movies and television, has passed away at the age of 93. The news was confirmed via Jones’ representatives at Independent Artist Group, who revealed that he passed away on the morning of Monday, September 9th at his home in Dutchess County, NY. Jones’ career included a number of iconic roles, including providing the voice for Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy and subsequent franchise spinoffs. He also voiced Mufasa in both the animated and live-action takes on The Lion King, and appeared in beloved projects such as Coming to America, The Sandlot, and Field of Dreams.

Born on January 17, 1931 in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan in 1955, balancing his dramatic studies with his time in the military. His first cinematic role was as Lt. Lothar Zogg in Stanley Kubrick’s beloved 1964 comedy Dr. Strangelove. He earned his first Best Actor Oscar nomination in 1970 (then the second-ever nomination for an African-American actor), for his portrayal of real-life boxer Jack Johnson in The Great White Hope. 

Jones’ Star Wars tenure began with 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope, voicing the role of Darth Vader while actor David Prowse portrayed the role within the costume. He went on to reprise his role in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, and later in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and several animated spinoffs.

“When I first saw the dialogue that said, ‘Luke, I am your father,’ I said to myself, ‘He’s lying. I wonder how they are going to play that lie out?’” Jones said in a 2017 documentary called Star Wars: Empire of Dreams.

Jones’ other filmography includes the Coming to America movies, Field of Dreams, Conan the Barbarian, The Hunt for Red October, and The Sandlot. He also is regarded to be among the first celebrity guests on Sesame Street, having appeared in short test films that were made to introduce children to the show’s format. Over the course of his career he won three Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards for his work in Gabriel’s Fire and Heat Wave, and an honorary Academy Award in 2011.

Our thoughts are with Jones’ family, friends, and fans at this time.