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James Earl Jones

Birth Place: Arkabutla, MS, USA

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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

The Night of the Iguana The Night of the Iguana
[Regional (US)]
American Repertory Theater Regional Production, 2017
Nonno
Kurt Vonnegut's God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater Kurt Vonnegut's God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater
[Off-Broadway]
New York City Center Encores Off-Center Production, 2016
Kilgore Trout
The Gin Game The Gin Game
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2015
Weller Martin
You Can't Take It with You You Can't Take It with You
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2014
Martin Vanderhof
The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess
[US Tour]
National Tour, 2013
Robbins [Replacement]
Gore Vidal's The Best Man Gore Vidal's The Best Man
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2012
Ex-President Arthur Hockstader
Driving Miss Daisy Driving Miss Daisy
[West End]
London Production, 2011
Hoke Colburn
Driving Miss Daisy Driving Miss Daisy
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2010
Hoke Colburn
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2008
Big Daddy
On Golden Pond On Golden Pond
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2005
Norman Thayer, Jr.
Fences
[Broadway]
1987
Troy Maxson
"MASTER HAROLD"...and the boys
[Broadway]
1982
Sam [Replacement]
Othello
[Broadway]
1982
Othello
A Lesson From Aloes
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1980
Steve Daniels
Paul Robeson
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1978
Paul Robeson
Of Mice and Men
[Broadway]
1974
Lennie
The Iceman Cometh
[Broadway]
1973
Theodore Hickman
King Lear
[Off-Broadway]
1973
Lear
The Cherry Orchard
[Off-Broadway]
1972
Lopahin
Hamlet
[Off-Broadway]
1972
Claudius
Les Blancs
[Broadway]
1970
Tshembe Matoseh
Boesman and Lena
[Off-Broadway]
1970
Boesman
The Great White Hope
[Broadway]
1968
Jack Jefferson
A Hand is on the Gate
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Performer
Danton's Death
[Broadway]
1965
Performer
Troilus and Cressida
[Off-Broadway]
1965
Ajax
Coriolanus
[Off-Broadway]
1965
Junius Brutus
Baal
[Off-Broadway]
1965
Ekart
Othello
[Off-Broadway]
1964
Othello
Othello
[Off-Broadway]
1964
Othello
The Blood Knot
[Off-Broadway]
1964
Zachariah Pieterson
Next Time I'll Sing to You
[Off-Broadway]
1963
Rudge
The Love Nest
[Off-Broadway]
1963
George Gulp
P.S. 193
[Off-Broadway]
1962
Mario Saccone
The Merchant of Venice
[Off-Broadway]
1962
Prince of Morocco
The Apple
[Off-Broadway]
1961
Performer
Clandestine on the Morning Line
[Off-Broadway]
1961
Performer
The Blacks: A Clown Show
[Off-Broadway]
1961
Deodatus Village
The Cool World
[Broadway]
1960
Harrison Thurston
Sunrise at Campobello
[Broadway]
1958
Edward
Infidel Caesar
[Broadway]
Performer

Productions

The Cherry Orchard
 
[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

More Videos

News


How Joy Huerta & Benjamin Velez Found the Sound of REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Photo
How Joy Huerta & Benjamin Velez Found the Sound of REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Joey Mervis - Mar 27, 2025

We continue Notes on a Score with the creators of one of Broadway's most heart-warming new musical, Real Women Have Curves- Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez (music and lyrics) and Nadia DiGiallonardo (music supervisor). They recently sat down with BroadwayWorld at A.R.T./New York to unpack the evolution of 'Already Know You.'
MTI Acquires Licensing Rights for THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL Photo
MTI Acquires Licensing Rights for THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 25, 2025

Theatrical licensor Music Theatre International (MTI) just announced that The Heart of Rock and Roll has joined the company’s catalogue of musicals. The Heart of Rock and Roll is a smart, funny, heartfelt throwback to the era of big feelings, classic rom-coms, and music that really “Stuck With You.”
Porchlight Reveals Dancers and Young Performers for CHICAGO SINGS 30 YEARS OF PORCHLI Photo
Porchlight Reveals Dancers and Young Performers for CHICAGO SINGS 30 YEARS OF PORCHLIGHT
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 20, 2025

Porchlight Music Theatre has revealed the young performers and dancers who will be joining its previously unveiled slate of Porchlight favorites and special guests at its annual fundraising concert. Learn more!
TITANIC THE MUSICAL Continues Marriott Theatre's 50th Anniversary Season Photo
TITANIC THE MUSICAL Continues Marriott Theatre's 50th Anniversary Season
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 19, 2025

Marriott Theatre, continues its 50th Anniversary Season celebration with the epic production of Titanic The Musical, directed and choreographed by Connor Gallagher (Marriott Theatre debut! Broadway: Beetlejuice; Off-Broadway: The Big Gay Jamboree, The Robber Bridegroom, Into the Woods; Beauty and The Beast, Disney’s Tale of Moana, Tangled) with Musical Direction by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson.
Photos: REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Pop Up Concert from Co-Composer Joy Huerta Photo
Photos: REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Pop Up Concert from Co-Composer Joy Huerta
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 18, 2025

This morning Grammy Award-winning Mexican Pop Star Joy Huerta (of Jesse & Joy) and some cast members from the new Broadway musical Real Women Have Curves performed songs from the upcoming show. See photos here!
Photos: REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Cast Rehearses for Broadway Photo
Photos: REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Cast Rehearses for Broadway
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 17, 2025

