News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
James Earl Jones Headshot

James Earl Jones

Birth Place: Arkabutla, MS, USA

Get James Earl Jones Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

BIO

James Earl Jones (January 17, 1931 – September 9, 2024) was an American actor. A pioneer for black actors in the entertainment industry, he is known for his extensive and acclaimed roles on stage and screen. Jones is one of the few performers to achieve the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony). He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1985, and was honored with the National Medal of Arts in 1992, the Kennedy Center Honor in 2002, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2009, and the Academy Honorary Award in 2011.



Born in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones had a stutter since childhood. He said that poetry and acting helped him overcome the challenges of his disability. A pre-med major in college, he served as an officer in the U.S. Army during the Korean War before pursuing a career in acting. His deep voice was praised as a "stirring basso profondo that has lent gravel and gravitas" to his projects. Jones made his Broadway debut in the play Sunrise at Campobello (1957). He then gained prominence for acting in numerous productions with Shakespeare in the Park including Othello, Hamlet, Coriolanus, and King Lear. He worked steadily in theater, winning the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his role as a boxer in The Great White Hope (1968), which he reprised in the 1970 film adaptation, earning him Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations.

Jones won his second Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his role as a working class father in August Wilson's Fences (1987). He was a Tony Award nominee for his roles as the husband in Ernest Thompson's On Golden Pond (2005) about an aging couple, and as a former president in the Gore Vidal play The Best Man (2012). His other Broadway performances included Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (2008), Driving Miss Daisy (2010–2011), You Can't Take It with You (2014), and The Gin Game (2015–2016). He received a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2017.

Jones made his film debut in Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove (1964). He received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Claudine (1974). He gained international fame for his voice role as Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise, beginning with the original 1977 film. Jones's other notable films include The Man (1972), Conan the Barbarian (1982), Matewan (1987), Coming to America (1988), Field of Dreams (1989), The Hunt for Red October (1990), Sneakers (1992), The Sandlot (1993), The Lion King (1994), and Cry, the Beloved Country (1995). On television, he received eight Primetime Emmy Awards nominations winning twice for his roles in thriller film Heat Wave (1990) and the crime series Gabriel's Fire (1991). He also acted in Roots (1977), Jesus of Nazareth (1977), Picket Fences (1994), Homicide: Life on the Street (1997), and Everwood (2004).

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Regional (US)]
American Repertory Theater Regional Production, 2017
Nonno

[Off-Broadway]
New York City Center Encores Off-Center Production, 2016
Kilgore Trout

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2015
Weller Martin

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2014
Martin Vanderhof

[US Tour]
National Tour, 2013
Robbins [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2012
Ex-President Arthur Hockstader

[West End]
London Production, 2011
Hoke Colburn

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2010
Hoke Colburn

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2008
Big Daddy

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2005
Norman Thayer, Jr.

[Broadway]
1987
Troy Maxson

[Broadway]
1982
Sam [Replacement]

[Broadway]
1982
Othello

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1980
Steve Daniels

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1978
Paul Robeson

[Broadway]
1974
Lennie

[Broadway]
1973
Theodore Hickman

[Off-Broadway]
1973
Lear

[Off-Broadway]
1972
Lopahin

[Off-Broadway]
1972
Claudius

[Broadway]
1970
Tshembe Matoseh

[Off-Broadway]
1970
Boesman

[Broadway]
1968
Jack Jefferson

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Performer

[Broadway]
1965
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1965
Ajax

[Off-Broadway]
1965
Junius Brutus

[Off-Broadway]
1965
Ekart

[Off-Broadway]
1964
Othello

[Off-Broadway]
1964
Othello

[Off-Broadway]
1964
Zachariah Pieterson

[Off-Broadway]
1963
Rudge

[Off-Broadway]
1963
George Gulp

[Off-Broadway]
1962
Mario Saccone

[Off-Broadway]
1962
Prince of Morocco

[Off-Broadway]
1961
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1961
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1961
Deodatus Village

