September 9, 2024 | 1:33pm
James Earl Jones, the legendary actor celebrated for his commanding voice as Darth Vader in Star Wars and his poignant roles on Broadway, passed away this morning at his residence in Dutchess County, NY. He was 93 years old.
His agency, Independent Artist Group, confirmed the news of his death to Deadline, marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned over six decades.
Jones, renowned for his deep, resonant voice, achieved rare acclaim in entertainment, becoming one of the few performers to achieve an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) status, albeit with an honorary Academy Award. His accolades included two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Daytime Emmy, a Grammy for spoken-word, and three Tony Awards.
Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, MS, Jones' career began with notable early roles in Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove (1964) and gained international fame as the voice behind Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy. He continued to voice the iconic character in subsequent Star Wars films and TV series, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture with lines like "No, I am your father."
Beyond his cinematic achievements, Jones captivated audiences on Broadway, earning Tony Awards for his roles in The Great White Hope (1969) and Fences (1987). His stage career spanned from his debut in Sunrise at Campobello (1958) to recent performances in The Gin Game (2017). In a fitting tribute to his legacy, the Cort Theatre was renamed The James Earl Jones Theatre in 2022, honoring his profound impact on Broadway.
James Earl Jones leaves behind a rich tapestry of performances that will endure in the hearts of fans worldwide. Details on memorial arrangements and surviving family members were not immediately available at the time of reporting.
For those who admired his voice and presence, James Earl Jones will be remembered as a true titan of stage and screen, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
https://deadline.com/2024/09/james-earl-jones-dead-1236082801/
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