James Earl Jones, the legendary star of stage and screen who voiced Darth Vader and Mufasa, has passed away. THR reports that the celebrated performer passed on Monday at his home in Dutchess County, New York. No word on the circumstances of his passing; he was 93 years old.
Jones was known as one of the most distinguished and versatile performers of his era and had a career that stretched nearly 70 years, with roles in such iconic films as Dr. Strangelove, Conan the Barbarian, Coming To America, Field of Dreams, The Hunt for Red October and more, though he will always be best known as the voice of Vader in the Star Wars franchise as well as King Mufasa in The Lion King . He earned awards across the field of entertainment including two Primetime Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, a Grammy Award, a Golden Globe Award and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award.
He was awarded an Academy Honorary Award in 2011. Born in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones was born with a stutter so severe that he refused to speak in school until his English teacher in high school recognized his gift for poerty and helped him through his speech impediment. He was studied pre-med in college until he decided to focus on drama, assuming he would be doing something he enjoyed before he went off to fight in the Korean War.
He graduated with a Bachelor in Fine Arts and began acting on stage, making his Broadway debut as an understudy in 1957. Jones continued his stage work, with leading roles in several Sh.