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Tributes are pouring in after it was announced that James Earl Jones has died at the age of 93.
No cause of death has immediately been announced for the American actor, who was best known for voicing Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise and Mufasa in The Lion King.
On social media, Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill made reference to the relationship between their Star Wars characters by tweeting: “#RIP dad.”
He shared more in an Instagram post later, writing: “One of the world’s finest actors whose contributions to Star Wars were immeasurable. He’ll be greatly missed.”
James Earl Jones death: Booming voice behind Darth Vader and Mufasa dies aged 93
Star Wars creator George Lucas said in a statement: “For nearly half a century he was Darth Vader, but the secret to it all is he was a beautiful human being. He gave depth, sincerity and meaning to all his roles, amongst the most important being a devoted husband to the late Ceci and dad to Flynn.
“James will be missed by so many of us...friends and fans alike.”
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy described Jones as “one of the most versatile and talented actors of our time, with an iconic body of work across film, stage and television”.
Field of Dreams costar Kevin Costner shared a touching message on Instagram: “That booming voice. That quiet strength. The kindness that he radiated. So much can be said about his legacy, so I’ll just say how thankful I am that part of it includes Field of Dreams.
“If you’ve seen it, you know that this movie wouldn’t be the same with anyone else in his role. Only he could bring that kind of magic to a movie about baseball and a cornfield in Iowa. I’m grateful to have been a witness to him making that magic happen. Rest in peace, friend.”
Disney CEO Bob Iger said: “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 audience.
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“On behalf of all of us at Disney, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
The actor and television host LeVar Burton, best known for his role in Star Trek: The Next Generation, also paid tribute to Jones: “there will never be another of his particular combination of graces.”
Star Trek star George Takei posted on X: “A great spirit and boundless, unique voice has left us. James Earl Jones has passed, and he is returned to the great beyond. We are all the lesser for his loss, and we collectively mourn his passing and honor his great body of work.”
Wendell Pierce, who played Detective Bunk Moreland in The Wire, posted a moving tribute to Jones, who he said inspired him to act. “This man was the living embodiment of artistry, integrity, creativity, and dignity,” wrote Pierce.
“James Earl Jones is the sole reason I became an actor. He stirred a vocation in me that gave voice to my unsung heart songs. By example, he led me on the exploration of my own personal humanity and the study of human behavior in others and the intangible, ever-present soul. He was a once in a generation talent that has left an enormous legacy in American culture.”
Rustin star Colman Domingo wrote on X: “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.”
Bridesmaids director Paul Feig wrote: “James Earl Jones will never die. His talent, work and influence will be with us always. RIP, Mr. Jones.”
On Instagram, Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer wrote: “I’m incredibly saddened to learn of #JamesEarlJones’ 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.”
Also on Instagram, Star Wars: Ahsoka actor Rosario Dawson posted a collage of photos of Jones as a young man with caption: “MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU Rest In Power King James THANK YOU.”
The Mandalorian star Diana Lee Inosanto described listening “to that wonderful mid-Atlantic accent that he created for that infamous galactic villain” while preparing for her audition in a heartfelt tribute on social media.
“This AMAZING MAN! Rest in Peace. James Earl Jones … that talent, that human being that brought the world the iconic voice of Star Wars’ Darth Vader and so many other memorable characters. I remember during my preparation for auditioning for The Mandalorian, I would playback his scenes in the original Star Wars trilogy, and listen to that wonderful mid-Atlantic accent that he created for that infamous galactic villain … hoping that I could capture just a tenth of what he brought. What Star Wars presence! Inspiration! What a gift of talent!”
Actor Chris O’Dowd shared a photo of himself on X with Jones with the caption: “A voice that stopped you in your tracks. Rest easy legend.”
The Lion King Rob Minkoff also shared a photo of himself with Jones from 1993 on social media and wrote: “Just learned of the passing of the great James Earl Jones. I was blessed to get to work with him. His portrayal of Mufasa was perfection. What a powerful man and actor. Gone but will never be forgotten. Rest in power.”
American filmmaker Barry Jenkins shared a photo of young Jones on social media, while actor Lydia Cornell, who starred with Jones in the 1982 film Blood Tide, posted a tribute on X: “Oh no!! I can’t believe it!! I thought he was going to live forever. My costar from my first movie. Rest in peace James Earl Jones.”
Actor and television personality Garcelle Beauvais, who worked with Jones on Coming to America, posted on Instagram, writing: “Words cannot express how sad this makes me! thank you for gracing us with your talent and your spirit! It was a pleasure to work and know you.”
Debbie Allen, who directed Jones in a 2008 Broadway production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, also shared a moving tribute on Instagram, writing: “Today we lost our Big Daddy. #JamesEarlJones will forever be remembered as The GOAT. It was truly a privilege to direct him and a Blessing to be loved by him. We will forever speak his name and tell the great stories that will become Legend and Myth and seed generations to come.”
Steven Canals, known for co-creating Pose, posted a tribute on his Instagram stories, writing: “What a career. Thank you for making the moviegoing experience so special. Rest In Power, Legend.”
The Color Purple star Danielle Brooks wrote: “Rest in power to one of our giants. May we forever hold your voice in our hearts!”
Yvette Nicole Brown posted on X: “Besides #StarWars, the first film I remember ever seeing was #Claudine. #JamesEarlJones is a part of my cinematic DNA. Heartbroken doesn’t begin to cover it.”
Major League Baseball shared a video on X of Jones performing the national anthem at an All-Star game in 1993 and wrote: “RIP James Earl Jones, the legendary actor who memorably appeared in the iconic baseball movies Field of Dreams and The Sandlot.”
Kerry Washington posted on X: “Your voice left an everlasting mark on film and theatre. Your roles shaped our imaginations. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest in peace, Mr. Jones.”
Josh Gad shared an old photo of himself with Jones, writing that he was “shattered” by Jones' death.
“Shattered. There are icons and then there is this man. How do you remember someone who gave us some of the greatest stage and screen performances of all time? For so many of us, you defined our childhoods from Star Wars to Lion King, from Field of Dreams to The Sandlot, from Coming to America to Dr Strangelove. Thank you James for giving your life to art and filling our lifetimes with some of the best performances of any resume ever. It was an honor to know you and an even bigger honor to get to perform in a theatre with your namesake,” he wrote.
Viola Davis posted a video celebrating Jones’s life and career on Instagram and wrote: “What. A. Life!!!! A life of electrifying EXCELLENCE!! You were the gold standard....the gravitas, the guts, sweat, strength, and vulnerability..... Every character was towering and heroic. You were anointed. Honored to have met you sir. Honored you graced this life and left this gift of artistry. Rest with the giants....May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Across a storied career on stage and screen, Jones received three Tony Awards, two Emmys and a Grammy.
Even in death, Jones’s booming voice will live on. In 2022, he signed off on archival voice recordings to be manipulated for future iterations of Darth Vader with the use of artificial intelligence. “David Prowse worked very hard to create the character Darth Vader. He is Vader. I just consider myself to be special effects,” Jones said self-deprecatingly in his 1993 memoir. “That’s how I approached it. I just sat there and had all the fun of playing my voice like an instrument.”
What an instrument it was.
