Disney Legend James Earl Jones, who provided the voices for iconic characters such as Darth Vader and Mufasa, has passed away at the age of 93. His Independent Artist Group representatives confirmed his passing to Deadline.
James Earl Jones Passes Away
Jones is most known to Disney fans as the voice of Darth Vader throughout the “Star Wars” franchise and the voice of “Mufasa” in “The Lion King” series, including the 2019 CGI remake.
D23 quotes Jones as saying, “Doing a voice for animation is acting in its purest form.” Jones was named a Disney Legend in 2019.
Jones reprised his role as Vader for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. He was also the original voice of Mara in Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye.
Outside of Disney, Jones is known for “Field of Dreams,” “Conan the Barbarian,” “Coming to America,” “The Hunt for Red October,” and “The Sandlot.” His film debut was in Stanley Kubrick’s “Dr. Strangelove” (1964). He is also known for his theater credits.
Jones received an honorary Oscar in 2012. He won two Emmys in 1991 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Special.
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I would have gladly listened to James Earl Jones reading a traffic ticket or dictate a telephone book.
Rest in peace Darth Vader. You are one with The Force.