James Earl Jones, perhaps one of the most beloved actors of his generation, has passed away at the age of 93.
After spending several years away from the Hollywood spotlight, James struggled with serious health issues prior to his passing.
But no matter the cause of his death, his life as an actor will always be remembered by generations of fans, and for years to come.
James Earl Jones: the cause of his death at 93
The news of James’ death came late in the afternoon on September 9. This was confirmed by his representative. Diversity The star, widely known as ‘The Voice’ Star Wars The villain Darth Vader, as well as Mufasa from TThe Lion Kingthat he had died that morning at his home in Dutchess County, New York
Although the official cause of death was not immediately released, James had struggled with type 2 diabetes in his later years.
“I was fit, climbing mountains and skiing and doing all that,” James explained in an interview with AOL about his health in 2016. “I used to think I was invincible, because the military teaches you to think about yourself that way, so it was a shock. There’s a lot of denial.”
When he was finally diagnosed with the disease, it was after ignoring the symptoms of his illness for nearly 20 years.
“I fell asleep on a bench in the middle of the gym,” he said. “The doctor there told me, ‘This is not normal.’ I got tested and found out it was Type 2 diabetes. And it hit me like a thunderbolt.”
His legacy as Darth Vader, Mufasa and others
There is hardly anyone who doesn’t love a James Earl Jones project. From movies to TV and Broadway, JEJ has done it all throughout his career.
Many are surprised to learn that to become the legend he is today, young James had to overcome a terrible stutter. It’s hard to believe that the most recognizable baritone voice of all time struggled to speak.
And yet, he overcame it, and will probably be remembered for his voice acting.
James has lent his voice to one of the most well-known villains in film history: Darth Vader. Star Wars He debuted in the first of the trilogy films-Star Wars (1977), before returning for two sequels, The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Return of the Jedi
James then appeared again in the first episode of the series. Star Wars Compilation Series—Rogue One (2016), and the third installment of the sequel trilogy, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,
He also voiced the beloved Disney character Mufasa in the original 1994 animated The Lion King — and again for the computer-animated remake in 2019. He was the only original cast member to return.
His last role was in 2021’s “Coming 2 America.” For that film, Jones reprised his role as King Jaffe Joffer from the 1988 Eddie Murphy comedy “Coming to America.”
Apparently, when the guy liked a role, he would come back to it again and again, wanting more!
An award-winning star and father
James received numerous awards during his lifetime, even receiving the rare EGOT honor.
He’s won Emmy, Grammy, and Tony awards (including a Tony for Lifetime Achievement in 2017) and earned an honorary Oscar in 2011. No doubt he’ll be honored at all of these shows in the coming weeks.
His other notable roles include Mr. Mertle in the 1993 film “The Sandlot” and Pendleton in the 2018 drama “Warning Shot.”
James’ first marriage was to actress-singer Julianne Marie. His second wife, actress Cecilia Hart, died in 2016 after 34 years together. His son Flynn Earl Jones survives.