The iconic actor James Earl Jones has died at the age of 93.
Reports indicate that he passed away this morning at his residence in Dutchess County, New York.
His representatives at Independent Artist Group confirmed the news to Deadline.
Jones enjoyed a prolific career with an enduring legacy. Renowned for voicing Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King and for his unforgettable portrayal of Darth Vader in Star Wars, Jones made a significant impact across both stage and screen.
He made his Broadway debut in 1958 at the Cort Theatre, which was later renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre in 2022. Throughout his career, he earned four Tony Award nominations and won two.
His first Tony win came in 1969 for his role as boxer Jack Johnson in The Great White Hope. He secured his second Tony Award in 1987 for originating the role of Troy Maxson in August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Fences.
Jones’ career was not limited to theater; he made significant contributions to both film and television. His extensive filmography includes notable roles.
From Eddie Murphy’s 1988 comedy Coming to America to John McTiernan’s The Hunt for Red October, Jones was a beloved figure in cinema, winning two Emmy Awards in 1991 and an honorary Oscar in 2011.
In the wake of this sad news, tributes have been flooding in.
Star Trek actor LeVar Burton tweeted: “James Earl Jones… there will never be another of his particular combination of graces.”
Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker and Jones’ on-screen son in Star Wars, also posted: “[Rest in peace] dad,” accompanied by a broken heart emoji.
Actress Octavia Spencer shared her condolences on Instagram, writing, “I’m incredibly saddened to learn of James Earl Jones 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.”
A fan on Twitter expressed, “Rest in peace, James Earl Jones. One of the most powerful, evocative, emotional voices in cinema history.”
James Earl Jones was born in Mississippi in 1931 and is survived by his only son, Flynn Earl Jones.
The cause of his death has yet to be disclosed.