Legendary Actor James Earl Jones Passes Away at 93
Renowned actor James Earl Jones, best known for his iconic roles as Mufasa in Disney’s "The Lion King" and Darth Vader in the "Star Wars" franchise, passed away on Monday (Sept. 9) at the age of 93 at his home in Dutchess County, New York.
Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones struggled with a severe stutter in his youth. It wasn’t until he discovered his passion for language through a dedicated English teacher that he began to overcome this challenge. In a 2009 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Jones revealed that his teacher had been instrumental in helping him break free from his stuttering, saying, "He looked at a poem I wrote and said, ‘It’s too good for you to have written, so to prove you wrote it, please stand up in front of the class and recite it from memory.’ And I did it without stuttering."
Jones’s early interests were initially focused on medicine, but he eventually switched gears to pursue a career in drama. He made his stage debut in the 1957 off-Broadway play "Wedding In Japan" before moving on to star in various Shakespearean productions and ultimately becoming the first Black actor to secure a recurring role on a daytime soap opera with his role on "As The World Turns".
Throughout his illustrious career, Jones has become one of the few actors to have achieved the prestigious EGOT status, winning Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, and Tonys for his work in various fields. His honors include an honorary Academy Award in 2012 and three Tony Awards for his performances in "The Great White Hope" and "August Wilson’s Fences", as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tonys in 2017.
Jones is survived by his wife of 34 years, Cecilia Hart, who passed away in 2016, as well as their only child, Flynn Earl Jones. VIBE extends its condolences to the family during this difficult time.
As tributes pour in for this legendary actor, it’s clear that James Earl Jones will be deeply missed but never forgotten for his lasting impact on the world of entertainment.
