James Earl Jones – known for his voice roles as Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise and Mufasa in the Lion King film series – has passed away, aged 93, after an acclaimed career

Acclaimed actor James Earl Jones has died aged 93, it’s been announced.

James passed away at his home in Dutchess County, New York, on Monday. It’s since been shared that he was surrounded by loved ones. James, considered one of the world’s greatest actors on screen and stage, has been remembered in tributes by fans following the news this week.

The actor had a decades-long career after making his film debut in Dr. Strangelove (1964). He notably voiced Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise. He featured in the original trilogy, including Star Wars (1977), and reprised the role in Revenge of the Sith (2005), Rogue One (2016) and the Rise of Skywalker (2019).

He also voiced Mufasa in the Lion King film series, including the animated classic the Lion King (1994). He most recently voiced the character in the live action remake, released in 2019, which also featured the likes of Donald Glover, Beyoncé and John Oliver among its voice cast.

His on-screen appearances include having played author Alex Haley in the acclaimed ABC miniseries Roots, based on Alex’s family history, which aired in 1977. James’ other acting credits include roles in films like Coming to America (1988), Field of Dreams (1989) and the Hunt for Red October (1990).

Alongside his film and TV work, James found success on the stage too. He appeared in productions of plays like King Lear and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in his career. His more recent theatre credits included playing Hoke Colburn in Broadway and West End productions of Driving Miss Daisy in 2011.

James Earl Jones on stage in London in 2011.
It’s been announced that James Earl Jones has passed away ( 
Image:
Yui Mok/PA Wire)

James Earl Jones at the Tony Awards in 2016.
The actor is known for various roles, including as the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars films ( 
Image:
Getty Images North America)
The news of his death has prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media. A number of celebrities, including former colleagues, have been among the fans reacting. Mark Hamill, known for his role as Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise, shared an article about James’ death and wrote alongside a broken heart emoji: “#RIP dad.”

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One person tweeted: “Rest in peace, James Earl Jones. One of the most powerful, evocative, emotional voices in cinema history.” Someone else wrote: “Thank you dear James Earl Jones for everything. A master of our craft. We stand on your shoulders. Rest now. You gave us your best.”

“A true legend of cinema was James Earl Jones. Will be sorely missed. RIP,” another fan tweeted. Sharing their thoughts, one person wrote: “A true legend who commanded the screen with unmatched presence.” Another tweet read: “Remembering James Earl Jones, whose iconic voice and performances inspired us all. His legacy will forever echo in our hearts. Rest in peace.”

A number of fans have shared clips from his roles and quotes. He’s heard saying in one scene from the Lion King, that’s been shared following the news of his death: “Everything the light touches is our kingdom. A king’s time as ruler rises and falls like the sun. One day, Simba, the sun will set on my time here, and will rise with you as the new king.”

The pioneering actor was awarded two Primetime Emmys, a Golden Globe, two Tony Awards, a Grammy, the National Medal of Arts honour, the Kennedy Center Honours, an honorary Oscar and a special Tony for lifetime achievement in his career. And in 2022, a Broadway theatre was renamed in his honour.

James married fellow actor Celia Hart in 1982 and the couple welcomed son Flynn Jones during their relationship. Celia passed away in 2016 following a cancer diagnosis.