Personal Info
Known For
Acting
Born
January 17, 1931
Died
September 9, 2024 (age 93)
Place of Birth
Arkabutla, Mississippi, USA
Also Known As
James Earl Boggins Jones
Todd Jones
James Earl Jones
Biography
James Earl Jones (January 17, 1931 – September 9, 2024) was an American actor. He was described as "one of America's most distinguished and versatile" actors for his performances on stage and screen, and "one of the greatest actors in American history". Over his career, he received three Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, and a Grammy Award. He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1985. He 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 Honorary Academy Award in 2011. His deep voice has been praised as a "stirring basso profondo that has lent gravel and gravitas" to his projects.
Known For
TV
Law & Order
Defense Attorney Horace McCoy
1990
TV
The Simpsons
Narrator (voice)
1989
TV
The Simpsons
Moving Man / Serak the Preparer / Narrator (voice)
1989
TV
The Simpsons
Maggie Simpson (voice)
1989
TV
House
Dibala
2004
TV
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Self
1962
TV
Stargate SG-1
Unas (Voice)
1997
TV
Two and a Half Men
James Earl Jones
2003
TV
Golden Globe Awards
Self - Nominee / Presenter
1944
TV
Frasier
Norman Royster
1993
TV
The Mike Douglas Show
Self
1961
TV
The Mike Douglas Show
Self - Co-Host
1961
TV
Sesame Street
1969
TV
Great Performances
King Lear
1971
TV
Will & Grace
James Earl Jones
1998
TV
Homicide: Life on the Street
Felix Wilson
1993
TV
Everwood
Will Cleveland
2002
TV
The Big Bang Theory
James Earl Jones
2007
TV
L.A. Law
Lee Atkins
1986
TV
3rd Rock from the Sun
Narrator (voice) (uncredited)
1996
Filmography
2024FilmBET News & ET Present James Earl Jones: Life and Legacyas Self (archive footage)2024FilmButterfly in the Skyas Guest Narrator (archive footage)2022TVObi-Wan Kenobias Darth Vader (voice)2021FilmStreet Gang: How We Got to Sesame Streetas Self (archive footage)2021FilmComing 2 Americaas King Jaffe Joffer2019FilmStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalkeras Darth Vader (voice)2019TVThe Movies That Made Usas Self (archive footage)2019FilmOn Broadwayas Self (archive footage)2019FilmRaúl Juliá: The World’s a Stageas Self2019FilmThe Lion Kingas Mufasa (voice)2019FilmThe Space: Theatre of Survivalas Narrator2019FilmWords from a Bearas Self2018FilmWarning Shotas Pendleton2017FilmThe Lion Guard: Life In The Pride Landsas Mufasa (voice)2016FilmRogue One: A Star Wars Storyas Darth Vader (voice)2016FilmGod Bless You, Mr Rosewateras Kilgore Trout2016FilmThe Lion Guard: Return of the Roaras Mufasa (voice)2015FilmDriving Miss Daisyas Hoke Colburn2015FilmStar Wars Rebels: The Siege of Lothalas Darth Vader (voice)2015FilmAugust Wilson: The Ground on Which I Standas Self2014TVStar Wars Rebelsas Darth Vader (voice)2014FilmStar Wars Rebels: Spark of Rebellionas Darth Vader (voice)2014FilmThe Angriest Man in Brooklynas Ruben2013FilmGimme Shelteras Frank McCarthy2013FilmMuse of Fireas Self2013FilmBlackfishas Self (archive footage)2013FilmMiliusas Self2012FilmAn Amazing Time: A Conversation About End of the Roadas Self2012FilmJoe Papp in Five Actsas Self2011FilmStrange Septembers: The Hill Abduction & the Exeter Encounteras Himself2010FilmQuantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odysseyas Admiral (voice)2009FilmJack and the Beanstalkas The Giant (voice)2009FilmWaking Sleeping Beautyas Self (archive footage)2008FilmWelcome Home Roscoe Jenkinsas