James Earl Jones, the legendary actor who appeared in films like Star Wars, Field of Dreams, and The Lion King, died on Monday at the age of 93.
According to confirmation from his reps to Deadline, the actor passed away at his home in Dutchess County, New York on Monday. Jones was one of the most legendary actors in the world, known best for his iconic voice acting roles and his work in the world of theater. Throughout his career, Jones earned countless awards, among them three Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, and a Grammy Award.
Jones originally began his acting career in 1964, when he appeared in Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove. The actor would go on to produce one of the most prolific Hollywood careers of any actor, appearing in countless high-profile and legendary films. His best known and most memorable role, however, didn’t feature his likeness, but instead his voice, where he voiced the Star Wars villain Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy and throughout its franchise.
Alongside his iconic role in Star Wars, Jones also voiced the role of Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King animated film and its 2019 remake. He also had memorable roles in films like Coming to America, Conan the Barbarian, Matewan, The Sandlot, Field of Dreams, and more.
Jones was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1985 for his countless roles on the stage, and was also honored with the National Medal of Arts in 1992, the Kennedy Center Honor in 2002, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2009, and an Honorary Academy Award in 2011.
