The death of James Earl Jones at the age of 93 leaves a void in Hollywood. The highly respected, baritone-voiced actor was a veteran of the big screen – as well as the stage (he won three Tony Awards) and the small screen, where he made guest appearances on numerous shows.
Jones was in a select league as an actor, achieving coveted EGOT status by winning an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony Award. It should be noted, however, that he was awarded an honorary Oscar in 2011 and did not win it for portraying a specific role or in a highly competitive field.
Jones will be remembered by many fans for his work in films, where his distinctive voice and presence played a major role in several films. His cinematic work, which began with the 1964 political satire Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, is a testament to his talent and ability to connect with a role and a story. He later starred in films such as Conan the Barbarian, Matewan, Claudine, ‘The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings, and The Hunt for Red October.
Here’s a look at some of his most memorable roles and films.
“The Great White Hope”
Jones had already won the first of his two Tonys – he would also win a lifetime achievement award – with his performance in the Broadway show The Great White Hope. He would star in the 1970 film adaptation, which earned him his only Oscar nomination. He played Jack Jefferson, a character based on boxer Jack Johnson. Jones’ character is outspoken and must cope with public opinion of him as well as his talents in the ring and in interracial love affairs.
“Star Wars”
Jones did not physically appear as Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, but he did lend his famous voice to the character whose name alone conjures up images of villainy and evil. David Prowse is the actor in the costume, but Jones’ booming and commanding voice lent color to the role and made it one of the most memorable characters in film history.
“Coming to America”
It’s probably no coincidence that Jones had a talent for playing unforgettable fathers. In this classic 1988 comedy, he plays the king of the fictional country of Zamunda and becomes impatient when his son, played by Eddie Murphy, comes to America to find a bride. As a supporting player in the film, he adds just enough cockiness to show fans that he can be gruff, even though he wants the best for his son.
“Field of Dreams”
Jones plays eccentric, reclusive writer Terence Mann, who initially takes a dislike to Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner), nor does he want to find him after Kinsella builds a baseball diamond in his cornfield. Eventually, Mann changes his mind, and at the end of the film delivers a moving monologue about why Kinsella just can’t sell his farm, reminding him that people will come to see baseball.
“The Sandbank”
Jones could have been an intimidating presence, which was amplified in this 1993 coming-of-age comedy. While the baseball-playing kids in the film fear a dog named “The Beast” who prevents them from retrieving balls, they also fear the blind Mr. Mertle, who, it turns out, played baseball in Babe Ruth’s day and enjoys talking to them about the sport.
“The Lion King”
Another role that showcases Jones’ patriarchal strength, he voiced Mufasa in this timeless 1994 musical. He plays a ruler who is murdered by his brother only to help his son Simba, who is feeling guilty about his father’s death. Mufasa’s spirit helps Simba by urging him to retake his rightful place as king.
