Star Wars and Lion King legend James Earl Jones has passed away at the age of 93, as confirmed by his long-time agent Barry McPherson on Monday. The American actor, best known for voicing Darth Vader in Star Wars, also lent his iconic voice to Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King and CNN’s famous tagline, “This is CNN.”
Jones, born in 1931, overcame a stutter in his childhood to become one of the most recognisable voices in the world. He received numerous accolades during his career, including Emmys, Tony Awards, a Grammy, and an honorary Oscar. Apart from his portrayal of Darth Vader, Jones was celebrated for his performances on stage and screen in productions like The Great White Hope and Fences, for which he won awards.
His versatility extended to film roles such as in Field Of Dreams, Coming To America, and Conan The Barbarian. Jones also excelled in television with roles in Heat Wave and Gabriel’s Fire, earning him Primetime Emmy Awards. His contributions to Broadway led to the renaming of the Shubert Organisation’s Cort Theatre to honour his impactful career.
Among his many prestigious awards, Jones received the National Medal of Arts, a Kennedy Centre Honour, and an honorary Oscar in 2011. His work showcased immense talent and left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. James Earl Jones will be remembered for his remarkable contributions to film, television, and theatre, leaving a profound impact on audiences worldwide.