James Earl Jones, the iconic American actor known for his powerful voice as Darth Vader in “Star Wars” and Mufasa in “The Lion King,” has passed away at the age of 93 in his home surrounded by family, Reuters reports.
Jones, who overcame a childhood stutter, was recognized for his powerful voice and stage presence. Despite his iconic role as Darth Vader, he earned relatively little for the part and did not seek credit in the first two films. He won numerous awards, including Tonys for “The Great White Hope” and “Fences,” Emmys for “Gabriel’s Fire” and “Heat Wave,” and a Grammy for “Great American Documents.” Though he never won a competitive Oscar, he received an honorary Academy Award in 2011.
Jones was a trailblazing Black actor, who had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, his roles and success contributed significantly to breaking racial barriers in entertainment.