Stars of the screen on Monday were mourning the death of James Earl Jones, the voice of Star Wars villain Darth Vader, at the age of 93.
Jones, who also voiced King Mufasa in Disney’s animated feature The Lion King, had a prolific and varied career. Over six decades he worked with some of the greatest figures in cinema and theater, including Stanley Kubrick in his 1964 Cold War satire Dr Strangelove.
He also had roles in the Arnold Schwarzenegger film Conan The Barbarian and the 1989 Kevin Costner movie Field of Dreams, but it was for his role as one of cinema’s most famous villains that he became most widely known.
Photo: Reuters
While Darth Vader’s immense physicality was the result of the towering British actor David Prowse, the sinister voice that appeared to emanate from inside the reconstructed man-in-a-mask was that of Jones. And it was Jones who gave the Star Wars franchise some of its most memorable lines, including when he reveals to Luke Skywalker — played by Mark Hamill — “I am your father.”
Hamill took to social media on Monday to share news of Jones’ death, writing simply: “#RIP dad” with a broken heart emoji.
Rustin star Colman Domingo wrote on social media that Jones was “a master of our craft.”
“We stand on your shoulders. Rest now. You gave us your best,” he wrote.
Lydia Cornell, whose 1982 debut Bloodtide was opposite Jones, wrote: “Oh no!! I can’t believe it!! I thought he was going to live forever.”
“Adored working with him. Such a generous spirit, and so humble. Taught me the power of stillness and using my voice,” she wrote.
Selma director Ava DuVernay posted images of Jones, accompanied by a heartfelt message.
“Thank you for showing us ourselves. Our complicated selves, our dignified selves, our smiles, our pain. A job well done. A gift beautifully shared. Bless you as you journey on,” she wrote.
Alongside a clip of Jones’ 1974 film Claudine she urged fans to seek it out if they have never seen it.
“Mr. Jones crying in a scene of this film is one of the most exquisite cinematic images of a Black man I’ve ever seen. Don’t miss it. He gave us so much,” she wrote.
The Help star Octavia Spencer posted a black-and-white photograph of Jones, alongside a tribute that nodded to his indelible role in Star Wars.
“Legendary doesn’t even begin to describe his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever,” Spencer wrote. “His voice and talent will be remembered always. Sending love to his family, friends and countless fans in all the galaxies, far, far away.”
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