Celebrities and collaborators are paying tribute to award-winning actor and voice actor James Earl Jones, who died Monday at age 93.
“James was an incredible actor and had the most unique voice, both artistically and spiritually. For nearly half a century, he was Darth Vader, but the secret to it all was what a beautiful human being he was. He brought depth, sincerity and meaning to every role, but one of the most important was as a devoted husband to the late Ceci and father to Flynn. James will be greatly missed by so many of us, friends and fans alike.” — “Star Wars” creator George Lucas in a statement to The Associated Press.
“He was everything to me. The first two roles I had in college were ‘Emperor Jones’ and ‘Othello’, and they were both his. He was my North Star. He was James Earl Jones. For me, and for us, when I was in the theater in New York in the late ’70s, my job was the theater. It was to play ‘Emperor Jones’ like James. I wanted to be James Earl Jones. To be honest, when I started out, there weren’t a lot of black people like me. We weren’t leading men.” — Actor Denzel Washington in an interview with The Associated Press at the Toronto International Film Festival
“One of the world’s greatest actors whose contributions to the Star Wars saga were immeasurable. He will be greatly missed.” — Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, son of Vader, in the “Star Wars” films, said in a statement to The Associated Press.
“That booming voice. That quiet strength. The kindness he radiated. There’s so much I could say about his legacy, and I’ll just tell you how grateful I am that part of it is included in ‘Field of Dreams.’ If you’ve seen the movie, you know it wouldn’t have been the same if it had been anyone else in his role. Only he could have brought that kind of magic to a movie about baseball and the cornfields of Iowa. I’m grateful to have witnessed him make that magic happen. Rest in peace, my friend.” — Kevin Costner, who stars with Jones in “Field of Dreams,” on Instagram.
“James Earl Jones will forever be remembered as The GOAT. It was such an honor to direct him and a blessing to be loved by him. We will forever chant his name and make him a legend and a myth and tell great stories for generations to come.” — Instagram of actress and dancer Debbie Allen, who directed Jones in the 2008 Broadway production of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”
“The word legendary is too inadequate to describe his iconic roles and the impact he had on film forever. His voice and talent will forever be remembered. Sending love to his family, friends, and countless fans in a galaxy far, far away.” — Actress Octavia Spencer, Instagram.
“James Earl Jones… there will never be another man with that special elegance.” — Actor Leva Burton, on X.
“From the gentle wisdom of Mufasa to the menacing menace of Darth Vader, James Earl Jones has given voice to some of the greatest characters in cinematic history. A celebrated stage actor with nearly 200 film and television appearances, his uniquely commanding presence and truly rich spirit have left an indelible mark on generations of audiences, bringing stories to life.” — Disney CEO Bob Iger, in a statement.
“Thank you for showing us ourselves. Our complex selves, our dignified selves, our smiles, our pain. A job well done. A beautifully shared gift. God bless you as you continue your journey.” — Director Ava DuVernay, Instagram Stories
“Dear James Earl Jones, thank you for everything. A master of our craft. We stand on your shoulders. Rest in peace now. You gave us the best.” — Actor Colman Domingo, on X.
“James Earl Jones will never die. His talent, his accomplishments, and his influence will always be with us. Goodbye, Mr. Jones.” — Director Paul Feig, on X.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of James’s passing. He was the voice of CNN and our brand for decades, and his words uniquely conveyed immediate authority, grace and courtesy. That incredible voice is just one of many things the world will miss about James. Our thoughts are with his family.” — CNN, on X.
“RIP James Earl Jones, the legendary actor who memorably starred in iconic baseball films ‘Field of Dreams’ and ‘The Sandlot.’ Jones gave a moving rendition of our national anthem at the 1993 MLB All-Star Game in Baltimore.” — Major League Baseball, via X.
“We mourn the passing of University of Michigan alumnus James Earl Jones. Your inspiring career and inspiring words heard at every home game inspired us as a university community. We will miss you.” — University of Michigan President Santa Ono, Instagram.
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AP Film Writer Jake Coyle in Toronto and reporter Kaitlyn Huamani in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
