James Earl Jones, celebrated for his distinctive baritone voice and a prolific seven-decade career on stage and screen, passed away at the age of 93. Jones, famous for voicing iconic characters like Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, also won numerous awards, including two Tony Awards, two Emmys, and a Grammy. Despite early struggles with a stutter, Jones built a legacy that spanned generations, leaving a profound impact on theater and film.

Sheila Johnson, Madge Sinclair, James Earl Jones and Paul Bates in “Coming to America,” 1988.

Born in Mississippi, Jones overcame a childhood speech impediment and pursued acting at the University of Michigan. His breakthrough came with his Broadway debut in Sunrise at Campobello, followed by his award-winning role in The Great White Hope. Although Hollywood offered him fewer lead roles compared to contemporaries like Sidney Poitier, Jones thrived as a character actor. His career-defining work in Star Wars and Disney’s The Lion King cemented him as a pop culture icon.

Darth Vader, as voiced by James Earl Jones, in “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back,” 1980.

Jones’ career wasn’t limited to the screen; his powerful stage presence earned him critical acclaim in productions like Othello, Fences, and On Golden Pond. He remained active in theater, television, and film well into his later years, becoming a beloved figure in American entertainment. He was awarded an honorary Academy Award in 2011.