James Earl Jones, the iconic voice behind Darth Vader, has passed away at the age of 93, prompting tributes from notable figures including Star Wars creator George Lucas. In a heartfelt statement, Lucas praised Jones, calling him “a most unique voice both in art and spirit.” He acknowledged Jones’s significant roles, particularly as a loving husband and father, reflecting on the depth and sincerity he brought to his acting.
Jones’s portrayal of Darth Vader left an indelible mark, and Mark Hamill, known for playing Luke Skywalker, expressed his sorrow on social media with a post saying, “RIP Dad,” accompanied by a broken heart emoji. Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, celebrated Jones as one of the most talented actors, highlighting the memorable baritone he lent to Darth Vader, which will be cherished by fans for years to come.
Beyond Star Wars, Jones enchanted audiences with his performances in films like Field of Dreams, Coming To America, Conan the Barbarian, and The Lion King, where he voiced Mufasa. Disney CEO Bob Iger remarked on Jones’s profound impact on cinema, commending the richness he brought to his characters. Matthew Broderick, who voiced Simba in The Lion King, shared his gratitude for working alongside Jones.
Tributes continued to pour in from various celebrities, including George Takei and LeVar Burton, who honored Jones’s unique voice and spirit. Kevin Costner reflected on their collaboration in Field of Dreams, while Octavia Spencer emphasized the lasting remembrance of Jones’s voice and talent. US actor Colman Domingo expressed his appreciation for Jones’s contributions to the craft, and Crystal Minkoff highlighted the joy he brought to animation fans.
As a distinguished figure in broadcasting, Jones also lent his voice to CNN’s “This is CNN” tagline. The network released a statement expressing their sorrow at his passing and recognizing the extraordinary authority and grace he conveyed through his voice. The Empire State Building honored him with a tribute, featuring an image of Darth Vader and the message, “Rest in Peace Lord Vader.”