Reports suggest James Earl Jones passed away at his home in Dutchess County, New York. Media outlets have attributed the news to Jones’ representatives. There has been no confirmation of the cause of death.
The CEO of the Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger shared a statement to announce the passing of James Earl Jones. He wrote, “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.”
He added, “A celebrated stage actor with nearly 200 film and television credits to his name, the stories he brought to life with a uniquely commanding presence and a true richness of spirit have left an indelible mark on generations of audiences.”
James Earl Jones’ career spans over 6 decades. Apart from films Jones had a prolific career in theater where he used his baritone to good effect. He won the Tony Award for Best Actor in The Great White Hope in 1968. He then won an Oscar nomination for the same role, which he reprised in the 1970 film. He acted in multiple Broadway plays like Othello, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Driving Miss Daisy. Jones began his movie career with Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove. He was one of the first actors to earn the EGOT status (winning Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards).
Jones leaves behind a rich legacy of memorable work on stage and on screen.