James Earl Jones was one of the most prominent actors in the American film industry. He debuted with the 1964 film Dr. Strangelove and has voiced some of the most iconic characters, including The Lion King's Mufasa and Star Wars' Darth Vader.
The 83-year-old actor passed away on September 9, 2024. According to a statement from his agent, Barry McPherson, Sir Jones died at his Dutches County home in the presence of his family. The cause of his demise has yet to be revealed.
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Known for his imposing voice and majestic screen presence, the late James Earl Jones appeared in over 30 plays and acted in over a dozen films.
The 2021 film Coming 2 America was reportedly the revered actor's last film appearance. Sir Jones played the role of King Jaffe Joffer in the Academy Award-nominated film.
A look at the 7 most iconic film roles of Sir James Earl Jones
Sir James Earl Jones was revered as one of America's greatest and most versatile film actors. He was actively involved in the American film industry for over 68 years and was honored with numerous accolades, including three Emmy Awards and one Grammy Award.
While his remarkable career cannot be summarised within a single list, here are seven of the most celebrated and iconic roles of the late actor:
1) The Great White Hope (1970) — Jack Jefferson
The Great White Hope was adapted from a theatrical play of the same name. It was Sir Jones' first lead role and saw him play the 1900s boxer Jack Jefferson. The real-life-inspired film highlighted the late actor's charismatic screen presence, leading him to his first Tony Award win.
2) Star Wars (1977) — Darth Vader
Sir James Earl Jones voiced Darth Vader for the first Star Wars film in 1977. While Davide Prowse played the iconic villain on-screen, Sir Jones added extra character to Darth Vader through his imposing voice and vocal mastery.
He went on to voice Darth Vader in consecutive releases of the Star Wars franchise, including - A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. He also voiced the 2022 TV series Star Wars Rebels.
3) Conan the Barbarian (1982) — Thulsa Doom
Sir Jones relived the role of a villain on screen in 1982 as he played Thulsa Doom in Conan the Barbarian. The late actor shared the screen with Arnold Schwarzenegger's lead (Conan) and played a ruthless cult leader.
He immortalized the cruel, snake-worshiping Thulsa Doom through his easy grin and intimidating voice.
4) Coming to America (1988) — King Jaffe Joffer
Sir James Earl Jones played the monarch of the fictitious country Zamunda in the 1988 film Coming to America. The film featured him in a comedically stern role as he visits New York behind his runaway son, Prince Akeem, who left Zamunda to search for true love.
Coming to America is full of light-hearted jokes, including one about tying shows where Sir James Earl Jones speaks to Eddie Murphy (Akeem):
"You are a prince who has never tied his shoes. Believe me, I tied my own shoes once. It is an overrated experience."
5) Field of Dreams (1989) — Terence Mann
Sir James Earl Jones plays the role of a delusional writer, Terence Man, in Field of Dreams. The baseball movie sees Sir James going from a shut-in writer to a dreamer and believer. Reliving his love for the game and regains faith in the world's magic.
Sir Jones' dialogue deliveries and magnanimous screen presence add a personal and engaging touch to the character.
6) Sneakers (1992) — Bernard Abbott
Sneakers features Sir James Earl Jones as Bernard Abbot, the National Security Agency (NSA) director. Known as one of his most influential roles, the film features Sir Jones upholding National security and peace through his witty, action-packed adventures.
7) The Lion King (1994) — Mufasa
Sir James Earl Jones delivered one of the most celebrated performances of the past few decades through his voice acting for Mufasa in The Lion King movie. The 1994 film saw Sir Jones serving parental warmth through the tender and loving voices of the majestic Lion.
The late actor imparted powerful lessons of leadership and love through the animated hit. In 2019, Sir Jones returned to voice Mufasa for the live-action remake of The Lion King.
Sir James Earl Jones married the prominent 1900s actress and singer Julienne Marie in 1968. The pair had no children and went separate ways after a divorce in 1972.
The Lion King voice actor married his second wife, actress Cecilia Hart, in 1982. Following her death in October 2016, Hart left Sir Jones with one son, Flynn.
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