Legendary Actor James Earl Jones, Iconic Voice of Darth Vader, Dies at 93

James Earl Jones, the legendary actor best known for voicing the iconic villain Darth Vader in Star Wars, has passed away at the age of 93. Jones died early Monday morning, surrounded by family, according to his agent, Barry McPherson.

Jones, whose powerful voice defined some of the most memorable roles in film history, had an illustrious career spanning decades. In addition to his portrayal of Darth Vader, he starred in classic films like Field of Dreams, Coming to America, Conan the Barbarian, and The Lion King, where he voiced Mufasa, the noble king.

Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader’s son in Star Wars, paid tribute to Jones by posting “RIP Dad” alongside a broken heart emoji on social media.

Throughout his career, Jones received numerous accolades, including three Tony Awards, two Emmys, a Grammy, and an honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement in 2011. He became the second Black man to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1971, following Sidney Poitier.

Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment world. Star Trek actor LeVar Burton called Jones “a giant” in the acting world, noting, “there will never be another of his particular combinations of graces.” Actor Colman Domingo added, “Thank you, dear James Earl Jones, for everything. We stand on your shoulders. Rest now.”

Kevin Costner, who co-starred with Jones in Field of Dreams, reflected on his colleague’s impact: “That booming voice. That quiet strength. The kindness that he radiated. So much can be said about his legacy, but I’m thankful that part of it includes Field of Dreams.”

Octavia Spencer described Jones’ voice and talent as unforgettable, stating that his iconic roles will leave a lasting imprint on cinema. Crystal Minkoff, wife of The Lion King co-director Rob Minkoff, shared a photo of Jones holding a statue of Mufasa, expressing gratitude for his work: “Rest in Power, Mr. Jones. Your memory will live on.”

Jones’ deep voice also became synonymous with CNN’s famous tagline, “This is CNN.” The broadcaster said in a statement that Jones conveyed “instant authority, grace, and decorum,” and that his voice will be sorely missed.

Born in Mississippi in 1931, Jones overcame a childhood stammer to become one of the most distinguished voices in entertainment. His work in Star Wars, beginning in 1977, gave Darth Vader his menacing voice, although actor David Prowse donned the costume. Jones would reprise the role in later films, including Rogue One and The Rise of Skywalker.

Despite earning only $9,000 for his work on the original Star Wars film, Jones said he was proud to be part of the franchise’s enduring legacy. Though uncredited for his voice work at first, he later embraced his role in the saga, delighting fans with recitations of his famous line, “I am your father.”

Jones also found success on television, winning an Emmy for his role in Gabriel’s Fire and appearing in notable shows like Roots: The Next Generation, The Simpsons, and Sesame Street. On stage, he played iconic Shakespearean characters, including Othello and King Lear, cementing his place as a versatile and respected performer.

James Earl Jones leaves behind a legacy that will resonate through generations of film, television, and theater lovers worldwide.