For millions of film fans, hearing James Earl Jones's unmistakable baritone voice-commanding at times, calming at others, always rich and velvetywas as much a part of the moviegoing experience as buying a tub of popcorn.
During his six-decade career he made scores of movies, but he was best known for two vocal roles: Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise and Mufasa in Disney's animated sensation The Lion King. Jones, however, never thought his gift was anything special.
"You know, I don't hear the voice you hear. I'm not party to the Darth Vader tone," he told The New York Times in 2014. "All I'm doing is using the voice I have to try to be as clear as I can with the language I'm using." His regal voice went silent on Sept. 9, when Jones died at age 93 of causes undisclosed at press time. He is survived by Flynn Earl Jones, 41, the son he had with his wife of 34 years, actress Cecilia Hart, who died in 2016. As Hollywood mourned the loss of a legend, Kevin Costner, who starred with Jones in Field of Dreams, remembered "that booming voice. That quiet strength. The kindness that he radiated.... I'm grateful to have been a witness to him making that magic happen."
This story is from the September 23, 2024 edition of People US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 23, 2024 edition of People US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
DIRECTOR DAVID LYNCH 'THERE'S A PRICE TO PAY FOR SMOKING'
THE FILMMAKER IS LIVING WITH COPD AFTER DECADES OF SMOKING WHICH IS WHY HE'S URGING OTHERS TO QUIT
Kate's Emotional Return
PRINCESS KATE'S GRADUAL STEP BACK INTO ROYAL DUTIES WITH PRINCE WILLIAM BY HER SIDE UNDERSCORES THEIR UNSPOKEN STRENGTH AMID IMMENSE PERSONAL CHALLENGES
The Wonderful World of WICKED!
GET READY FOR A HOLIDAY TRIP TO OZ! STARS SHARE A LOOK INSIDE THE NEW MOVIE VERSION OF THE BROADWAY HIT
THE SEXY GUYS OF NEW GIRL
Six years after their hit sitcom ended, the inhabitants of Apt. 4D-Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, Lamorne Morris and Damon Wayans Jr.-reunite for the first time and prove that being hilarious is always sexy
THE ART OF ROMANCE
With Adam Brody, aka the Hot Rabbi, leading the pack, these actors from the year's hottest love stories could teach a master class in swoon
BENNY BLANCO'S GUIDE TO BEING THE PERFECT GENTLEMAN
He cooks. He hosts. He woos. Now the music mega-producer and songwriter is sharing his secrets to success-in life and love
ROYALLY SEXY
Your majesty! When it comes to playing royalty, these distinguished gentlemen know just how to behave
JOHN KRASINSK IS THE SEXIEST MAN ALIVE!
After a crushworthy role on The Office, the devoted family man is now one of Hollywood's hottest directors
Emilia Pérez | NETFLIX
A crazy, daring tale-with songs!-of crime, revenge and gender reassignment
The True Story Behind Elvis's 1968 Comeback
A new documentary shows Elvis Presley like he's never been seen before. Netflix's Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley (streaming now) explores the significance of the rock and roll legend's '68 Comeback Special that aired on NBC on Dec. 3, 1968, when he was at a major crossroads in his career.
