Hollywood is mourning the loss of a true giant, Mr James Earl Jones, the iconic actor known for his deep, commanding voice and with a career of more than six decades, has passed away at the age of 93.
The legendary star died peacefully at his home in New York after a lengthy battle with diabetes, according to reports from Bang Showbiz.
Jones, who famously voiced Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King, once described his diagnosis as a “thunderbolt” that shook him to his core. In 2018, he opened up about how diabetes had dramatically shifted his focus to his health as he aged. The diagnosis, while shocking, pushed him to be more vigilant and to take control of his wellbeing.
“My diagnosis came about by accident,” Jones shared in an interview, reflecting on the moment he learned of his condition. “I was at a weight control centre trying to lose some pounds. I dozed off on a bench in the gym, and a doctor noticed—it wasn’t normal. After some tests, I found out I had type 2 diabetes. It was like a thunderbolt.”
Despite managing his condition for over two decades, Jones continued to work and inspire with his unforgettable performances. He was one of the few to reach the coveted EGOT status, having earned an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award. His performances in films like Coming to America, Field of Dreams, and Cry, the Beloved Country only cemented his status as one of the greatest actors of our time.
Born in 1931, Jones’s deep voice and larger-than-life presence made him a household name. His role as Darth Vader in the Star Wars series turned his voice into one of the most recognizable in cinema history. Yet, he remained humble and committed to his craft, whether on stage, in film, or behind the microphone.
Thank you for your wonderful work, James Earl Jones. Rest well
— Dionne Grant (@DionneGrant) September 9, 2024pic.twitter.com/IeHR1uj1VA
Additionally to his professional achievements, Jones had a rich personal life. He married actress and singer Julienne Marie in 1968, after they met during his celebrated performance as Othello. Though their marriage ended in 1972, ten years later he found love again with actress Cecilia Hart. The couple had one son, Flynn, and were married until Cecilia’s passing from ovarian cancer in 2016.
As Hollywood and fans around the world remember James Earl Jones, there’s no denying that his legacy will live on. From his iconic performances to his rich voice that gave life to some of the most memorable characters in film history, Jones leaves behind a body of work that will inspire generations to come. Rest in peace to the one and only James Earl Jones.
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