American actor James Earl Jones, renowned for voicing the iconic Star Wars character Darth Vader, has passed away at the age of 93.
He died peacefully on Monday morning, surrounded by his family, according to his agent Barry McPherson.
Jones had a prolific career in the entertainment industry, starring in numerous films such as Field of Dreams, Coming To America, Conan the Barbarian, and The Lion King.
However, he was best known for providing the distinct, gravelly voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise.
Mark Hamill, who portrayed Vader’s son Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars series, expressed his grief on social media by posting “RIP Dad” with a broken heart emoji.
Jones was a highly decorated actor, having won three Tony Awards, two Emmys, a Grammy, and an honorary Oscar in 2011 for his lifetime achievements.
In addition to his illustrious career on screen, Jones was also a celebrated stage actor, known for his performances in Shakespearean roles like Othello and King Lear. He also lent his voice to the iconic CNN tagline, “This is CNN.”
Tributes poured in from fellow actors and industry professionals, with Star Trek star LeVar Burton praising Jones for his unique talents.
Actor Kevin Costner, who worked with Jones in Field of Dreams, remembered him for his booming voice and quiet strength.
Jones’ legacy extends far beyond his on-screen performances, as he touched the lives of many through his work. His contribution to cinema and television will be remembered and cherished for years.
