Legendary actor James Earl Jones – voice of Darth Vader – dies at 93

FILE – James Earl Jones arrives before the 84th Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen has died at age 93. His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed Jones died Monday morning, Sept. 9, 2024, at home. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson, File)

LOS ANGELES – Legendary actor James Earl Jones — known for his commanding screen presence in films ranging from “Field of Dreams” to “The Sandlot” and for his booming voice that gave life to Darth Vader in “Star Wars” and Mufasa in Disney’s “The Lion King” — died Monday at age 93.

His representatives confirmed to Deadline that Jones died at his home in Dutchess County, New York.

Born in Mississippi, Jones began his career on stage appearing in a variety of Shakespeare productions, then landed roles on the soap operas “Guiding Light” and “As the World Turns.”

He broke onto the big screen playing the role of bombardier Lt. Lothar Zogg in director Stanley Kubrick’s dark nuclear war comedy/drama “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.”

He appeared regularly on television, and landed roles in films such as “End of the Road” and “The Great White Hope.” He also appeared in the TV miniseries “Roots,” portraying author Alex Haley.

But 1977 also brought “Star Wars,” with Jones providing the menacing baritone voice of villain Darth Vader, and catapulting Jones to household-name status and making him a sought-after and instantly recognizable voice actor.

His other film credits include “Coming to America,” “The Hunt for Red October,” “Sneakers” and “Clear and Present Danger.” (CNS)