American actor James Earl Jones – recognised worldwide as the voice of Darth Vader, the iconic character from the Star Wars film saga – has died at the age of 93.
Critics have described the artist as a distinguished film and stage actor, known for his deep, resonant, majestic voice and commanding presence. His agent, Barry McPherson, said that “the actor died Monday at his home in Dutchess County, New York, surrounded by his family.”
Jones, in his six-decade career, has worked with directors such as Stanley Kubrick, Franco Zeffirelli, James Ivory, Martin Ritt, and John Sayles. Apart from the Star Wars films, he has starred in films such as Dr. Strangelove: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, White People's Great Hope, Field of Dreams, Patriot Games, and Welcome Home, Mr. Jenkins.
“That booming voice. That quiet strength. The kindness he exuded. There's so much to be said about his legacy, so I'll just say how grateful I am that Field of Dreams is part of it. If you've seen the movie, you know it wouldn't be the same if someone else played him. Only he could bring that magic to a movie about baseball and an Iowa cornfield. I'm grateful I got to witness that magic happen,” co-star Kevin Costner wrote in a tribute to Jones.
James Earl Jones dies at age 93Reuters
Honored with an Oscar for lifetime achievement
The actor was also known for his performances on Broadway in New York, including Shakespeare's Othello, Hamlet, King Lear, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. He performed in plays by Eugene O'Neill, Tennessee Williams, Jean Genet, Anton Chekhov, and August Wilson. The audience admired his voice, which is all the more significant because he had struggled with a stutter since childhood, which accompanied him throughout his life.
“I stuttered so badly I was embarrassed,” Jones said on CBS's “Sunday Morning.”
The star's TV series include “Doctor Kildare”, “Highway to Heaven”, “Law & Order”, “Everwood” and “The Big Bang Theory”. He has played roles in film, theatre and television in almost 200 titles.
Jones was one of a handful of artists to win the prestigious Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards, commonly known as EGOTs. He is the recipient of two Emmys, one Grammy, and three Tonys. In 2011, the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honored him with an Oscar for Lifetime Achievement.
Main image source: Reuters