Legendary actor James Earl Jones, known for his numerous roles and his powerful voice as Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” series, has passed away at 93, his representative confirmed.
He died on Monday at his home in Dutchess County, New York, surrounded by family, according to his agent Barry McPherson.
Jones, whose deep voice made Darth Vader iconic, had a career spanning over six decades. He won three Tony Awards, two Emmys, a Grammy, and received an honorary Academy Award in 2011.
Born in 1931 in Mississippi, Jones overcame a severe childhood stutter with the help of a high school teacher who introduced him to poetry.
His career took off on Broadway in the 1950s and ’60s, where he earned multiple Tony nominations and won awards for “The Great White Hope” and “Fences.”
In addition to his work on stage, Jones found success on television and film. He earned two Emmy Awards in 1991 and voiced the menacing Darth Vader in the original “Star Wars” trilogy, starting in 1977. Jones also lent his voice to Mufasa in Disney’s “The Lion King.”
Over his six-decade career, Jones amassed nearly 200 film and TV credits, including roles in “Coming to America,” “Field of Dreams,” and recurring appearances as Darth Vader in later “Star Wars” films and series.
In 2022, the Cort Theatre on Broadway was renamed in his honor.
Jones is survived by his son, Flynn Earl Jones, following the passing of his wife, Cecilia Hart, in 2016.
