James Earl Jones, the voice of Star Wars’ Darth Vader and Lion Kings’ Mufasa, died at 93.
Jones was known for his unmistakable baritone voice that brought life to some of the most well-known characters in movie history. Jones’ representative, Barry McPherson, confirmed the actor’s death in a statement to USA TODAY. A cause of death was not disclosed.
“He passed this morning surrounded by his loved ones,” McPherson said. “He was a great man.”
Jones was an influential black actor with an illustrious career spanning 70 years, winning Tony, Emmy and Grammy awards.
Jones was born on Jan. 17, 1931, in the rural town of Arkabutla, Miss. According to AP News, his early life was shaped by his father’s absence, who left before his birth to follow a path in boxing and later acting.
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At 6 years old, Jones moved with his mother to Michigan, where he was taken in by his maternal grandparents. It was there on their farm near Manistee that he grew up under their care, forging a close bond with them as they guided him through his early years.
Beyond his voice work, he was a celebrated stage and screen actor, delivering powerful performances in films like “The Great White Hope” and “Field of Dreams.”
