James Earl Jones: Voice of Darth Vader and Tony-Winning Stage Legend Die

James Earl Jones was an American actor best known for his commanding bass voice, which gave life to Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King. Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, he overcame a severe childhood stutter to become one of the most respected performers on stage and screen.

Jones won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for The Great White Hope in 1969 and earned an Academy Award nomination for the 1970 film version. He won a second Tony in 1987 for August Wilson's Fences and a Grammy in 1977 for Great American Documents. That same year he began voicing Darth Vader, and his voice also delivered the famous "This is CNN" tagline.

Jones was married to actress Julienne Marie from 1968 to 1972 and to actress Cecilia Hart from 1982 until her death in 2016. He had a son, Flynn Earl Jones. He died on September 9, 2024, at his home in Pawling, New York, at age 93. Remembered for a voice that was instantly recognizable around the world, he left behind an extraordinary body of work.

Achievements: Won the Tony Award for The Great White Hope (1969), earned an Academy Award nomination for the same role (1970), won a Grammy for Great American Documents and began voicing Darth Vader (1977), won a second Tony for Fences (1987).

Birth: January 17, 1931 - Arkabutla, Mississippi.

Profession: Actor (stage, film, television and voice work).

Interesting Facts: As a boy Jones was so affected by his stutter that he was nearly mute at school, until an English teacher encouraged him to read poetry aloud. His voice was used for the "This is CNN" tagline beginning in 1990.