James Earl Jones, the esteemed actor and renowned baritone, passed away on Monday at the age of 93 at his home in Dutchess County, New York, surrounded by family, as confirmed by his long-time agent Barry McPherson.
Jones had a remarkable stage career, featuring notable performances in classics such as Macbeth, Othello, and The Iceman Cometh. His filmography includes significant roles in iconic movies like Dr. Strangelove, Field of Dreams, and The Hunt for Red October. Moreover, he lent his voice to beloved characters, including Mufasa in The Lion King and Darth Vader in Star Wars, where he delivered the legendary line, “I am your father.”
Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones was raised by his grandparents. When he was five, his family relocated to a rural farm in Dublin, Michigan, a move that profoundly affected him and led to a severe stutter that persisted until high school. He recalled that while he could communicate with his family, he felt mute around strangers. A teacher discovered Jones’s talent for poetry and challenged him to recite his work, a defining moment that helped him regain his ability to speak.
His powerful baritone voice gained him immense recognition in the entertainment industry. Woodie King Jr., founder of New York’s New Federal Theater, noticed Jones’s exceptional talent in the early 1960s and described him as an aspiring actor who possessed every element needed for great performance.
King saw Jones’s celebrated portrayal in the 1961 play The Blacks and later worked with him in the 1968 Broadway production The Great White Hope, which earned Jones a Tony Award and an Oscar nomination for the film adaptation. He also won a second Tony in 1987 for his performance in August Wilson’s Fences.
Jones’s career began with his role as bombardier Lothar Zogg in the classic Dr. Strangelove. He portrayed groundbreaking characters, including the first black president in The Man and a charming garbage man in Claudine. He often mentioned that one of his favorite roles was that of a South African reverend in Cry, the Beloved Country.
His iconic voice transcended film and stage, serving as the voice for CNN and Verizon and featuring in episodes of The Simpsons. He humorously recalled the start of his voice-over career when he was asked to provide “the sound of God” for commercials.
Woodie King described Jones as a warm and modest individual who was a powerful artist, following the legacy of actors like Sidney Poitier and Paul Robeson, who broke away from stereotypical roles. Jones viewed theater as an inclusive space for all, showcasing his identity as a brilliant artist beyond racial categories.