James Earl Jones dies at 93 in New York home as Star Wars and Lion King legend remembered

James Earl Jones at the 2017 Tony Awards in New York City

JAMES Earl Jones has died at age 93.

The iconic actor, known for his roles in The Lion King, Field of Dreams, Star Wars, and more, died on Monday morning at his home in New York.

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James Earl Jones at the 2017 Tony Awards in New York CityCredit: Getty
James Earl Jones poses alongside Darth Vader, the character he voiced in Star Wars

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James Earl Jones poses alongside Darth Vader, the character he voiced in Star WarsCredit: Getty

Further details about his passing were not immediately available, according to Deadline.

Fans took to social media to pay tribute to the legend after his death.

Jones was best known for his roles in Coming to America and The Lion King, as well as the voice of Darth Vader.

The star leaves behind his son, Flynn Earl Jones.

‘MOST EMOTIONAL VOICES’

On X, fans were quick to send their favorite movie scenes that featured James, as well as their condolences.

“Rest in peace, James Earl Jones. One of the most powerful, evocative, emotional voices in cinema history,” one wrote.

“RIP to the GOAT, James Earl Jones,” said another.

A third posted, “The impact James Earl Jones had on Star Wars cannot be overstated.

“His voice performance as Darth Vader is one of the main reasons Vader is regarded by many as the greatest movie villain of all time.

“His work as Darth Vader was legendary and will not be soon forgotten. RIP.”

His Star Wars co-star, Mark Hamill, shared his reaction to James’ death on X.

He quoted an article confirming his passing, writing, “#RIP dad,” with a broken heart emoji.

JAMES’ LEGENDARY CAREER

James established himself as one of the leading Black actors of his generation.

James Earl Jones’ Iconic Roles

James Earl Jones died on Monday, September 9. The actor’s career spanned over 60 years. During his time in Hollywood, the star appeared in a number of iconic roles that will be remembered forever by fans. He received a number of accolades for his acting

Here’s a look at some of James Earl Jones’ roles:

  • Coming To America
  • Coming 2 America
  • The Lion King
  • The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride
  • Conan The Barbarian
  • The Sandlot
  • Field of Dreams
  • Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
  • The Hunt for Red October
  • Dr. Strangelove
  • Clear and Present Danger
  • Star Wars: Rogue One
  • Robots
  • The Great White Hope
  • Patriot Games
  • Soul Man

His career spanned over 60 years and included an array of roles.

He got his start in 1958 on Broadway at the Cort Theatre, which was renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre in 2022.

His most recent role was in 2021’s Coming 2 America.

He reprised his role as King Jaffe Joffer from the 1988 Eddie Murphy film Coming to America.

In between his first and final roles, James stepped into iconic characters that won’t soon be forgotten by fans.

He voiced Darth Vader in Star Wars and King Mufasa in Disney’s animated film The Lion King.

He also played CIA deputy director Vice Admiral James Greer in three different Jack Ryan films in the 90s, appeared in The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games, and Clear and Present Danger.

Other noteworthy roles of James’ include playing a B-52 bombardier in Dr. Strangelove, the first Black president in The Man, a fearsome villain in Conan the Barbarian, an author in Field of Dreams, and a blind former baseball player in 1993’s The Sandlot.

The actor was nominated for four Tony Awards and won two, in 1969 for playing Jack Johnson in The Great White Hope and again in 1987 for his role as Troy Maxson in Fences.

He was nominated for eight Primetime Emmy awards and won twice in 1991 for supporting actor in Heatwave and for lead actor in a drama series for Gabriel’s Fire.

James won a Kennedy Center Honor in 2002, an honorary Oscar in 2011, and a Lifetime Achievement Tony Award in 2017.

He won a Grammy Award in 1977 for a spoken word album.

The late star is just one of a handful of actors to receive an EGOT.

In addition to his work on the silver screen, James had a number of TV credits.

He appeared in Roots, The Atlanta Child Murders, and had recurring roles on LA Law, Homicide: Life on the Street, and Everwood.

He made several guest appearances on The Simpsons, Picket Fences, Law & Order, Fraiser, and House.

James Earl Jones voiced King Mufasa in both the animated and live-action Lion King

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James Earl Jones voiced King Mufasa in both the animated and live-action Lion KingCredit: Alamy
Actor James Earl Jones serves as keynote speaker at the 10th Anniversary Virginia Business Opportunity Fair

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Actor James Earl Jones serves as keynote speaker at the 10th Anniversary Virginia Business Opportunity FairCredit: Getty
James Earl Jones is seen in a scene from Homicide: Life on the Street

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James Earl Jones is seen in a scene from Homicide: Life on the StreetCredit: Getty

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