Walt Disney Company Remembers the Late James Earl Jones
Disney Legend James Earl Jones, the legendary voice actor known for his iconic portrayals of Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise and Mufasa in The Lion King, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 9, at the age of 93. Surrounded by loved ones at his home in Dutchess County, New York. Jones left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with his powerful and commanding voice.
Related – James Earl Jones Has Retired From Voice Acting as Darth Vader
“From the gentle wisdom of Mufasa to the menacing threat of Darth Vader, James Earl Jones gave voice to some of the greatest characters in cinema history,” said Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “A celebrated stage actor with nearly 200 film and television credits to his name, the stories he brought to life with a uniquely commanding presence and a true richness of spirit have left an indelible mark on generations of audiences. On behalf of all of us at Disney, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Jones’ deep, resonant voice, a basso profundo of extraordinary power, brought to life one of cinema’s most iconic villains: Darth Vader. His unforgettable performance in Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) solidified Vader’s status as a cultural touchstone. Jones continued to lend his voice to the character in subsequent Star Wars films, including The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Rogue One, and The Rise of Skywalker. His legacy also extended to the animated series Star Wars Rebels and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
A stark contrast to his menacing portrayal of Darth Vader, Jones also voiced the wise and noble King Mufasa in Disney’s animated classic, The Lion King (1994). As Jones explained, “Voice acting for animation is acting in its purest form. It’s like ancient Greek theater, where actors wore masks. We supply the behaviors, emotions, and feelings behind the animator’s drawings.” Jones’ iconic performance as Mufasa was revisited in The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride, The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar, and the 2019 photorealistic remake directed by Jon Favreau.
“I initially approached my character with the utmost dignity, befitting the king of the jungle. The more I did that, however, the more we realized we were missing something. We were missing the dad,” Jones once said. “Fathers are not always grand, certainly not with their sons. When you accommodate being a father, you are often dopey and goofy. You are just Dad… In The Lion King, Mufasa urges his son, Simba, to take his place in the great circle of life—and for me, the heart of that circle is my family.”
Born in Arkabutla, Mississippi, and raised on a farm by his grandparents in Jackson, Michigan, Jones overcame a childhood stutter with the help of a supportive high school teacher. Through reciting poetry in front of his class, he discovered his passion for performing. After graduating from the University of Michigan and serving in the Army, Jones embarked on a successful Broadway career in 1958. Two years later, he joined the renowned Shakespeare in the Park company in New York City.
Over the course of his prolific career, Jones expanded his work to include film and television alongside his continued stage performances. His Disney and 20th Century credits include Three Fugitives, Gabriel’s Fire, The Simpsons, Pros and Cons, True Identity, The Sandlot, Jefferson in Paris, Recess, Fantasia/2000, and Earth. Additionally, Jones’ voice has been a familiar presence in Disney Parks worldwide, notably as Darth Vader in Star Tours – The Adventures Continue and as a celebrity narrator for the Candlelight Ceremony and Processional at Disneyland Park.
Admired by audiences and fellow artists, Jones’ accomplishments were recognized with two Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, and a Grammy Award. In 2011, he received an Academy Honorary Award for his extraordinary talent and versatility. His lasting contributions to the entertainment industry were further honored in 2019 when he was inducted as a Disney Legend at D23 Expo.
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