African American actor and Voice Artiste, James Earl has reportedly passed at age 93. He died this morning at his home in Dutchess County, NY, according to the news as confirmed by his reps at Independent Artist Group.
James’ career spanned over 70 years, receiving three Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, and a Grammy Award. Born in Arkabutla, Mississippi, in 1931, James’ baritone voice stood out in Hollywood industry.
The veteran actor is the voice of Star Wars villain, Darth Vader in George Lucas’ original Star Wars trilogy: Star Wars (1977) The Empire Strikes Back, 1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983). He also starred in Field of Dreams and many other films and Broadway shows which earned him an EGOT winner,
Jones was an American actor known for his film roles and theatre work with nearly 200 features on the screen. He started in the early ’60s as a TV guest and in Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 classic Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964). He also reprised the villainous role in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019) and TV’s Obi-Wan Kenobi and Star Wars: Rebels.
He will be remembered by his stunning voice when he said, “When I left you, I was but the learner — now I am the master,” “I find your lack of faith disturbing” and, of course, “No, I am your father.”
May his soul rest in peace!
Written by Emdee David
