Prominent personalities in Hollywood have been paying homage to James Earl Jones, the iconic actor renowned for lending his voice to Darth Vader and Mufasa. Jones passed away on September 9 at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy as an EGOT winner with a career spanning more than sixty years. Beyond his memorable roles in *Star Wars* and *The Lion King*, Jones was celebrated for his performances in *Field of Dreams*, *Coming to America* along with its 2021 sequel, and *The Great White Hope*, which earned him an Oscar nomination.
The announcement of Jones’ death prompted an outpouring of tributes from the entertainment world, with many highlighting his significant contributions to both stage and screen. Here are some notable tributes:
Mark Hamill, who portrayed Luke Skywalker, the son of Darth Vader in the original *Star Wars* films, praised Jones as “One of the world’s finest actors whose contributions to *Star Wars* were immeasurable,” affectionately calling him “Dad.”
The Peter Mayhew Foundation, honoring the late actor who played Chewbacca, extended their “most heartfelt sympathy to his family.”
LeVar Burton expressed that “there will never be another of his particular combination of graces.” Burton is well-known for his role in the 1977 miniseries *Roots*, while Jones appeared in its 1979 sequel.
Kevin Costner, who acted alongside Jones in *Field of Dreams*, paid tribute to the late actor’s unforgettable performance in the 1989 film, stating, “If you’ve seen it, you know that this movie wouldn’t be the same with anyone else in his role.”
Barry Jenkins, director of the upcoming prequel film *Mufasa: The Lion King*, shared a photo of a young Jones with the caption, “Forever and always.”
Henry Winkler simply remarked, “James Earl Jones was our good friend and set an example for how to live and work with power and grace,” underscoring the affection everyone had for him.
Colman Domingo thanked Jones for his contributions, adding, “We stand on your shoulders. Rest now. You gave us your best.”
Fellow *Star Wars* actor Billy Dee Williams, who played Lando Calrissian in the original trilogy, shared a poignant tribute along with a photo of himself and Jones. “He brought power, wisdom, and soul to every role, but more than that, he was a kind, humble soul who inspired everyone around him,” Williams stated. The two also collaborated on *The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings*.
Jeffrey Wright’s tribute was brief yet powerful: “James Earl Jones. A master. RIP.”
Octavia Spencer also paid her respects, noting, “Legendary doesn’t even begin to describe his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever.”
The official *Star Wars* Instagram account posted a statement from George Lucas:
“James was an incredible actor, a most unique voice both in art and spirit. For nearly half a century he was Darth Vader, but the secret to it all is he was a beautiful human being. He gave depth, sincerity, and meaning to all his roles, amongst the most important being a devoted husband to the late Ceci and dad to Flynn. James will be missed by so many of us…friends and fans alike.”
The Empire State Building in New York City paid tribute by illuminating the building in black and red, honoring Jones’ portrayal of Darth Vader.
Matthew Modine, who collaborated with Jones on *What the Deaf Man Heard*, shared a touching photograph of Jones.
James Earl Jones’ Work Resonated with Countless Audiences
The Many Tributes Demonstrate Jones’ Lasting Influence
The tributes mentioned here barely scratch the surface of the widespread admiration from Jones’ fans. The flood of love for the legendary actor has been immense, with many celebrating Jones’ most iconic roles. Whether as the majestic Mufasa in *The Lion King* or the triumphant boxer Jack Jefferson in *The Great White Hope*, Jones’ diverse array of characters left a lasting impression on audiences.
Even those who never had the chance to work alongside him have recognized the profound impact he has likely left behind.
This is especially true for his vocal portrayal of Darth Vader, which remains the benchmark for the *Star Wars* saga. While the black-cloaked Sith Lord stands as Jones’ most famous character, it represents just a fraction of the actor’s extensive body of work. In 2011, Jones was honored with an Academy Award, solidifying his EGOT status.
The overwhelming volume of tributes from the entertainment world underscores how deeply Jones’ work resonated and inspired countless individuals. Even those who never collaborated with him acknowledge the enduring influence he will likely continue to have. His performances will stand the test of time, as Jones has proven to be a singularly remarkable legend.
Source: Various (see above)
