Star Wars & Lion King Star James Earl Jones Dies Aged 93

James Earl Jones, known for his role as voice actor in The Lion King and Star Wars, has died aged 93.

Jones was known for his iconic role as Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise, as well as Mufasa in the Lion King. He was also the only member of The Lion King's original cast to return for 2019's remake. 

His death was confirmed by his agent Barry McPherson, who said that he died at his home surrounded by his family members. No cause of death has been confirmed.

While he was best known for lending his voice to Darth Vader, Jones also appeared in Conan the Barbarian, starred in The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games, as well as Eddie Murphy's dad in Coming to America. 

James Earl Jones is also one of the few actors to have achieved EGOT status, having won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards). 

He won Tony Awards for The Great White Hope in 1969, and Fences in 1987, as well as Emmys for Gabriel's Fire and Heat Wave in 1991. In 1977, Jones also won a Grammy Award for best spoken word album for Great American Documents. He also won an honorary Oscar in 2011. 

"A master of our craft"

Following his death, Mark Hamill who also starred alongside Jones in Star Wars, also paid tribute to his co-star, writing "RIP Dad". 

Actor Colman Domingo also wrote a sweet tribute to Jones, adding: "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".  

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. pic.twitter.com/vD0V7y613w

— Colman Domingo (@colmandomingo) September 9, 2024