Papa Jenkins2007FilmEarthas Narrator (voice)2007TVThe Big Bang Theoryas James Earl Jones2007FilmOur Paul: Remembering Paul Robesonas Self2007FilmJohn, Paul, George and Benas Narrator2006FilmSearching for Orsonas Self2006TVThe One Showas Self - Guest2006FilmClickas Narrator of Michael's Past (voice) (uncredited)2006FilmThe Best of The Tony Awards: The Playsas Jack Jefferson (segment "The Great White Hope") / Troy Maxson (segment "Fences")2006FilmScary Movie 4as Narrator (uncredited)2006FilmThe Benchwarmersas Darth Vader (voice)2006FilmThe Trail Of Tears: Cherokee Legacyas Narrator2005FilmHollywood's Greatest Villainsas Self2005FilmThe Sandlot 2as Mr. Mertle2005FilmThe Reading Roomas William2005FilmStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sithas Darth Vader (voice - uncredited)2005FilmRobotsas Voice Box at Hardware Store (voice)2005FilmBy Any Means Necessary: The Making of 'Malcolm X'as Narrator2004TVHouseas Dibala2004FilmNo Fighting in the War Room Or: 'Dr Strangelove' and the Nuclear Threatas Self2004FilmNine Dog Christmasas Storyteller (voice)2004FilmEmpire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogyas Self2004FilmThe Story of Star Warsas Darth Vader (archive footage)2004FilmBlack Indians: An American Storyas Narrator2003FilmThe Simpsons: Treehouse of Horroras Maggie Simpson (voice)2003TVTwo and a Half Menas James Earl Jones2003FilmThe Great Yearas Narrator2003FilmBeneath the Surface: The Making of 'The Hunt for Red October'as Self2002TVEverwoodas Will Cleveland2002FilmFredericksburg: A Documentary Filmas Narrator2001FilmMuhammad Ali - Through The Eyes Of The Worldas Self2001FilmFeast of All Saintsas Older Marcel2001FilmRecess Christmas: Miracle On Third Streetas Mister (voice)2001TVAccording to Jimas Royal Flush Voice (voice)2001FilmFinder's Feeas Avery Phillips2001FilmDisney's American Legendsas Narrator2000FilmAntietam: A Documentary Filmas Narrator2000FilmConan Unchained: The Making of 'Conan'as Self2000FilmInside: 'Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb'as Self - 'Lieutenant Lothar Zogg'2000FilmThe Art of Stanley Kubrick: From Short Films to Strangeloveas Self2000FilmSidney Poitier: One Bright Light2000FilmFantasia 2000as Self - Host1999FilmSanta and Peteas Grandpa Nicholas1999FilmThe Annihilation of Fishas Fish1999FilmUndercover Angelas The Judge1999FilmOn the Q.T.as Leo1999FilmSummer's Endas Dr. William 'Bill' Blakely1999FilmOur Friend, Martinas Daddy King (voice)1998FilmThe Lion King II: Simba's Prideas Mufasa (voice)1998TVWill & Graceas James Earl Jones1998TVMerlinas Rock of Ages1998FilmPrimary Colorsas CNN Voiceover (voice)1997FilmAloneas Grey1997FilmThe Second Civil Waras Jim Kalla1997FilmWhat the Deaf Man Heardas Archibald Thacker1997FilmGang Relatedas Arthur Baylor1997FilmHitler's Forgotten Victimsas Narrator (voice) (DVD version)1997FilmCasper: A Spirited Beginningas Kibosh (voice)1997TVStargate SG-1as Unas (Voice)1997FilmSports on the Silver Screenas Self (archive footage)1997FilmGood Luckas James Bing1997FilmStar Wars: The Magic & the Mysteryas Self1997FilmAfro Promoas Self (archive footage)1996FilmTimepieceas Lawrence1996FilmRebound: The Legend of Earl 'The Goat' Manigaultas Dr. McDuffie1996FilmLooking for Richardas Self - Interviewee1996FilmCorwinas Self1996FilmA Family Thingas Ray Murdock1996TV3rd Rock from the Sunas Narrator (voice) (uncredited)1995FilmCry, the Beloved Countryas Rev. Stephen Kumalo1995FilmWho's in Rabbit's House?as Narrator (voice)1995FilmJudge