Tributes have poured in for the legendary James Earl Jones, who has passed away at the age of 93. George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, led the honorific expressions, praising Jones as “a most unique voice both in art and spirit.” In his statement, Lucas emphasized that for almost fifty years, Jones was the voice of Darth Vader, describing him as a beautiful human being who infused depth and sincerity into his roles. “James will be missed by so many of us… friends and fans alike,” Lucas stated.
Jones was renowned for his iconic voice that brought life to the formidable Darth Vader in the Star Wars series, and he also featured in prominent films such as Field of Dreams, Coming to America, Conan the Barbarian, and The Lion King. Mark Hamill, who portrayed Vader’s son Luke Skywalker, expressed his sorrow by posting “RIP Dad” on X, paired with a broken heart emoji. Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, honored Jones as one of the most versatile actors of his time, noting the indelible mark he left on cinema as Darth Vader.
In addition to Darth Vader, Jones charmed audiences as Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King. Disney CEO Bob Iger noted the contrasting characters Jones portrayed, from Mufasa’s gentle wisdom to Vader’s menacing tone, highlighting his profound impact on cinema. Matthew Broderick, who voiced Simba, shared his gratitude for working alongside Jones, calling it a fortunate experience to have him as his father figure in the film.
Star Trek actor George Takei also paid his respects, noting the loss of a great spirit and uniquely powerful voice. LeVar Burton reflected on the exceptional blend of qualities that made Jones irreplaceable. Kevin Costner, who starred with Jones in Field of Dreams, expressed his appreciation for the actor’s booming voice and warm presence.
Others, like actress Octavia Spencer, underscored the lasting impact of Jones’s voice and talent on film history. Colman Domingo thanked Jones for his contributions and described him as a master of the craft. The Empire State Building even honored him by illuminating the iconic Darth Vader image, stating, “Rest in Peace Lord Vader.”
Throughout his career, Jones was acknowledged not only as a phenomenal talent but also as a warm and supportive individual, overcoming personal challenges like stammering to achieve his success. CNN recognized him as the voice of their brand for decades, appreciating the authority and grace he brought to their tagline.
As the world mourns the loss of James Earl Jones, his legacy as an acting giant will continue to inspire future generations.