The whole world is mourning the death of James Earl Jones, but most of all, his co-stars, like Mark Hamill, are mourning him so much.
Star Wars etched both Mark and James into movie history forever, as they shared the screen during perhaps the biggest turning point in cinematic history.
After news of James’ passing broke, Mark was one of the first people to release a statement mourning the loss, not just for himself but for the whole world.
James Earl Jones dies at the age of 93
James Earl Jones, a triple threat — a prolific actor in film, TV and theater — died on Sept. 9. He was with his family at his home in Dutchess County, NY, his rep confirmed. Diversity, when he passed,
The cause of his death is unknown, but it comes after James spent nearly 5 years away from the Hollywood spotlight. His last role in film was in the long-awaited sequel, Coming 2 America, alongside Eddie Murphy.
In fact, his later years were dominated by reprising the roles that made him a Hollywood icon. When Disney decided to make a CGI, live-animated remake of The Lion King, no one was called back to voice their characters – except James. He returned to voice Mufasa once again.
Then, he went on to voice iconic villain Darth Vader on and off for countless years after originating the role in the 1977 film Star Wars: A New Hope.
But he will always be remembered for that one scene in The Empire Strikes Back.
Mark Hamill honors ‘father’ James Earl Jones
The EGOT winner leaves behind two sons: his biological son Flynn Earl Jones and his film son Mark Hamill.
Mark played Luke Skywalker opposite Jones’ Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, and in The Empire Strikes Back, it was revealed that his young Jedi character was actually the son of a Sith Lord.
The phrase, “Luke, I am your father”, performed perfectly in James’ iconic baritone, remains one of the most quoted lines in film history to this day.
Likewise, upon hearing the news of James’ passing, Mark immediately took to X (formally Twitter) to pay his respects to his long-term co-star.
#Tear out papa ???? https://t.co/YXpFoBb2Ua
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) September 9, 2024
The downfall of another ‘Star Wars’ star
Sadly, Mark had to say goodbye to many of his co-stars from the original Star Wars films.
Most notably, beloved actress Carrie Fisher, who played Luke’s sister Leia, passed away in December 2016 at the age of 60. She suffered a heart attack and, sadly, was just about to begin filming her final Star Wars film, Rise of Skywalker, when she died.
Shortly after, Peter Mayhew passed away in 2019 at the age of 74. He was best known for playing Chewbacca in the original Star Wars trilogy as well as Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Although he wasn’t down to the furball in the latest trilogy of films, he was a mentor in the films, training the next generation.
Finally, Jeremy Bulloch, the actor who played Star Wars armor-clad bounty hunter Boba Fett, died in December 2020 due to health complications.