Editor’s Note:
As I marked my 38th birthday today, news reached me of the passing of the legendary James Earl Jones. It felt like the end of an era—one that had spanned much of my life. Jones’ commanding presence and iconic voice, which at once terrified and inspired me as a child, were hallmarks of his formidable roles in film and theatre. I fondly recall him as King Jaffe Joffer in the cult classic “Coming to America,” alongside the late Jamaican actress Madge Sinclair and comedian Eddie Murphy—just one example of how he brought excellence to every role. Reflecting on his legacy, I am reminded of the importance of celebrating our greats while they are still with us. As we pay tribute to James Earl Jones, let’s honour his profound impact on entertainment and ensure his legacy endures. Here are some things you might not have known about the extraordinary thespian, James Earl Jones...
He Had Many Talents: Besides being a masterful actor, James Earl Jones also played the bugle, showing off his vocal prowess beyond his celebrated baritone voice. He even did a powerful spoken-word rendition of the USA’s National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner” at the 1993 MLB All-Star Game, expertly highlighting the depth of the song’s emotions.
He Did Animated Appearances: Jones lent his unmistakable voice to “The Simpsons” animated TV series on three occasions, showcasing his versatility and humour. He brought to life various characters, endearing him to fans of the long-running series.
He Was Shy Off-Stage: Despite his commanding on-screen presence, James Earl Jones was known to be quite shy when he was not acting. This contrast only added to the intrigue surrounding the man behind the iconic roles.
He Was An EGOT Winner: Jones is one of the rare artistes to have won an EGOT—an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar (Honorary), and Tony Award. His stage credits include multiple performances as Othello, and he won two Tonys, for “The Great White Hope” and August Wilson’s “Fences.”
How He Paved The Way: Following in the footsteps of Sidney Poitier and Paul Robeson, Jones broke typecasting barriers for black actors by refusing to be confined by stereotypical roles. He used his craft to challenge perceptions, inspiring future generations of actors with his commitment to artistic freedom.
His Theatre and Television Legacy: Starting with Stanley Kubrick’s “Dr. Strangelove” in 1964, Jones went on to star in some of the most successful films of all time, including “Conan the Barbarian,” “Field of Dreams,” “The Hunt for Red October,” and “Patriot Games.” He also had an extensive list of theeatre performances under his belt, playing several Shakespearean roles like King Lear. Plus, his nearly 200 screen credits also include memorable TV roles on classics like “Frasier,” “Law & Order,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and miniseries like “Roots: The Next Generation.” His vast television appearances, and, of course, his amazing voice, made him an international household name.
His Voice Defined Eras: Perhaps best known for voicing Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” trilogy, Jones also gave life to Mufasa in “The Lion King” (1994, 2019), and became the iconic voice of CNN and Verizon Wireless; his resonant voice was also often described as sounding like the “voice of God.”
He Was Honoured on Broadway: In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to theatre arts, the John Cort Theatre was renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre in 2022—a fitting tribute to an actor who made his Broadway debut there in 1958 and whose impact on the stage was monumental.
He Had Incredible Range: From garbage collector to kings, reverend, boxer, and even a U.S. president, he demonstrated incredible range, embodying each character with depth and authenticity.
James Earl Jones’ died today at 93 years old. His legacy is marked by his unparalleled talent and a career that spanned over 60 years, in his transition, he is leaving behind an indelible mark on film, television, and stage. His voice, presence, impact and profound artistry will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.