Rehearsals are very much underway for the Broadway premiere of Real Women Have Curves, which is getting ready to begin previews at the James Earl Jones Theatre on April 1, 2025. Check out photos with the cast here!
Review: 'RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES' at The Music Center At Strathmore Photo
Review: 'RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES' at The Music Center At Strathmore
by Peter Rouleau - Mar 16, 2025

A vibrant, kinetic bit of Beatles nostalgia.
Videos You Missed This Week: FLOYD COLLINS, OH, MARY! and More Photo
Videos You Missed This Week: FLOYD COLLINS, OH, MARY! and More
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 14, 2025

2025 has officially arrived and the second half of the 2024-25 Broadway season is very much underway. Catch up on all the latest from the week ending March 14, 2025 with videos from Oh, Mary!, Floyd Collins, and more!
REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Composer Joy Huerta to Host Pop Up Concert Photo
REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Composer Joy Huerta to Host Pop Up Concert
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 12, 2025

Pop star and co-composer of the upcoming musical Real Women Have Curves, Joy Huerta, will host a special pop-up concert outside the James Earl Jones Theatre. Learn how to attend.
Meet the Cast of GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK, Now in Previews on Broadway Photo
Meet the Cast of GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK, Now in Previews on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Mar 12, 2025

Good Night, and Good Luck is now in previews on Broadway,  The new play by George Clooney and Grant Heslov and directed by Tony Award winner David Cromer, stars Clooney in his Broadway debut. Meet the cast here!
Watch: 'Make it Work' Music Video From REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Photo
Watch: 'Make it Work' Music Video From REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 10, 2025

Real Women Have Curves: The Musical has released a new teaser music video for the show’s opening number, “Make It Work.” Watch the music video here and learn more about the production!
Videos You Missed This Week: PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL, REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES an Photo
Videos You Missed This Week: PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL, REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES and More
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 7, 2025

2025 has officially arrived and the second half of the 2024-25 Broadway season has officially begun. Catch up on all the latest from the week ending March 7, 2025 with videos from Pirates! The Penzance Musical, Real Women Have Curves, and more!
Video: Inside Rehearsals for REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Photo
Video: Inside Rehearsals for REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Joey Mervis - Mar 7, 2025

A whole lot of feminine energy is heading to the James Earl Jones Theatre just in time for Women's History Month! Real Women Have Curves, a new musical based on the play that inspired the beloved film, is getting ready to begin Broadway previews. Watch in this video as we check in with the cast and watch previews of 'Make It Work,' 'Flying Away,' 'Already Know You,' and the title song.
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Frank Hartenstein, Broadway Stage Manager, Passes Away at 85
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 4, 2025

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Video: Watch the REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Cast Perform Songs in Rehearsal Photo
Video: Watch the REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Cast Perform Songs in Rehearsal
by Michael Major - Mar 4, 2025

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Interview: Florencia Cuenca Makes Broadway History in REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUS Photo
Interview: Florencia Cuenca Makes Broadway History in REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL
by David Clarke - Mar 3, 2025

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Broadway Stage and Screen- A Spring 2025 Watch Guide Photo
Broadway Stage and Screen- A Spring 2025 Watch Guide
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 2, 2025

hile many of them are original concepts or based on plays, 14 are already films or series that you can watch from home now. If you are seeing any of the below productions in 2025, check out how you can study up beforehand or unpack afterwards!
Listen: Songs From REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES EP Out Now Photo
Listen: Songs From REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES EP Out Now
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 28, 2025

GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS has released Makin’ it Work with Joy (from Jesse & Joy) from the new Broadway show Real Women Have Curves: The Musical. Listen to the EP now!
Porchlight Music Theatre Reveals Cast for CHICAGO SINGS 30 YEARS OF PORCHLIGHT Photo
Porchlight Music Theatre Reveals Cast for CHICAGO SINGS 30 YEARS OF PORCHLIGHT
by Stephi Wild - Feb 28, 2025

Porchlight Music Theatre has announced the cast for its annual fundraising concert celebrating Porchlight’s 30th anniversary, Chicago Sings 30 Years of Porchlight.
Photos: REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Company Opens the Box Office Photo
Photos: REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Company Opens the Box Office
by Jennifer Broski - Feb 25, 2025

The company of Real Women Have Curves headed to the James Earl Jones Theatre to officially open the box office. Check out photos from the special festivities here.
More News

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 prestigious awards throughout his career. He won the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement at the Tony Awards. He earned the Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for his performances in The Best Man and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. He received the Outstanding Actor - Play award from the Drama Desk Awards for Fences, as well as the Distinguished Performance Award from the Drama League Awards for the same production. He was also honored with The American Express Tribute at the Helen Hayes Awards. Additionally, he received the Best Actor award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Fences, along with the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play award at the Tony Awards for Fences. His other notable performances earned him the Outstanding Performance award from the Drama Desk Awards for Hamlet, The Cherry Orchard, Les Blancs, and The Great White Hope. He also received the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play award at the Tony Awards for The Great White Hope, the Best Performance award from the Drama Desk Awards for Othello, and the Performance award from the Obie Awards for Beal. Additionally, he won the Best Actor award at the Obie Awards for Clandestine on the Morning Line, The Apple, and Moon on a Rainbow Shawl. Finally, he received the Performance award from the Theatre World Awards for Moon on a Rainbow Shawl.

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