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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 Video

News


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REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Adds Florencia Cuenca, Shelby Acosta And More To Broadway Cast

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 TENT Photo
Photos: GOLDEN BACHELORETTE Joan Vassos and Fiancé Chock Chapple Attend LEFT ON TENTH

This weekend 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 Photo
Justina Machado and Tatianna Córdoba Will Lead REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES

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 Facto Photo
James Daly and More Will Lead DRACULA, A COMEDY OF TERRORS at Menier Chocolate Factory

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 Photo
Video: Joy Huerta Performs 'Flying Away' From REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL

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 Photo
August Wilson Will Receive Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

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 Photo
DRACULA, A COMEDY OF TERRORS Makes UK Premiere at the Menier Chocolate Factory

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 Photo
LEFT ON TENTH Provides Free Tickets to Veterans

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.
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Ty & Tay Theater Will Debut With GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL

The Nutmeg State's newest theater company is set to make its debut in early 2025. Ty & Tay Theater will present the recent Broadway hit Gutenberg! The Musical! at Cabaret on Main.
Photos: Tom Hanks, Tony Goldwyn & More Visit LEFT ON TENTH on Broadway Photo
Photos: Tom Hanks, Tony Goldwyn & More Visit LEFT ON TENTH on Broadway

Stars including Tom Hanks, Tony Goldwyn and more visited Left on Tenth on Broadway starring Peter Gallagher and Julianna Margulies. See photos of the celebs here and learn more about the show!
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Shubert Organization Files Application To Renovate Broadway’s Imperial Theatre

Broadway theatre owner, The Shubert Organization, has filed an application to perform extensive renovations on the hisoric Imperial Theatre.
Video: Watch an Acoustic Performance of 'If I Were A Bird' From REAL WOMEN HAVE CUR Photo
Video: Watch an Acoustic Performance of 'If I Were A Bird' From REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL

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Review Roundup: MUFASA: THE LION KING- What Do Critics Think of the Disney Prequel?

Find out what critics think of Mufasa: The Lion King, Disney's new prequel film featuring original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda and a voice cast that includes Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., John Kani, Seth Rogan, Billy Eichner, Anika Noni Rose, and more. 
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MUFASA: THE LION KING Pays Tribute to James Earl Jones in Opening Credits

In the new Lion King prequel, director Barry Jenkins paid tribute to James Earl Jones during the opening credits. The late performer voiced the role in the original 1994 animated film and the 2019 remake.
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16 Broadway Shows Will Close in the Next Two Months; Get Your Tickets Now

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The Apollo Reveals 2025 Winter/Spring Season

The Apollo announced highlights of its Winter/Spring 2025 season performances, exhibitions, and educational programs across its stages in its historic building and at its new Stages at the Victoria.
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All Out Arts Honors Erik Bottcher and Jay Michaels

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Tickets on Sale For REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL; Listen to Songs From the Show!

Tickets are on sale now for Real Women Have Curves: The Musical, which will play at Broadway’s James Earl Jones Theatre this spring. Plus listen to new music from the show!
Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Honors Tom Viertel at 23rd Monte Cristo Award G Photo
Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Honors Tom Viertel at 23rd Monte Cristo Award Gala

The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center presented the 23rd Monte Cristo Award to Chair Emeritus Tom Viertel, last night at the Edison Ballroom in New York City. Check out photos here!
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Videos You Missed This Week: RAGTIME, WICKED, and More

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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, including the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement. He won Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Best Man and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. He also received the Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Fences, as well as the Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for the same production. Additionally, he was honored with the American Express Tribute (Helen Hayes Awards). For Fences, he earned Best Actor (Outer Critics Circle Awards) and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards). Jones received Outstanding Performances (Drama Desk Awards) for Hamlet, The Cherry Orchard, Les Blancs, and The Great White Hope. He was awarded Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Great White Hope and Best Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Othello. He also received Performance awards at the Obie Awards for Beal, Best Actor for Clandestine on the Morning Line, The Apple, and Moon on a Rainbow Shawl. Lastly, he was recognized with a Performance Award (Theatre World Awards) for Moon on a Rainbow Shawl.

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