James Earl Jones, the revered American actor best known as the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars, has died at the age of 93.
His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed that Jones passed away at his home surrounded by family members. Though no official cause of death was given, Jones had been a longtime sufferer of diabetes.
With a career spanning several decades, Jones starred in numerous films, including Field of Dreams, Coming to America, Conan the Barbarian, and The Lion King, where he voiced Mufasa. However, he gained worldwide recognition for lending his deep, gravelly voice to the Star Wars villain Darth Vader.
Mark Hamill, who played Darth Vader’s son, Luke Skywalker, in the Star Wars films, paid tribute to his on-screen father with a simple message: “RIP Dad,” accompanied by a broken heart emoji.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jones earned three Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, a Grammy, and an honorary Oscar in 2011 for lifetime achievement. He also made history in 1971 as only the second Black man to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor, following Sidney Poitier.
Tributes poured in from across the entertainment world. Star Trek actor LeVar Burton said, “There will never be another of his particular combinations of graces.” US actor Colman Domingo honored Jones with: “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.”
Kevin Costner, who co-starred with Jones in Field of Dreams, shared his memories.
“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.”
Kelvin Costner
Oscar-winning actress Octavia Spencer reflected on Jones’s immense influence, stating, “His voice and talent will always be remembered. Legendary doesn’t even begin to describe his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever.”
Crystal Minkoff, wife of The Lion King co-director Rob Minkoff, expressed her gratitude with a photo of Jones holding a Mufasa statue.
“Rest in Power, Mr Jones. You made a young animator’s dream come true when you accepted the role of Mufasa. Thank you for all you have done for Rob. Your memory will live on.”
Crystal Minkoff
Beyond his cinematic achievements, Jones was also the iconic voice of the US broadcaster CNN’s tagline, “This is CNN.”
In a statement to Hollywood Reporter, CNN remembered him fondly.
“He was the voice of CNN and our brand for many decades, uniquely conveying instant authority, grace, and decorum through speech. That remarkable voice is just one of many things the world will miss about James.”
CNN
Michigan Football Honors the Legendary Actor
Michigan Alumni James Earl Jones was best known for voicing Darth Vader in the Star Wars movies and studied drama at the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1955.
Jones has been the iconic voice of the Michigan Football intro since head coach Jim Harbaugh had the idea before the 2015 college football season.
The introduction video has been played before every game at the Big House since then. The recording includes clips of both historic Michigan football moments and clips of the current team.
It also features shots of the Ann Arbor campus and the Big House. Alumni and famous Wolverines are included throughout the video.
Jones serves as the voice for so many iconic lines that echo throughout the Big House on Saturdays. The fans repeat impactful lines such as calling the University of Michigan the “greatest university in the world” and Harbaugh’s favorite phrase “an enthusiasm unknown to mankind”.
Students have memorized the intro since it came out, and it has become such an important part of hyping up the Michigan crowd before the Wolverines take the field.
The Office of the President at U-M has made an official statement on Jones’ death, honoring his memory. “James Earl Jones will be missed by all, but especially by all the students, staff, and alumni associated with the University and the football team,” he said.
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