James Earl Jones, known as much for his iconic basso profondo as his storied career on both screen and stage, has died. He was 93.
The Broadway actor, whose unmistakable voice gave life to Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” franchise and Mufasa in “The Lion King,” died Monday morning at his home in Dutchess County, N.Y., his rep confirmed to Variety.
Jones’ sole Academy Award win was not a competitive award but rather a Lifetime Achievement, creating some debate over whether he achieved the coveted EGOT status, referring to an artist who has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and a Tony).
Nevertheless, Jones was nominated for Best Actor in 1970 for his work in “The Great White Hope.” He played the role of Jack Jefferson, which he originated on Broadway in a performance that earned him the first of two competitive Tony Awards.
The second was for “Fences,” in 1987, followed by a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. He was also nominated for his work in 2005’s “On Golden Pond” and “The Best Man” in 2012.
In 1991, Jones won two Emmys, one for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (“Gabriel Bird”) and the other for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Special (“Junius Jackson”). He was nominated for six others, beginning in 1964 with an Outstanding Actor nomination 1964’s “East Side/West Side,” and ending in 2004, with a nomination for his guest work in “Everwood.”
In 2001, he earned a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album for Children (“The Christmas Miracle Of Jonathan Toomey”).
Jones had not appeared in public for sometime, even skipping the opening of the Broadway theater renamed for him in 2022, though he did reflect on the honor in a statement to the Daily News at the time.
“For me standing in this very building 64 years ago at the start of my Broadway career, it would have been inconceivable that my name would be on the building today,” said Jones, who made his Broadway debut in a 1958 production of “Sunrise at Campobello” at the Cort Theatre.
“Let my journey from then to now be an inspiration for all inspiring actors.”
Jones is survived by his son, Flynn Earl Jones.