[Broadway]
1960
Harrison Thurston

[Broadway]
1958
Edward

[Broadway]
Performer

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 1972]
Conceiver

Movies

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
[ 1964 ] Lt. Lothar Zogg
The Comedians
[ 1967 ] Dr. Magiot
End of the Road
[ 1970 ] Doctor D
The Great White Hope
[ 1970 ] Jack Jefferson
Claudine
[ 1974 ] Roop
Deadly Hero
[ 1975 ] Rabbit Shazam
The River Niger
[ 1976 ] Johnny Williams
The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings
[ 1976 ] Leon Carter, All-Star C
Swashbuckler
[ 1976 ] Nick Debrett
A Piece of the Action
[ 1977 ] Joshua Burke
The Greatest
[ 1977 ] Malcolm X
Exorcist II: The Heretic
[ 1977 ] Older Kokumo
The Last Remake of Beau Geste
[ 1977 ] Sheikh
The Bushido Blade
[ 1981 ] The Prisoner
Bloodtide
[ 1982 ] Frye
Conan the Barbarian
[ 1982 ] Thulsa Doom
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
[ 1983 ] Darth Vader
City Limits
[ 1984 ] Albert
My Little Girl
[ 1986 ] Ike Bailey
Soul Man
[ 1986 ] Professor Banks
Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold
[ 1986 ] Umslopoga
Gardens of Stone
[ 1987 ] Goody Nelson
Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night
[ 1987 ] Emperor of the Night
Matewan
[ 1987 ] Few Clothes
Coming to America
[ 1988 ] King Jaffe Joffer
Three Fugitives
[ 1989 ] Dugan
Best of the Best
[ 1989 ] Frank Couzo
Field of Dreams
[ 1989 ] Terence Mann
The Hunt for Red October
[ 1990 ] Admiral Greer
The Ambulance
[ 1990 ] Lt. Spencer
Grim Prairie Tales
[ 1990 ] Morrison
Terrorgram
[ 1990 ] Retribution
Scorchers
[ 1991 ] Bear
Convicts
[ 1991 ] Ben Johnson
True Identity
[ 1991 ] James Earl Jones
Patriot Games
[ 1992 ] Admiral Greer
Sneakers
[ 1992 ] Mr. Bernard Abbott
Freddie as F.R.O.7.
[ 1992 ] Narrator
The Meteor Man
[ 1993 ] Earnest Moses
Excessive Force
[ 1993 ] Jake
Sommersby
[ 1993 ] Judge Issacs
The Sandlot
[ 1993 ] Mr. Mertle
Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama
[ 1993 ] Narrator
Dreamrider
[ 1993 ] William Perry
Clear and Present Danger
[ 1994 ] Admiral Greer
Clean Slate
[ 1994 ] John Dolby
The Lion King
[ 1994 ] Mufa
Jefferson in Paris
[ 1995 ] Madison Hemings
Cry, the Beloved Country
[ 1995 ] Rev. Stephen Kumalo
Good Luck
[ 1996 ] James Bing
A Family Thing
[ 1996 ] Ray Murdock
Gang Related
[ 1997 ] Arthur Baylor
Primary Colors
[ 1998 ] CNN Voiceover
The Annihilation of Fish
[ 1999 ] Fish
Undercover Angel
[ 1999 ] The Judge
Finder's Fee
[ 2001 ] Avery Phillips
On the Q.T.
[ 2001 ] Leo
Robots
[ 2005 ] Voice Box at Hardware Store
The Benchwarmers
[ 2006 ] Darth Vader
Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins
[ 2008 ] Papa Jenkins
Jack and the Beanstalk
[ 2009 ] The Giant
Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey
[ 2010 ] Admiral
Gimme Shelter
[ 2013 ] Frank McCarthy
The Angriest Man in Brooklyn
[ 2014 ] Ruben Video store owner
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
[ 2016 ] Darth Vader
Warning Shot
[ 2018 ] Pendleton
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker
[ 2019 ] Darth Vader
Coming 2 America
[ 2021 ] King Jaffe Joffer
Dark Suns
[ 2023 ] Darth Vader

TV Shows

Everwood
Will Cleveland
Gabriel's Fire
Gabriel Bird
L.A. Law
Lee Atkins
Mathnet
Chief Thad Green
Paris
Woody Paris
Pros and Cons
Gabriel Bird
Square One Television
Announcer, Chief Thad Green
Star Wars: Rebels
Darth Vader
Tarzan
Nerlan, Chief Bella
The Simpsons
Narrator, Maggie Simpson, Moving Man

Awards and Nominations


winner
Tony Awards - 2017 - Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement

James Earl Jones


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

James Earl Jones, The Best Man

Tony Awards - 2012 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

James Earl Jones, Gore Vidal's The Best Man

Olivier Awards - 2010 - Best Actor

James Earl Jones, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

James Earl Jones, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Helen Hayes Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production

James Earl JonesOn Golden Pond

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

James Earl Jones, On Golden Pond

Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

James Earl Jones, On Golden Pond


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1987 - Outstanding Actor - Play

