Legendary Actor James Earl Jones Has Died

Legendary stage and screen actor James Earl Jones has died. He was 93 years old.

Jones died this morning at his home in Dutchess County, New York. His representative, Barry McPherson, confirmed the sad news to USA TODAY.

"He passed this morning surrounded by his loved ones," McPherson said. "He was a great man."

Born on January 17, 1931, on a farm in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones served in the United States Army during the Korean War before pursuing a career in acting.

He made his film debut in Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove in 1964. Jones won his first Tony Award in 1968 for his role in The Great White Hope and earned both Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for the 1970 film adaptation. He later rose to international fame for voicing Darth Vader in Star Wars—a role he famously received only $7,000 for. 

Jones and his unmistakable voice starred in more than 80 films during his career, including Coming to America, Field of Dreams, The Hunt for Red October, The Sandlot, and The Lion King. 

Jones’ numerous accolades include a Kennedy Center Honor in 2002, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement award in 2009, an honorary Oscar in 2011 and a lifetime achievement Tony Award in 2017. In addition to being “the voice” of CNN, he is also one of a select few to receive an EGOT. 

Jones’ second wife, Cecilia Hart, died in 2016 after 34 years of marriage. He is survived by his son, Flynn Earl Jones.

May he rest in peace.