James Earl Jones, the famous actor known for his deep, powerful voice as Darth Vader in *Star Wars* and Mufasa in *The Lion King*, has died at 93.
Jones was considered one of the greatest actors of his time, with a career that covered everything from Shakespeare plays to major Hollywood movies. He was one of the few actors to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award, showing his incredible talent.
His death was reported by *Deadline*, through his representatives at Independent Artist Group.
James Earl Jones was born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, and grew up with his grandparents in Dublin, Michigan. Despite becoming one of the most famous voices in the world, he struggled with a stutter as a child.
“I couldn’t talk,” Jones shared in a 1996 interview. “My first year of school, I didn’t speak, and this continued until high school.” A teacher helped him overcome his stutter by encouraging him to read poetry out loud.
After serving in the US Army during the Korean War, Jones decided to follow his passion for acting. He studied at the American Theatre Wing, supporting himself by working as a janitor. By the 1960s, he was recognized as one of the great Shakespearean actors of his time, playing famous roles like Othello and King Lear. He also made his film debut in the 1964 Stanley Kubrick movie *Dr. Strangelove*, playing Lt. Lothar Zogg.
In 1967, James Earl Jones played a boxer in *The Great White Hope*, a role that earned him the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. He later played the same role in the 1970 movie version and received his first Oscar nomination for it.
While he had many great acting roles, Jones became most famous for one where he didn’t even appear on screen: the voice of Darth Vader in *Star Wars*. Though another actor, David Prowse, wore the costume, Jones provided the deep, powerful voice that made Darth Vader one of the most unforgettable characters in movie history.
James Earl Jones initially chose not to be credited for his role as Darth Vader, but it has become one of his most famous performances. He continued to voice Vader for many years, including in the sequels *The Empire Strikes Back* and *Return of the Jedi*, the prequel *Revenge of the Sith*, and the spin-off *Rogue One*. In 2022, Jones retired from voicing Vader but agreed to let his voice be used in future projects through artificial intelligence and old recordings.
Jones also voiced another beloved character, Mufasa, in Disney’s 1994 film *The Lion King*. He returned to voice Mufasa again in the 2019 remake.
In the 1980s and 1990s, James Earl Jones appeared in many popular movies like *Conan the Barbarian*, *Coming to America*, *Field of Dreams*, *The Hunt for Red October*, *Patriot Games*, and *The Sandlot*. He also won his second Tony Award for his role in the original production of August Wilson’s play *Fences*.
Jones received eight Emmy Award nominations for his TV work and won twice in 1991: once for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for *Heat Wave*, and once for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for *Gabriel’s Fire*.
He also kept performing on Broadway, starring in revivals of plays such as *On Golden Pond*, *Cat on a Hot Tin Roof*, *Driving Miss Daisy*, *The Best Man*, and *You Can’t Take It With You* over the past 20 years.
James Earl Jones received many awards and honors during his impressive career. In 2011, he was given an Honorary Academy Award, joining a special group of people who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award, known as “EGOT.” In 2022, Broadway’s Cort Theatre was renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre in his honor.
Rest in peace to the legendary James Earl Jones, one of the greatest actors of our time. Please share this story to remember him.
Jim Jordan’s Major Announcement: What’s the Buzz?
Two Republican committee chairmen, James Comer of Kentucky and Jim Jordan of Ohio, have reinitiated their inquiry into President Joe Biden, alleging potential interference with his son Hunter Biden’s cooperation in the House’s impeachment investigation.
A statement from the White House impIied President Joe Biden was aware of Hunter’s intention to defy congressional subpoenas, prompting the investigation.
The statement read: “The Committees issued subpoenas to Hunter Biden for a deposition to be conducted on December 13, 2023. In correspondence with Mr. Biden’s attorney prior to the scheduled deposition, the Committees addressed and dismissed Mr. Biden’s justifications for non-compliance with the subpoenas, as well as his request for special treatment.”
In December, the United States House of Representatives voted to formally authorize an investigation into President Joe Biden’s potential impeachment.
With a party-line vote of 221-212, the Republican-controlled chamber endorsed the inquiry, probing whether Biden unlawfully benefited from his son Hunter Biden’s international business ventures. Hunter Biden had earlier declined an invitation to testify privately.
Newly appointed House Speaker Mike Johnson recently discussed the impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden, asserting, “We have a duty to pursue it.”
“These are serious times and this is a very serious matter. Next to the Declaration of W*r, impeachment may be the most consequential power Congress holds. That constitutional responsibility rests with the House,” Johnson began at a press briefing.
“We must pursue the facts wherever they lead. Facts are stubborn things, as John Adams famously said. These facts are alarming to the American people and to us. While we take no pleasure in these proceedings, we have a duty to act. We are proud of the work of Chairmen Comer, Jordan, and Smith. They have diligently uncovered evident corru ption involving President Biden and the Biden family. We owe it to the American people to continue this process methodically and transparently,” Johnson added.
He continued, “To do this appropriately and uphold our constitutional duty, we need time and a sound process. Rushing is not an option if we are to remain faithful to the Constitution. The chairmen are committed to proceeding in this manner. We have heard from whistleblowers, Biden business associates, legal experts, and now it is crucial to hear from key witnesses.”
“The chairmen have issued subpoenas, and we expect them to be complied with promptly. We are not making any prejudgments. We will follow the facts wherever they lead. I fully support our chairmen in their efforts, and we will have more updates in the days ahead. Now, we will take some questions.”
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