James Earl Jones, Fences


winner
Drama League Awards - 1987 - Distinguished Performance Award

James Earl Jones, Fences


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1987 - The American Express Tribute

James Earl Jones


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1987 - Best Actor

James Earl Jones, Fences


winner
Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

James Earl Jones, Fences

Drama Desk Awards - 1978 - Outstanding Actor - Play

James Earl Jones, Paul Robeson


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Performance

James Earl Jones, The Cherry Orchard


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Performance

James Earl Jones, Hamlet


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Performance

James Earl Jones, Les Blancs


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1969 - Outstanding Performance

James Earl Jones, The Great White Hope


winner
Tony Awards - 1969 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

James Earl Jones, The Great White Hope


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1965 - Best Performance

James Earl Jones, Othello


winner
Obie Awards - 1965 - Performance

James Earl JonesBeal


winner
Obie Awards - 1962 - Best Actor

James Earl Jones , Clandestine on the Morning Line


winner
Obie Awards - 1962 - Best Actor

James Earl Jones , The Apple


winner
Obie Awards - 1962 - Best Actor

James Earl Jones Moon on a Rainbow Shawl


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1962 - Performance

James Earl JonesMoon on a Rainbow Shawl

Videos

News


REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL to Host Special Box Office Opening Event
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 18, 2025

Real Women Have Curves: The Musical will host a special event to celebrate their box office opening on Tuesday, February 25 from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at The James Earl Jones Theatre. Learn how to attend.
Video: Tatianna Córdoba Sings 'Flying Away' from REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Joey Mervis - Feb 17, 2025

Real Women Have Curves is getting ready for Broadway! Check out a sneak peek video as director and choreographer Sergio Trujillo takes the stage at BroadwayCon to introduce 'Flying Away,' performed by Tatianna Córdoba.
Photos: The Broadway Marquees of Spring 2025
by Jennifer Broski - Feb 16, 2025

If you don't live in New York City or frequent the Theater District, odds are you haven't seen Broadway's newest marquees! Check out photos of what has arrived so far here.
Where the Broadway Shows of Spring 2025 Got Their Start
by Sidney Paterra - Feb 15, 2025

The Spring 2025 Broadway season is here at last, with many new productions set to arrive before the Tony Awards eligibility cutoff on April 27, 2025. Check out where this spring's shows were developed.
Up on the Marquee: REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Jennifer Broski - Feb 13, 2025

Real Women Have Curves: The Musical is coming soon to Broadway! The new musical is set to begin performances on April 1 at the James Earl Jones Theatre, ahead of an opening night on April 27. Check out photos of the new Broadway marquee here.
Cause for Celebration and Calls for Change: The Museum of Broadway's Black Storytellers Exhibit
by Caitlin Hornik - Feb 12, 2025

The energy of attendees walking through the Museum of Broadway's new limited-time exhibit centered around Black storytellers was palpable during its February 3rd opening night. Crafting Excellence: Black Storytellers of Broadway.
Video: Josh Gad Wonders 'What If?' in New Disney+ Super Bowl Ad
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 5, 2025

Josh Gad lends his voice to a new commercial for Disney+, airing during the Super Bowl this Sunday, February 9. In the ad, Gad poses 'What If' questions, wondering what it would be like if iconic moments from Disney movies and shows simply didn't happen. Watch it now.
Full Cast Set For DRACULA, A COMEDY OF TERRORS at Menier Chocolate Factory
by Stephi Wild - Feb 4, 2025

As rehearsals begin, the Menier Chocolate Factory has announced the full cast for for the UK premiere of Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen.
2 Broadway Shows Close Today
by Sidney Paterra - Feb 2, 2025

Broadway says goodbye to two limited run productions. Left on Tenth takes its final bow at the James Earl Jones Theatre following 29 previews and 118 regular performances; and Cult of Love will conclude its limited run at the Hayes Theatre following 24 previews and 59 regular performances.
BWW Q&A: Lee Siegel on BRAMPTON CONCERT BAND & THE JAZZ MECHANICS at Brampton On Stage/The Rose
by Joshua Wright - Jan 30, 2025

Experience 'A Love Letter to New York' — a dazzling celebration of the Big Apple through music! Acclaimed Broadway star Lee Siegel joins forces with the Brampton Concert Band and The Jazz Mechanics for an afternoon of melodies and magic. Immerse yourself in the spirit of New York as the show takes you from jazz classics like Orange Colored Sky and In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning to Broadway hits from Les Misérables, West Side Story, Crazy for You, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more. Don’t miss this unique collaboration — it’s like a trip to Broadway, right here in Brampton!
Review: FENCES at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
by Shanti M. Kennedy - Jan 28, 2025

