James Earl Jones made 93 trips around the sun, during which time he filled the world with his beautiful, baritone voice and brilliant acting. The characters he embodied are embedded in memories that cross generations. From voicing Mufasa, in The Lion King, to Terence Mann in Field of Dreams, and Roop in Claudine. And of course, James Earl Jones wasn’t only Simba’s dad…he played father to Prince Akeem in Coming to America as King Jaffa Joffer.
No one else could have said, “Luke, I’m your father,” as James Earl Jones did. Darth Vader is iconic due in large part to the commanding voice of James Earl Jones. He was that voice…he delivered lines in a manner that transformed words, into something worldly. He overcame a stutter and was “mute” during a time in his life. His light had undeniable impact. When James Earl Jones spoke, we listened…and we laughed.