The legendary film and voice actor James Earl Jones has died. He became known through his leading roles in films such as “Coming to America”, “Claudine” and “Field of Dreams” as well as the voice of Mufasa in “The Lion King” and Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” series. The actor was 93 years old.
James Earl Jones’ representative confirmed to NBC News that the legendary talent died on Monday, September 9. He is survived by his only child, son Flynn Earl Jones, whom he had with wife Cecilia Hart. Hart, also an actor, died in October 2016.
The “Sandlot” star and Hart married in 1982 after meeting on the police drama “Paris,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. James Earl Jones played Los Angeles Police Captain Woody Paris and Hart played Sergeant Stacey Erickson. The couple had a son, Flynn Earl Jones, the same year they married.
Flynn Earl Jones didn’t catch the acting bug like his parents did. But he’s used the powerful voice he inherited from his father to tell stories in a different way. Read on to learn more about Flynn Earl Jones below.
He has recorded audio books
James Earl Jones was known for taking on a variety of roles over the course of his decades-long career. His characters Mufasa and Darth Vader – two of his most popular roles – highlighted his booming tone and made him one of the most recognizable voices in Hollywood. He passed this distinctive voice on to his son.
Flynn Earl Jones uses his voice to tell stories. Over the years, he has narrated several audiobooks, including Bright Boulevards, Bold Dreams: The Story of Black Hollywood, Lions of the Sky, books in the Rogue Star series, and other novels.
He supported his father at Hollywood events
Although he mostly stays out of the spotlight, Flynn Earl Jones occasionally attends award ceremonies and red carpets in Hollywood to show his support to his parents.
In October 2010, the proud son and his mother attended the premiere of Driving Miss Daisy on Broadway in New York City with James Earl Jones. Flynn Earl Jones also returned in April 2011 to see his father’s final performance.
A year later, the family of three appeared together at the 2012 Marian Anderson Awards Gala in Philadelphia. According to the regional Philadelphia magazine, James Earl Jones was honored at the event. Terrence Howard and Phylicia Rashad also attended the gala to honor the icon.
His father praised him when he accepted the Tony Lifetime Achievement Award
James Earl Jones was awarded the Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre Award at the 2017 Tony Awards. In his speech, the actor thanked his wife and mentioned their son.
“And finally, I want to thank my wife Ceci for being such a wonderful companion in my life and work,” he said. “And for being the amazing co-producer of our son Flynn and for looking so stunning on the red carpet.”
This article was originally published on TODAY.com.
