The admired and beloved Award Winning Actor: James Earl Jones passed away at his home in Dutchess County, New York in the early morning of September 9th, 2024 at the age of 93 due to natural causes. He was surrounded by his loved ones, and he died peacefully. The world was deeply saddened to learn of Jones’ passing as fans worldwide organized memorials and watch parties, celebrating Jones’ iconic performances. Candlelight vigils were held at Broadway theaters, and the hashtag #ThankYouJames trended on social media.
James Earl Jones (January 17, 1931 – September 9, 2024) was an American actor. A pioneer for black actors in the entertainment industry, he is known for his extensive and acclaimed roles on stage and screen. He is one of the few performers to achieve the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony).
James had notably voiced the antagonist Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise, first in the trilogy films—Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Return of the Jedi (1983) then again in the first installment of the Star Wars anthology series—Rogue One (2016), and the third installment of the sequel trilogy. In 2022, he officially signed over the rights to his voice as Darth Vader to Lucasfilm, allowing the studio to recreate his iconic voice using artificial intelligence. As reported by Vanity Fair, Lucasfilm wanted to keep Darth Vader’s legendary voice consistent with the original sound from the early Star Wars films.
I was very fortunate and honored to meet James Earl Jones at the SAG Awards at the Shrine Auditorium, when I went over to talk to him at his dinner table. I told him that “he had the best speaking voice in the industry . . . . and that only Morgan Freeman had a speaking voice just about as good as his,” and James was so flattered by that complement that he gave me an amazing complement that I will always remember for the rest of my life, as he said: “Thank You, but I can never do what you TV Broadcasters do!” This really blew my mind, as we had never met before, so he had no idea who I was, since I was not famous, so he had no idea of knowing if I was an actor, producer, director, writer, a SAG member, or even just a guest attending the SAG Awards! The truth was that I was given a ticket by a friend of mine who was an actress and SAG member: Margie Rey = who ended up becoming a news reporter on my TV Show that I Produced: Entertainment & Sports Today, and then went on to be my TV Show Host for both Entertainment & Sports Today, and Entertainment Today!
So just during a brief conversation that I had with James Earl Jones during the SAG Awards, based on my speaking voice that he heard, he just thought that I had to be an on-air TV Broadcaster – that my voice was good enough to do that kind of work! I was absolutely flattered and honored that he thought that of me, and in this case he was right! At the time I not only was the Executive Producer of my TV show: Entertainment & Sports Today, but I was also the on-air TV Show Host and Reporter, so I would do live on location interviews, announcing, calling of events, and voice-overs at Entertainment related events, music and sporting events. However, since James Earl Jones was such a famous and legendary actor- so for him to say that to me- was a very big complement, and something that I will always remember! I was so happy that I was able to find that photo that I had taken with him when I met him at his table at the SAG Awards: 
James Earl Jones, was one of the most iconic voices and versatile actors in American cinema. Best known for his commanding performances as Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, Jones left an indelible mark on generations. The beloved actor’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans alike, honoring his six-decade career on stage and screen.
As the news spread, social media and news outlets were flooded with tributes from co-stars, filmmakers, and fans. Colleagues from his Star Wars days, including Mark Hamill, shared touching tributes to his profound impact on cinema, while the voice-acting community lauded him as the “voice of a generation.” Fellow actors like Kevin Costner and Denzel Washington reflected on the time they spent with him on set, recalling his humility, grace, and unmatched talent.
Several notable figures from the world of theater and film were in attendance at James Earl Jones’ funeral. Close friends and collaborators, including actors from his Broadway days and Hollywood productions, were present to pay their respects. Eulogies were delivered by family members, and select industry figures shared deeply emotional tributes that touched on his kindness, professionalism, and how he shaped the modern acting landscape.
Kevin Costner, who co-starred with Jones in Field of Dreams, delivered one of the most poignant eulogies. Costner spoke about Jones’ deep passion for storytelling, his remarkable influence on modern acting, and noting that Jones’ commitment to his craft was evident in every performance, big or small. “He brought a voice to stories that will echo for generations,” Costner said. Others spoke about his mentorship to younger actors and his relentless pursuit of excellence in every role he undertook.
James Earl Jones was a titan of both stage and screen. Born in 1931 in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones overcame a severe childhood stutter to become one of the most powerful voices in acting history. His rich baritone voice, filled with resonance and authority, was heard across a diverse range of roles—from the feared Darth Vader to the gentle wisdom of Mufasa. His career spanned over five decades, with his contributions to theater earning him Tony Awards, and his screen performances bringing him an honorary Oscar, along with an Emmy and a Grammy.
James’ influence extended beyond his on-screen roles. His commitment to diverse representation in the arts was profound, as he consistently worked to break through racial barriers, much like Sidney Poitier and Paul Robeson before him. His Broadway achievements, especially in The Great White Hope and Fences, demonstrated his commitment to portraying the full depth and complexity of Black American life. These performances were pivotal in reshaping the conversation around race in the American theater and cinema.
James Earl Jones’ death left a significant void in both the film and theater industries. Fans gathered in key locations associated with his legacy, such as Broadway theaters and the Star Wars and Lion King exhibit sites, to hold candlelight vigils and public memorials. Many reflected on the profound impact he had on their lives, from his unforgettable voice work to the powerful characters he brought to life. His roles in films like The Great White Hope, Field of Dreams, and Star Wars will forever be part of cinematic history.
Several fan-organized events took place globally, including online watch parties of his most iconic films and moments. The hashtag #ThankYouJames trended on social media for days, underscoring the immense love and respect he garnered throughout his lifetime.
His influence is deeply felt not only through his films and voice work but also in the generations of actors he inspired. His groundbreaking work in theater, especially as an African American actor in traditionally white roles, continues to open doors for diverse actors across the globe.
As the entertainment world continues to mourn, efforts are underway to ensure that Jones’ voice remains eternal. In an extraordinary decision, Jones authorized the use of artificial intelligence to replicate his voice in future Star Wars projects. His legacy, therefore, will not only live on through his existing works but also through new generations experiencing the majesty of Darth Vader and Mufasa with the same richness he first gave them.
The funeral of James Earl Jones marked the end of a remarkable life and career that spanned over six decades. Though a private man, his public contributions will forever echo in the worlds of film and theater. His dignified funeral, attended by loved ones and celebrated by fans across the globe, was a testament to the profound impact he had on everyone he encountered. While he may no longer walk among us, his voice, his roles, and his legacy will continue to inspire and uplift for generations to come.
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