Tributes are flooding in after it was announced that James Earl Jones has died at the age of 93.
No cause of death has immediately announced for the American actor, who was best known for voicing Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise and Mufasa in The Lion King.
On social media, Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill made reference to the relationship between their Star Wars characters by tweeting: “#RIP dad.”
James Earl Jones death: Booming voice behind Darth Vader and Mufasa dies aged 93
The actor and television host LeVar Burton, best known for his role in Star Trek: The Next Generation, also paid tribute to Jones, writing: “there will never be another of his particular combination of graces.”
Wendell Pierce, who played Detective Bunk Moreland in The Wire, posted a moving tribute to Jones, who he said inspired him to act. “This man was the living embodiment of artistry, integrity, creativity, and dignity,” wrote Pierce.
“James Earl Jones is the sole reason I became an actor. He stirred a vocation in me that gave voice to my unsung heart songs. By example, he led me on the exploration of my own personal humanity and the study of human behavior in others and the intangible, ever-present soul. He was a once in a generation talent that has left an enormous legacy in American.”
Rustin star Colman Domingo wrote on X/Twitter: “Thank you dear James Earl Jones for everything. A master of our craft. We stand on your shoulders. Rest now. You gave us your best.”
Bridesmaids director Paul Feig wrote: “James Earl Jones will never die. His talent, work and influence will be with us always. RIP, Mr. Jones.”
On Instagram, Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer wrote: “I’m incredibly saddened to learn of #JamesEarlJones’ passing today. Legendary doesn’t even begin to describe his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever. His voice and talent will be remembered always. Sending love to his family, friends and countless fans in all the galaxies, far, far away.”
Also on Instagram, Star Wars: Ahsoka actor Rosario Dawson posted a collage of photos of Jones as a young man with caption: “MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU Rest In Power King James THANK YOU.”
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Across a storied career on stage and screen, Jones received three Tony Awards, two Emmys and a Grammy.
Even in death, Jones’s booming voice will live on. In 2022, he signed off on archival voice recordings to be manipulated for future iterations of Darth Vader with the use of artificial intelligence. “David Prowse worked very hard to create the character Darth Vader. He is Vader. I just consider myself to be special effects,” Jones said self-deprecatingly in his 1993 memoir. “That’s how I approached it. I just sat there and had all the fun of playing my voice like an instrument.” What an instrument it was.
Read more about James Earl Jones here.