August Wilson penned his Pulitzer Prize-winning play in 1983. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, it delves into the African-American experience, generational prejudices, and other challenging themes. By concentrating on the journey of one family, the play portrays a spectrum of difficult times that individuals may look back on in their later years, while also acknowledging the fleeting moments of joy that can shine through even the toughest circumstances.
Just For Laughs Joins the Producing Team of the Broadway Musical REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Stephi Wild - Jan 28, 2025

Just For Laughs has signed on as co-producer of the Broadway musical Real Women Have Curves, set to begin previews at Broadway’s James Earl Jones Theatre in April.
REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Adds Florencia Cuenca, Shelby Acosta And More To Broadway Cast
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 23, 2025

Real Women Have Curves: The Musical has announced additional casting for its Broadway run. Find out who will join previously announced Tatianna Córdoba and Justina Machado in the new musical.
Photos: GOLDEN BACHELORETTE Joan Vassos and Fiancé Chock Chapple Attend LEFT ON TENTH
by Bruce Glikas - Jan 19, 2025

The Golden Bachelorette Joan Vassos and her fiancé Chock Chapple attended a performance of Left on Tenth on Broadway. Check out photos here!
Justina Machado and Tatianna Córdoba Will Lead REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Stephi Wild - Jan 16, 2025

Real Women Have Curves: The Musical has announced casting for two of their leading ladies. Learn more about Justina Machado and Tatianna Córdoba and find out how to get tickets here to the new Broadway musical!
James Daly and More Will Lead DRACULA, A COMEDY OF TERRORS at Menier Chocolate Factory
by Stephi Wild - Jan 13, 2025

The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced initial casting for the UK premiere of Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen. Learn more here!
Video: Joy Huerta Performs 'Flying Away' From REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL
by Stephi Wild - Jan 10, 2025

Real Women Have Curves: The Musical has released a special acoustic performance video of the song “Flying Away,” from the new musical, performed by Grammy Award-winning artist Joy Huerta.
August Wilson Will Receive Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
by Stephi Wild - Jan 7, 2025

Playwright August Wilson will be honored posthumously with the 2,799th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Learn more about the honor and how to stream the ceremony here!
DRACULA, A COMEDY OF TERRORS Makes UK Premiere at the Menier Chocolate Factory
by Stephi Wild - Jan 7, 2025

Menier Chocolate Factory has announced the UK premiere of Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen. Greenberg also directs, returning to the Menier having previously directed The Baker’s Wife and Barnum.
LEFT ON TENTH Provides Free Tickets to Veterans
by Stephi Wild - Jan 2, 2025

Broadway’s Left on Tenth has given back during this holiday season by donating tickets to performances of Left on Tenth to veterans and firefighter organizations in New York City.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has James Earl Jones been in?

James Earl Jones has appeared on Broadway in 20 shows.

How many West End shows has James Earl Jones been in?

James Earl Jones has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

What was James Earl Jones's first West End show?

James Earl Jones's first West End show was Driving Miss Daisy which opened in 2011

What awards has James Earl Jones been nominated for?

Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement (Tony Awards), Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Best Man , Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Gore Vidal's The Best Man , Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for On Golden Pond, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for On Golden Pond , Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for On Golden Pond, Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Fences, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Fences, The American Express Tribute (Helen Hayes Awards) for , Best Actor (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Fences, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Fences, Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Paul Robeson, Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for The Cherry Orchard, Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Hamlet, Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Les Blancs, Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for The Great White Hope, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Great White Hope, Best Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Othello, Performance (Obie Awards) for Beal, Best Actor (Obie Awards) for Clandestine on the Morning Line, Best Actor (Obie Awards) for The Apple, Best Actor (Obie Awards) for Moon on a Rainbow Shawl and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Moon on a Rainbow Shawl.

What awards has James Earl Jones won?

James Earl Jones has received numerous awards throughout his illustrious career. These include: - Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement (Tony Awards) - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Best Man - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof - Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Fences - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Fences - The American Express Tribute (Helen Hayes Awards) - Best Actor (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Fences - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Fences - Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Hamlet - Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for The Cherry Orchard - Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Les Blancs - Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for The Great White Hope - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Great White Hope - Best Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Othello - Performance (Obie Awards) for Beal - Best Actor (Obie Awards) for Clandestine on the Morning Line - Best Actor (Obie Awards) for The Apple - Best Actor (Obie Awards) for Moon on a Rainbow Shawl - Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Moon on a Rainbow Shawl

Get James Earl Jones Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos