Hollywood legend James Earl Jones dead at 93

The actor, responsible for some of the most iconic characters in modern cinema, has died at the age of 93.

Legendary actor James Earl Jones has died at his home in Dutchess County, New York, at the age of 93.

Deadline was first to report the beloved actor’s passing – no cause of death has been released at this time.

The man behind the mask: Earl Jones voices Darth Vader.

James Earl Jones in Australia in 2013.

While he had memorable roles in films like Coming To America, Field of Dreams and The Hunt for Red October, Earl Jones’ voice was arguably even more recognisable than his face: He provided his vocal talents to iconic characters including Star Wars’ Darth Vader and The Lion King’s Mufasa.

From his big-screen debut in 1964’s Dr Strangelove onwards, the actor never stopped working, amassing dozens of credits across film, television and theatre. IMDB lists hist most recent project as 2021’s Eddie Murphy sequel, Coming 2 America.

Throughout his career, Earl Jones won three Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, and a Grammy Award. A prolific theatre actor, he was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1985. He also received an honourary Academy Award in 2011.

Earl Jones was married twice and had one child. His second wife, Cecilia Hart, died in 2016.

Originally published as Hollywood legend James Earl Jones dead at 93