Getty ImagesHollywood actor and voice of Darth Vader James Earl Jones has died at the age of 93, his agent said.
He died early Monday morning surrounded by his family, agent Barry McPherson said.
Jones has starred in dozens of films, including “Field of Dreams,” “Coming to America” and “Conan the Barbarian.” He is best known for giving the Star Wars supervillain Darth Vader his distinctive raspy voice.
Mark Hamill, who plays Vader’s son Luke Skywalker in “Star Wars,” posted “RIP Dad” along with a heartbroken emoji when he shared news reports about the death.
Jones also voiced Mufasa in Disney’s 1994 film “The Lion King” and provided the voice for CNN’s “This is CNN” slogan.
Born in Mississippi in January 1931, Jones said he was unable to speak for much of his childhood because of a stutter.
He explained that he developed his famous voice while researching how to deal with his stuttering problem.
He went on to win many awards, including an Emmy, a Tony, a Grammy, and an honorary Oscar.
Jones voiced Darth Vader in the original 1977 “Star Wars” film and in the follow-up films “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.”
He reprized the role in later films, such as Rogue One, the first installment in the Star Wars anthology series, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the third installment in the sequel trilogy – both in 2010 Released in the late 1990s.
Getty ImagesThere’s always a different actor donning the Darth Vader costume and providing action for the famous villain, including late david prowseJones lets out his deep, instantly recognizable voice.
“I love being a part of the whole mythology, the whole cult,” Jones said in a previous interview, adding that he’s happy to be able to satisfy fans who ask for his “I am your father” line to be recited.
Jones said he never made much money from his part as Darth Vader – the first film made just $9,000 (£6,884) – and considered it just a special effects job.
At his own insistence, his performance was not recognized. He thought it was just another “special effect.”
When the films broke all box office records, he was convinced to reconsider.
Jones is also a well-known television actor, playing the older Alex Haley on “Roots: The Next Generation,” and winning two Emmy Awards for his starring role in the American drama “Gabriel’s Fire.” one.
His gravelly voice was used on “The Simpsons,” and he also appeared in early episodes of “Sesame Street.”
Jones also played many of Shakespeare’s iconic characters on stage, including Othello and King Lear.
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