James Earl Jones, the legendary actor celebrated for his iconic voice roles in the Star Wars franchise and Disney’s The Lion King, has died at the age of 93. His representatives confirmed that the beloved actor passed away peacefully at his home in upstate New York, surrounded by family.
Jones, known for his deep and resonant voice that brought characters like Darth Vader and Mufasa to life, was one of Hollywood’s most distinguished talents. In addition to his remarkable voice acting, Jones had a prolific career in film, television, and theater. His breakthrough role came in 1964 with Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove, and he went on to star in classic films such as Field of Dreams, Conan the Barbarian, Coming to America, and The Hunt for Red October.
Jones was also among the few to achieve EGOT status, having won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Honorary Oscar, and three Tony Awards throughout his remarkable career. His performances on Broadway in The Great White Hope and Fences further solidified his status as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
Beyond his entertainment career, Jones served in the United States Army as part of the 75th Rangers Regiment. His powerful voice also became widely recognized as the voice of CNN, with his memorable “This is CNN” line becoming an enduring signature.
The passing of James Earl Jones marks the end of an extraordinary era, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.