The acting industry bids farewell to James Earl Jones, whose unmistakable voice and towering talent resonated through generations. His contributions to the world of film and television will forever be remembered.
Hollywood has lost a true legend. James Earl Jones was an iconic actor whose voice thundered through favorite films. The veteran actor, who shaped unforgettable characters, passed away on Monday morning, September 9 at the age of 93.
James Earl Jones is shown recording an audio segment for Disney during a special event in Pawling, New York on July 10, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
With a career spanning stage and screen, Jones left an indelible mark on the entertainment world. He captivated audiences with his powerful presence and unmatched talent.
From voicing the menacing Darth Vader in “Star Wars” to bringing wisdom and importance to Mufasa in “The Lion King,” Jones’ deep, resonant voice became as iconic as the characters he portrayed.
James Earl Jones attends the “The Gin Game” Broadway opening night after party at Sardi’s on October 14, 2015, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
He passed away peacefully at his home in Duchess County, New York, surrounded by his family. Jones’ death confirmation from his representatives at the Independent Artist Group has left fans worldwide mourning the loss of a legend. His talents and contributions will forever echo in cinema history.
Though the cause of Jones’ death remains unknown, the legendary actor had previously opened up about his 20-year battle with type 2 diabetes. In a candid 2018 interview, Jones revealed that he discovered his diagnosis by accident—a common experience for many.
James Earl Jones attends the 70th Annual Tony Awards at Beacon Theatre on June 12, 2016, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
“I didn’t notice any symptoms,” he explained. “I had gone to a diet and exercise program hoping to lose some weight and ended up falling asleep sitting on a bench in the gymnasium.”
A chance encounter with his doctor, who happened to be there, changed everything. Noticing something wasn’t right, the doctor urged Jones to get tested, leading to the unexpected diagnosis. “It hit me like a thunderbolt,” Jones recalled.
James Earl Jones attends “The Gin Game” Broadway opening night after party at Sardi’s on October 14, 2015, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
From that day on, he became more attuned to his body’s signals. “I had to retrain myself to be aware of when my body is telling me something,” he shared. “Usually with low blood sugar, it’s easy to notice. With high blood sugar, it’s not as easy, and that can be the most dangerous aspect of type 2 diabetes.”
Despite this, Jones never let the diagnosis slow him down. His passion for performing remained strong, whether handling the demands of eight shows a week or a long film or television schedule. “I love working,” he said, at the time and he kept that commitment to his craft throughout his remarkable career.
