Key Takeaways
- His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed Jones’ passing.
- In 2016, Jones publicly discussed his long-term battle with type 2 diabetes.
- Over a span of sixty years, he has left a significant mark on the entertainment world.
James Earl Jones, an iconic award-winning actor best known for voicing Darth Vader in “Star Wars” franchise, passed away in Pawling, New York, on September 9, 2024, at the age of 93.
Barry McPherson, Jones’ agent, stated that the actor died peacefully at home on Monday morning with his family by his side.
While the exact cause of the demise remains unclear, there is speculation that cancer may have been involved.
However, the fact remains unconfirmed, but one thing is for sure: he had been struggling with type 2 diabetes for a long time.
In April 2016, Jones opened up publicly for the first time in almost 20 years about his struggle with type 2 diabetes.
In the mid-1990s, he was diagnosed after his doctor was quick to notice he had fallen asleep while exercising at a fitness center.
As reported by sources,
“Diabetes (primarily type 2) is associated with increased risk for some cancers (liver, pancreas, endometrium, colon and rectum, breast, bladder).”
Via NBCI
His second wife, Cecilia Hart, an American actress best known for her role in “Paris,” passed away from ovarian cancer at age 68 on October 16, 2016.
Following his demise, many within the entertainment industry paid their respects to the actor.
Mark Hamill, known for his role as Luke Skywalker, the son of Jones’ Darth Vader in “Star Wars,” was quick to react, sharing on X, “#RIP dad.”
In a statement, CNN stated:
Jones was the voice of CNN and our brand for many decades, uniquely conveying through speech instant authority, grace, and decorum. That remarkable voice is just one of many things the world will miss about James.
Via CNN
Kevin Costner, who appeared with Jones in “Field of Dreams,” stated:
That booming voice. That quiet strength. The kindness that he radiated. So much can be said about his legacy, so I’ll just say how thankful I am that part of it includes Field of Dreams.”
Via Instagram
Octavia Spencer, an Oscar-winning actress, expressed that Jones’ “voice and talent will be remembered always” and that “legendary doesn’t even begin to describe his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever.“
On Instagram, “The Lion King” co-director Rob Minkoff shared that “his portrayal of Mufasa was perfection. What a powerful man and actor. Gone but will never be forgotten. Rest in power.”
According to Disney’s Bob Iger, he shared in a statement:
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.
Via Thewaltdisneycompany
Beyond Hollywood, Jones’ alma mater, the University of Michigan, honored him by sharing a video on X with the caption that reads “A Michigan icon. Rest in peace, James Earl Jones.”
Throughout his lifetime, Jones played a major role in the entertainment industry, starting his career in the early 1950s.
The Remarkable Legacy of James Earl Jones’ Career
Post-military service, James Earl Jones embarked on his acting career, debuting on Broadway in “Sunrise at Campobello” (1957).
He gained prominence through his roles in numerous Shakespeare in the Park productions, including “Othello,” “Hamlet,” “Coriolanus,” and “King Lear.”
His other Broadway credits featured “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (2008), “Driving Miss Daisy” (2010–2011), “You Can’t Take It with You” (2014), and “The Gin Game” (2015–2016).
He made his film debut in “Dr. Strangelove” (1964) and later appeared in “The Comedians” (1967) and “Claudine” (1974).
His other notable roles include appearances in “Matewan” (1987), “Coming to America” (1988), “9/10/2024” (1989), “The Hunt for Red October” (1990), “The Sandlot” (1993), and “The Lion King” (1994).
He also made guest appearances on numerous television shows, including NBC’s “Law & Order,” “Frasier,” and “Will & Grace,” as well as ABC’s “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.”
Over his career, Jones garnered two Primetime Emmy Awards, three Tony Awards, a Grammy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and many other accolades.
He achieved the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), becoming one of the few to do so.
As a pioneering Black actor of his generation, Jones developed a prolific and diverse career extending over six decades.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- James Earl Jones, born in Mississippi on January 17, 1931, faced challenges with a severe stutter as a child.
- After graduating from Dickson Rural Agricultural School, he attended the University of Michigan, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in drama in 1955.
- He married twice: first to Julienne Marie and later to Cecilia Hart, with whom he had a son named Flynn.
