Sad news: actor James Earl Jones has passed away at the age of 93, leaving one hell of a career behind him.
Ah, some sad news to report. The mighty, brilliant James Earl Jones has died, it’s been confirmed. An incredible actor across stage and screen, he was 93 years old.
His career spanned seven decades, and perhaps his most known role is one that people don’t see him as: Darth Vader. James Earl Jones memorably voiced the character rather than Dave Prowse (who did everything else). But then Jones had a voice that stood alone. Just listen to the authority and depth to his tones as Mufasa in The Lion King.
In front of the camera though, when we did get to see him? Well, watch him steal the end of Sneakers. Take the gravitas he lends to his role as Greer in Patriot Games and Clear And Present Danger. The authority again of The Hunt For Red October. The acclaimed The Great White Hope, the comedy of Coming To America… ah, it’s a hell of a list.
This is a film site really, but I can’t not acknowledge the incredible raft of theatre work that James Earl Jones gave the world too.
For me, the moment of his that got me the first time, and gets me every time, is his monologue at the end of my favourite film, Field Of Dreams. It’s my favourite of his performances, and it’s indelible cinema acting for me. If you’ve not seen the film, it’s best not to watch this, But if you have, you know what’s coming.
This piece of writing does no testimony at all to James Earl Jones, and you’ll read a million better tributes online. All deserve. What an actor, what a loss. Thoughts, as always at times like this, are with friends and family.
