When you heard his voice you immediately knew it was him. The voice of critically acclaimed actor James Earl Jones is best known for his signature deep voice in some of the best blockbuster movies, including the original Darth Vader in the Star Wars series, or as the voice of Mufasa in The Lion King. One of the most famous voices of all time has gone silent.
James Earl Jones, whose prodigious acting talent was often overshadowed by his distinctive baritone over a seven-decade career both onstage and on the screen, died Monday, (September 9, 2024. He was 93.
The man who also played the King of Zamunda in Eddie Murphy’s Coming To America, and in Field of Dreams with Kevin Costner first burst into national prominence in 1970 with his powerful Oscar-nominated performance as America’s first Black heavyweight champion in The Great White Hope, died at his home in Dutchess County, New York, Independent Artist Group announced.
The celebrated actor was also the recipient of an honorary Oscar at the 2011 Governors Awards and a special Tony for lifetime achievement in 2017. He was one of the handful of people to earn an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony and the first actor to win two Emmys in one year.
Karen Leong wrote: “Jones’ legacy is all the more poignant when we consider his candour in discussing his own speech impediment. As a young man, his stuttering had been a thorn at his side. He chose to communicate through handwritten notes to his teachers and peers. Through poetry, Jones rediscovered normal speech under the tutelage of his English teacher Donald Crouch. To this day, his command of the English language is one that overcomes prejudice and immense hardship. To that end, we cannot touch on his legacy without shining light on his own gift through the recorded word.”
Below, some favorite quotes of wisdom from the visionary, James Earl Jones:
“Speech is a very important aspect of being human. A whisper doesn’t cut it.
“If you expect someone else to guide you, you’ll be lost.”
“When I read great literature, great drama, speeches, or sermons, I feel that the human mind has not achieved anything greater than the ability to share feelings and thoughts through language.”
“One of the hardest things in your life is having words you cannot utter.”
“You don’t build a bond without being present.”