James Earl Jones

With a career that spans over 60 years, James Earl Jones is one of film’s most recognizable actors.

Jones, born in January 1931 in Arkabutla, began his career on stage, performing in numerous Shakespeare productions. His Broadway debut came with a role in Sunrise at Campobello in the late 1950s. It was in 1968 that he was cast in his breakout role of boxer Jack Jefferson in the stage production of The Great White Hope, earning him his first Tony. He reprised the role two years later in the film version of the play, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and a Golden Globe Award for Best New Star of the Year.

Jones performed in numerous Broadway shows throughout the ’70s and ’80s, winning a second Tony for his performance in Fences. On television, he won an Emmy for his role in Gabriel’s Fire and another for his supporting role in Heat Wave, making him the first actor to win two Emmys in the same year within the same drama category.

More success came with roles in dozens of films, including Field of Dreams and Coming to America. Jones has lent his distinctive basso profundo voice to Darth Vader in the original Star Wars, and in various sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, including Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. He has also voiced Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King and its 2019 CGI/live-action remake.

Throughout his career, Jones has received many accolades, including a Kennedy Center Honor, an honorary Academy Award, and the Voice Arts Icon Award.