Personally, for me, before there was the iconic voice of Morgan Freeman, there was and always has been the deep, rich, and commanding voice of James Earl Jones. Whether it came through his portrayal of Darth Vader in “Star Wars” or his roles in “The Lion King” and “Field of Dreams”, Jones’ voice has been synonymous with strength, wisdom, and unparalleled gravitas.
When we die, our bodies become the grass, and the antelope eat the grass. And so, we are all connected in the great Circle of Life.
As a young adult in 1977, few cinematic experiences were as mesmerizing as the Star Wars saga. The revelation in 1980’s “The Empire Strikes Back” regarding Darth Vader’s true identity as Luke Skywalker’s father left a shocking and lasting impact at a time when spoiler alerts and internet discussions were not commonplace. As a parent, I was deeply impressed by the artistry and dignity James Earl Jones brought to his portrayal of Mufasa in Disney’s “The Lion King”.
James Earl Jones died yesterday at the age of 93.
A Legendary Voice and a Legendary Actor
James Earl Jones, born on January 17, 1931, is an iconic figure whose life has been intertwined with the powerful characters he portrayed. His resonant voice brought to life some of the most memorable characters in cinematic history.
Stuttering is painful. In Sunday school, I’d try to read my lessons, and the children behind me were falling on the floor with laughter.
Despite his unmistakable voice, Jones faced a challenging childhood marked by a speech impediment. However, he overcame this obstacle through dedication and hard work, eventually mastering his voice to become one of the most esteemed actors of his generation.
Beyond his successes on screen, Jones has been recognized for his contributions to the stage as a talented Shakespearean actor. His portrayal of Othello and other notable roles have solidified his status as a thespian of unparalleled gravitas.
You weren’t going to the theater to change the world, but you had a chance to affect the world, the thinking and the feelings of the world.
Most recently, I viewed the 2002 Greg Berlanti series “Everwood” on Freevee, and was pleasantly surprised when James Earl Jones arrived in Season 2 as Will Cleveland, a coal miner and jazz musician who becomes a mentor for main character Ephram Brown.
Bringing the combination of that smooth voice coupled with a nuanced and grace-infused acting performance, you are left deeply caring for this character, who only appears in 3 episodes over the run of the program.
Jones’ legacy extends far beyond his performances. His commitment to excellence and his ability to imbue his characters with depth and emotion have secured his place in the annals of entertainment history. As we celebrate the life of James Earl Jones, it is clear that his voice will continue to resonate for generations to come.
The Force is strong with this one.
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