On X , fans were quick to send their favorite movie scenes that featured James, as well as their condolences.
“Rest in peace, James Earl Jones. One of the most powerful, evocative, emotional voices in cinema history,” one wrote.
“RIP to the GOAT, James Earl Jones,” said another.
A third posted, “The impact James Earl Jones had on Star Wars cannot be overstated.
“His voice performance as Darth Vader is one of the main reasons Vader is regarded by many as the greatest movie villain of all time.
“His work as Darth Vader was legendary and will not be soon forgotten. RIP.”
His Star Wars co-star, Mark Hamill , shared his reaction to James’ death on X.
He quoted an article confirming his passing, writing, “#RIP dad,” with a broken heart emoji.
The creator of Star Wars, George Lucas, also shared a heartful tribute.
“James was an incredible actor, a most unique voice both in art and spirit,” the director said in a statement.
James Earl Jones' Iconic Roles
James Earl Jones died on Monday, September 9. The actor's career spanned over 60 years. During his time in Hollywood, the star appeared in a number of iconic roles that will be remembered forever by fans. He received a number of accolades for his acting
Here’s a look at some of James Earl Jones’ roles:
Coming To America
Coming 2 America
The Lion King
The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride
Conan The Barbarian
The Sandlot
Field of Dreams
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
The Hunt for Red October
Dr. Strangelove
Clear and Present Danger
Star Wars: Rogue One
Robots
The Great White Hope
Patriot Games
Soul Man
“For nearly half a century he was Darth Vader, but the secret to it all is he was a beautiful human being. He gave depth, sincerity and meaning to all his roles, amongst the most important being a devoted husband to the late Ceci and dad to Flynn.”
“James will be missed by so many of us.. friends and fans alike,” George concluded.
JAMES’ LEGENDARY CAREER
James established himself as one of the leading Black actors of his generation.
His career spanned over 60 years and included an array of roles.
The performer got his start in 1958 on Broadway at the Cort Theatre, which was renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre in 2022.
He reprised his role as King Jaffe Joffer from the 1988 Eddie Murphy film Coming to America.
In between his first and final roles, James stepped into iconic characters that won’t soon be forgotten by fans.
He voiced Darth Vader in Star Wars and King Mufasa in Disney’s animated film The Lion King.
James also played CIA deputy director Vice Admiral James Greer in three different Jack Ryan films in the 90s, appeared in The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games, and Clear and Present Danger.
Other noteworthy roles of James’ include playing a B-52 bombardier in Dr. Strangelove, the first Black president in The Man, a fearsome villain in Conan the Barbarian, an author in Field of Dreams, and a blind former baseball player in 1993’s The Sandlot.
The actor was nominated for four Tony Awards and won two, in 1969 for playing Jack Johnson in The Great White Hope and again in 1987 for his role as Troy Maxson in Fences.
He was nominated for eight Primetime Emmy awards and won twice in 1991 for supporting actor in Heatwave and for lead actor in a drama series for Gabriel’s Fire.
James won a Kennedy Center Honor in 2002, an honorary Oscar in 2011, and a Lifetime Achievement Tony Award in 2017.
He won a Grammy Award in 1977 for a spoken word album.
The late star is just one of a handful of actors to receive an EGOT .
In addition to his work on the silver screen, James had a number of TV credits.
He appeared in Roots, The Atlanta Child Murders, and had recurring roles on LA Law, Homicide: Life on the Street, and Everwood.
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