Dreddas Narrator (uncredited)1995FilmThe First 100 Years: A Celebration of American Moviesas Self1995FilmThe Making of 'Jurassic Park'as Host1995FilmJefferson in Parisas Madison Hemings1995TVUnder One Roofas Neb Langston1995TVHappily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Childas King Dakkar (voice)1995FilmCircle of Life: An Environmental Fableas Mufasa1995TVSigns and Wondersas Diamond1995FilmPeople: A Musical Celebrationas The Storyteller (voice)1994FilmBah, Humbug!: The Story of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'as Narrator1994TVTouched by an Angelas The Angel of Angels1994FilmClear and Present Dangeras Admiral James Greer1994FilmThe Making of the Lion Kingas Self1994FilmThe Lion Kingas Mufasa (voice)1994FilmThe Twilight Zone: Rod Serling's Lost Classicsas Host1994FilmClean Slateas John Dolby1994FilmAfrica: The Serengetias Narrator1994FilmNaked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insultas James Earl Jones (uncredited)1994FilmGangs: Turning the Corneras Self1994FilmConfessions: Two Faces of Evilas Charles Lloyd1994FilmThe Vernon Johns Storyas Vernon Johns1993FilmHallelujahas Old Man Taylor1993FilmMichael Jackson: Dangerous - The Short Filmsas Self (voice) (uncredited)1993TVFrasieras Norman Royster1993TVLois & Clark: The New Adventures of Supermanas Franklin Stern1993FilmPercy & Thunderas Percy Banks1993FilmThe Meteor Manas Earnest Moses1993FilmDreamrideras Bill Perry1993FilmExcessive Forceas Jake1993FilmThe Sandlotas Mr. Mertle1993FilmSommersbyas Judge Barry Conrad Issacs1993TVHomicide: Life on the Streetas Felix Wilson1992FilmLincolnas Narrator (voice)1992TVPicket Fencesas Bryant Thomas1992FilmSneakersas Mr. Bernard Abbott1992FilmPatriot Gamesas Adm. James Greer1992TVShelley Duvall's Bedtime Storiesas Narrator (voice)1992FilmThe JFK Conspiracyas Self - Host1991TVPros and Consas Gabriel Bird1991FilmTrue Identityas James Earl Jones1991FilmWhen It Was a Gameas (voice)1991FilmScorchersas Bear1991FilmPortrait of Castro's Cubaas Host/Narrator1991FilmVisitors from the Unknownas Narrator (voice)1991FilmConvictsas Ben Johnson1990FilmGrim Prairie Talesas Morrison1990TVLaw & Orderas Defense Attorney Horace McCoy1990TVGabriel's Fireas Gabriel Bird1990FilmIvory Huntersas Inspector Nkuru1990FilmHeat Waveas Junius Johnson1990FilmLast Flight Outas Al Topping1990FilmBy Dawn's Early Lightas Alice1990FilmThe Ambulanceas Lt. Spencer1990FilmThe Hunt for Red Octoberas Vice ADM James Greer1990FilmTeach 109as Dr. Winston1990FilmTerrorgramas Retribution (voice)1989TVThe Simpsonsas Narrator (voice)1989Film11-22-63: The Day the Nation Criedas Narrator1989FilmBest of the Bestas Frank Couzo1989FilmField of Dreamsas Terrence Mann1989TVLong Ago and Far Awayas Host1989FilmThree Fugitivesas Dugan1989FilmThe Hunting of the Snarkas Narrator (voice)1989FilmStories to Remember: Noah's Arkas Narrator1988TVGarfield and Friendsas Diablo1988FilmComing to Americaas King Jaffe Joffer1988FilmMichael Jackson: The Legend Continuesas Narrator (voice)1987FilmMatewanas 'Few Clothes' Johnson1987FilmPinocchio and the Emperor of the Nightas Emperor of the Night (voice)1987FilmGardens of Stoneas Sgt. Maj.'Goody' Nelson1987FilmA House Divided1987TVMathnetas Chief Thad Green1986FilmAllan Quatermain and the Lost City of Goldas Umslopogaas1986FilmSoul Manas Professor Banks1986TVL.A. Lawas Lee Atkins1986FilmMy Little Girlas Ike Bailey1986FilmAladdin and His Wonderful Lampas Genie / Narrator1986FilmThe Lone Star Kidas Holmes1985FilmMosesas