James Earl Jones, the legendary actor renowned for his unforgettable roles as Darth Vader and Mufasa, has passed away at the age of 93.

 

James Earl Jones, whose resonant basso profundo conveyed both dignity and menace, was the defining voice behind iconic characters such as Darth Vader in "Star Wars," Mufasa in "The Lion King," and the signature voice of CNN. He passed away at 93, surrounded by family, as confirmed by his agent. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Jones's powerful voice was just one facet of the beloved actor’s remarkable legacy. Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, noted, "From the gentle wisdom of Mufasa to the menacing threat of Darth Vader, James Earl Jones gave voice to some of the greatest characters in cinema history. His uniquely commanding presence and rich spirit have left an indelible mark on generations of audiences."

Over his 60-year career, Jones moved from a small-town theater in Michigan to the pinnacle of Hollywood. In the mid-1970s, George Lucas cast Jones to voice Darth Vader after British actor David Prowse was chosen to physically portray the character. Despite being paid $7,000 and not listed in the film’s credits, Jones’s performance became legendary. He later had some disagreements with Lucas about Vader's voice, wanting to add more psychological depth, but ultimately delivered one of cinema’s most famous lines: "No, I am your father!"

Years later, when voicing Mufasa for Disney’s "The Lion King," Jones initially tried to make the character regal but eventually found that a gentler tone, closer to his own personality, was needed. "They began to impose my facial expressions onto Mufasa," Jones explained. "He was authoritative, but he was just a gentle dad."

Born in Arkabutla, Mississippi, in 1931, Jones’s early life was marked by a stutter, which he overcame with the help of a high school poetry teacher. He went on to study drama at the University of Michigan and served as an Army Ranger before making his mark on stage and screen. His career began with a role in Stanley Kubrick’s "Dr. Strangelove" in 1964, followed by a Tony-winning performance in "The Great White Hope" and an Academy Award nomination for the film adaptation.

Jones’s prolific career spanned various roles, including as Alex Haley in "Roots," Thulsa Doom in "Conan the Barbarian," and the preacher in "Cry, the Beloved Country." His final screen credit was voicing Darth Vader in the 2022 Disney+ series "Obi-Wan Kenobi.

In addition to his film and television work, Jones voiced CNN’s tagline, "This is CNN," and made numerous appearances on stage and in other media. He received three Tonys, two Emmys, a Grammy, and a Golden Globe over his illustrious career.

Jones reflected on his passion for acting, stating, "It wasn’t acting. It was language. It was speech." His ability to bring profound language to life left a lasting impact on the world.