James Earl Jones, Dies at 93

James Earl Jones, a commanding figure on screen best known for his iconic voice work as the menacing Darth Vader in Star Wars and the wise Mufasa in The Lion King, passed away on Monday at the age of 93.

Jones, who rose to national prominence in 1970 with his powerful, Oscar-nominated portrayal of America’s first Black heavyweight champion in The Great White Hope, died at his home in Dutchess County, New York, according to a statement from Independent Artist Group.

James Earl Jones has had a long and varied career, with many memorable roles in both film and theater. Here are some of the most significant movies of his career:

1. Star Wars Series (1977-2019)

• Role: Voice of Darth Vader

• Description: James Earl Jones provided the iconic voice of the villain Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy (1977-1983) and continued to voice the character in other films and projects over the years.

2. The Lion King (1994 and 2019)

• Role: Voice of Mufasa

• Description: He voiced Mufasa, the majestic lion king and father of Simba, in both the original 1994 animated film and the 2019 live-action remake.

3. The Great White Hope (1970)

• Role: Jack Jefferson

• Description: Jones portrayed a boxer based on Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight champion, and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance.

4. Coming to America (1988) and Coming 2 America (2021)

• Role: King Jaffe Joffer

• Description: Jones played King Jaffe Joffer, the father of Prince Akeem (played by Eddie Murphy), in both the original comedy and its sequel, Coming 2 America.

5. Field of Dreams (1989)

• Role: Terence Mann

• Description: Jones portrayed a reclusive author who helps the main character, played by Kevin Costner, understand the mysterious voices that lead him to build a baseball field.

6. Cry, the Beloved Country (1995)

• Role: Reverend Stephen Kumalo

• Description: He played a South African reverend in an adaptation of Alan Paton's famous novel about apartheid and racial reconciliation.

7. Conan the Barbarian (1982)

• Role: Thulsa Doom

• Description: Jones played the role of Thulsa Doom, a powerful cult leader, in the fantasy film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

8. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

• Role: Lieutenant Lothar Zogg

• Description: Jones had a significant supporting role as the co-pilot of a bomber in Stanley Kubrick's satirical comedy.

These films represent some of the most notable moments in James Earl Jones's career, remembered for his unmistakable talent and presence both on and off the screen.