Pharaoh1985FilmCity Limitsas Albert1985TVMe & Mom1985FilmNight of 100 Stars IIas Self1985TVThe Atlanta Child Murdersas Major Walker1985FilmVisual Pathfinders: Robert Abel & Associates1984FilmThe Vegas Strip Waras Jack Madrid1984TVHighway to Heavenas Gabe Wilson1984TVCBS Schoolbreak Specialas Detective Robb1984FilmWhy Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Earsas Narrator1983TVReading Rainbowas Self - Narrator (voice)1983FilmReturn of the Jedias Darth Vader (voice)1982FilmBlood Tideas Frye1982FilmAmy and the Angelas Gabriel1982TVFaerie Tale Theatreas Genie / Narrator (voice)1982FilmThe Flight of Dragonsas Ommadon (voice)1982FilmConan the Barbarianas Thulsa Doom1982FilmNight of 100 Starsas Self1981FilmGolden Book Video - Beauty and the Beastas Narrator (voice)1981FilmThe Creationas Narrator (voice)1981FilmThe Bushido Bladeas The Prisoner1981FilmThere Was Always Sun Shining Someplace: Life in the Negro Baseball Leaguesas himself, voice1981FilmBeauty and the Beastas Narrator (voice)1981FilmGod's Trombonesas Narrator (voice)1980FilmThe Golden Moment: An Olympic Love Storyas Dane Oliver1980FilmThe Empire Strikes Backas Darth Vader (voice) (uncredited)1980FilmThe Me Nobody Knowsas Self1980TVGuyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jonesas Father Divine1979TVParisas Woody Paris1979FilmA Walking Tour of Sesame Streetas Self - Host1979TVRoots: The Next Generationsas Alex Haley1979FilmPaul Robesonas Paul Robeson1978FilmBlack Theatre: The Making of a Movementas Self1978TVThe Kennedy Center Honorsas Self1978FilmThe Star Wars Holiday Specialas Darth Vader (voice)1978TVThe Magic of David Copperfield1977FilmThe Greatest Thing That Almost Happenedas Morris Bird, Jr.1977FilmA Piece of the Actionas Joshua Burke1977FilmThe Making of Star Warsas Darth Vader (voice) (uncredited)1977FilmExorcist II: The Hereticas Older Kokumo1977FilmThe Last Remake of Beau Gesteas Sheikh1977FilmStar Warsas Darth Vader (voice) (uncredited)1977FilmThe Greatestas Malcolm X1977TVJesus of Nazarethas Balthazar1976FilmSwashbuckleras Nick Debrett1976FilmThe Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kingsas Leon1976FilmThe River Nigeras Johnny Williams1975FilmDeadly Heroas Rabbit Shazam1975FilmThe UFO Incidentas Barney Hill1975TVVegetable Soupas Long John Spoilsport1974FilmThe Cayas Timothy1974TVDinah!as Self1974FilmClaudineas Rupert D. "Roop" Marshall1974FilmKing Learas King Lear1973TVThe American Film Institute Salute to ...as Self1973TVBlack Omnibusas Self - Host1972FilmThe Manas Douglass Dilman1972FilmMalcolm Xas Biographical Narration (voice)1971FilmMartin Luther King, Jr.: Legacy of a Dreamas Narrator1971TVGreat Performancesas King Lear1970FilmThe Great White Hopeas Jack Jefferson1970FilmKing: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphisas Self (archive footage)1970FilmEnd of the Roadas Doctor D1969TVSesame Street1968TVThe Dick Cavett Showas Self - Guest1967FilmThe Comediansas Dr. Magiot1966TVTarzan1964FilmDr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bombas Lt. Lothar Zogg1963TVEast Side/West Side1962TVThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carsonas Self1962TVThe Merv Griffin Showas Self1961TVThe Mike Douglas Showas Self1961TVDr. Kildareas Dr. Lou Rush1961TVThe Defendersas Lieutenant Andrews1956TVTony Awardsas Self - Winner / Performer1951TVHallmark Hall of Fameas Archibald Thacker1948TVLamp Unto My Feet1944TVGolden Globe Awardsas Self - Nominee / Presenter—FilmBroadway: The Next Generationas Self