James Earl Jones, known for his voice-over of iconic characters, dies at the age of 93
James Earl Jones was the voice of the masked Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise and Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King.
Hollywood is reacting to the death of James Earl Jones, the prolific EGOT-winning stage and screen actor who was recognized at every major industry awards ceremony during his lifetime.
Jones, who died on Monday at the age of 93 “surrounded by his loved ones,” was remembered by friends and admirers including Colman Domingo, “Star Wars” co-star Mark Hamill and Octavia Spencer.
Hamill, known for his role as Luke Skywalker, shared a simple message shortly after Jones’ death was announced. “#RIP Dad đź’”,” he shared on X, formerly Twitter. One of Jones’ most famous lines, delivered in his distinctive baritone voice, was Darth Vader Star announcing he was Luke’s father in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.
Spencer shared on Instagram that she was “incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of #JamesEarlJones today.”
“Legendary doesn’t even begin to describe his iconic roles and his impact on cinema forever,” she wrote in the caption. “His voice and talent will always be remembered. Sending love to his family, friends and countless fans in every galaxie, far, far away.”
Obituary for James Earl Jones: Celebrated “Field of Dreams” actor and Darth Vader’s voice dies
Domingo expressed his gratitude for Jones’ nearly 60-year acting career on Instagram, writing, “Rest in peace. Thank you for everything. Everything. Everything. We all looked up to you. Thank you King James Earl Jones. Rest in peace.”
Josh Gad also praised Jones as a voice that shaped his childhood.
“Shaken. 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?” Gad wrote in an Instagram caption. “For so many of us, you shaped our childhoods, from Star Wars to The Lion King, Field of Dreams to The Sandlot, Coming to America to Dr. Strangelove.”
“Thank you, James, for dedicating your life to the arts and filling our lives with some of the best performances ever. It was an honor to know you and an even greater honor to perform in a theater with your namesake. đź’””
LeVar Burton remembered Jones’ good nature and wrote in an X-post: “James Earl Jones … there will never be another man with this special combination of character traits.”
