Hollywood has lost an acting legend.
James Earl Jones—the actor whose deep and resonant voice can be heard in Star Wars and The Lion King—died on Sept. 9 at home in Dutchess County, N.Y., his rep confirmed to multiple outlets. He was 93.
Born on Jan. 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Miss., Jones spent much of his childhood in Michigan with his grandparents. During that time, Jones struggled with a severe stutter—an experience that eventually taught him the power of his own voice.
"As a small child, I would communicate to my family, or at least those who didn't mind being embarrassed by my stutter," he recalled in a 2010 interview with the Daily Mail. "By the time I got to school, my stuttering was so bad that I gave up trying to speak properly."
However, Jones overcame his issues with speech through the help of an English teacher who got him "involved with words."
"He got me engaged in the debating class, the dramatic reading class and so on," he shared. "He got me talking and reading poetry—Edgar Allan Poe was my favorite."
His newfound love of language led a degree in drama at the University of Michigan. From there, Jones served in the United States Army, in which he was commissioned as a second lieutenant.
Upon being discharged in 1955, he moved to New York City and began pursuing a career in theater. Following his Broadway debut in 1958's Sunrise at Campobello, Jones starred in productions of The Egg, Infidel Caesar and The Great White Hope, which won him the title of Best Actor in a Play at the 1969 Tony Awards.
In addition to his work on stage, Jones had a successful career in film and television. He made his silver screen debut in 1964's Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb and went on to appear in beloved works such as Field of Dreams, The Hunt for Red October, The Sandlot and Coming to America. On TV, Jones' acting credits included Roots, L.A. Law, Gabriel's Fire, Law & Order, Frasier and House.
Known for his powerful speaking voice, Jones' most iconic role was perhaps the voice Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise. He also notably provided the voice for Mufasa in The Lion King and Santa Claus in Recess, as well as the famed "This Is CNN" tagline for the news network. In fact, his prolific voice-over career even spanned into narration for numerous audiobooks.
Aside from his Tony, Jones' other accolades included an Emmy for his work in Roots: The Next Generation, a Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award, a Kennedy Center Honor and a National Medal of Arts.
But despite his revered accomplishments, Jones always remained humble and gracious, never forgetting his roots.
"I have no presumptions, no arrogance about my voice," he shared during a 1995 appearance on the Dick Cavett Show. "It fails me often because I'm a stutterer."
Jones is survived by his son Flynn Earl Jones, who he shared with late wife Cecilia Hart.
Read on to see more tributes to the actor.
Mark Hamill
"One of the world’s finest actors whose contributions to Star Wars were immeasurable," Hamill wrote on Instagram. "He’ll be greatly missed. #RIP dad"
LeVar Burton
"James Earl Jones," Burton shared on X, "there will never be another of his particular combination of graces."
Octavia Spencer
Spencer posted on Instagram alongside a photo of Jones, "I’m incredibly saddened to learn of #JamesEarlJones’ passing today. Legendary doesn’t even begin to describe his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever. His voice and talent will be remembered always. Sending love to his family, friends and countless fans in all the galaxies, far, far away."
George Takei
"A great spirit and boundless, unique voice has left us," Takei said on X. "James Earl Jones has passed, and he is returned to the great beyond. We are all the lesser for his loss, and we collectively mourn his passing and honor his great body of work."
Yvette Nicole Brown
Besides #StarWars, the first film I remember ever seeing was #Claudine," Brown recalled on Instagram. "#JamesEarlJones is a part of my cinematic DNA. Heartbroken doesn’t begin to cover it."
Henry Winkler
"James Earl Jones was our good friend," Winkler shared on X, "and set an example for how to live and work with power and grace. Rest well. We loved and love you."
Michael McKean
"There will never be another James Earl Jones," McKean wrote on X. "We were very lucky to have lived in his time. Working with him was what you might call next-level. A great actor. A great man."
Colman Domingo
"Thank you dear James Earl Jones for everything," Domingo posted to X. "A master of our craft. We stand on your shoulders. Rest now. You gave us your best."
William Shatner
Shatner paid tribute to Jones, writing on X, "Condolences to the family of James Earl Jones."
Tyrus
"Childhood hero," Tyrus posted to X, "the legendary actor James Earl Jones! I used to dream he was my dad… all time favorite actor have thulsa doom tattoo on my hand thank you for giving this kid the gifts of dreaming… rest well hero …"
Paul Feig
"James Earl Jones will never die," Feig noted on X. "His talent, work and influence will be with us always. RIP, Mr. Jones."
Michael Ian Black
Black wrote on X, "They've made him more powerful than you can possibly imagine."
Barry Jenkins
Jenkins shared a photo of Jones to X, writing, "Forever and always."
JJ Watt
"Rest in Peace James Earl Jones," Watt posted to X. "Absolute Legend."
Garcelle Beauvais
"Words cannot express how sad this makes me!" Beauvais posted to Instagram. "thank you for gracing us with your talent and your spirit! It was a pleasure to work and know you #jamesearljones restinpower"
Eric Braeden
"JAMES EARL JONES passed away today at age 93!" Braeden shared on X. "I had the honor of working with him many, many years ago! A gentleman and superb actor!!"