James Earl Jones, an icon of both film and theater, has passed away in his home in Dutchess County, NY.
Deadline reported the actor’s death occurred in the early morning hours of September 9, 2024, though the cause has not been confirmed.
This loss is significant for the acting community, as Jones starred in some of the most memorable works over the past few decades.
From lending his powerful voice to the nurturing yet authoritative Mufasa in The Lion King to portraying the menacing Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise, Jones was regarded as a powerhouse in the acting realm.
— IGN (@IGN) September 9, 2024
While Jones is widely recognized for his role as Darth Vader, he also featured in numerous iconic Hollywood films that fans may not be aware of.
His credits include the comedic classic Coming to America, the impactful baseball drama Field of Dreams, and the independent Christian film Gimme Shelter.
In addition to his film work, Jones made appearances in various television shows such as Law & Order, Recess, Will & Grace, and The Big Bang Theory.
Jones was among the select few entertainers who achieved the prestigious status of being an EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards).
He received an Emmy for his guest role in the 1964 drama East Side/West Side, won a Grammy for his narration of the Great American Documents audiobook in 1977, and earned his first Tony for his performance in The Great White Hope in 1969.
Unlike some other EGOT winners, Jones did not win a competitive Oscar, such as for Best Actor or Best Supporting Actor. Instead, he was awarded an honorary Oscar in 2011, honoring his six decades of contributions to the industry.
Jones is survived by his only child, Flynn Earl Jones, whom he had with his late wife, actress Cecilia Hart.
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