Robert Earl Jones: Veteran Actor and Father of James Earl Jones Dies at

Robert Earl Jones was an American actor and one of the first prominent Black film actors. Born on February 3, 1910, in Mississippi, he moved north and worked as a boxer and laborer before turning to acting.

He led race films for director Oscar Micheaux, including Lying Lips (1939), and acted on Broadway. His later films included The Sting, Trading Places and Witness. He was blacklisted in the 1950s after being named before the House Un-American Activities Committee.

His son is actor James Earl Jones. Jones died in Englewood, New Jersey, on September 7, 2006, at age 96, and had received a lifetime achievement award from the National Black Theatre Festival.

Achievements: Lifetime achievement award from the National Black Theatre Festival.

Birth: February 3, 1910 - Tate County, Mississippi.

Profession: Actor.

Interesting Facts: He once sparred with Joe Louis under the ring name Battling Bill Stovall.