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

IMDb

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.

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 Joffer 2019FilmStar 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 Self 2019FilmThe Lion Kingas Mufasa (voice)2019FilmThe Space: Theatre of Survivalas Narrator 2019FilmWords from a Bearas Self 2018FilmWarning Shotas Pendleton 2017FilmThe Lion Guard: Life In The Pride Landsas Mufasa (voice)2016FilmRogue One: A Star Wars Storyas Darth Vader (voice)2016FilmGod Bless You, Mr Rosewateras Kilgore Trout 2016FilmThe Lion Guard: Return of the Roaras Mufasa (voice)2015FilmDriving Miss Daisyas Hoke Colburn 2015FilmStar Wars Rebels: The Siege of Lothalas Darth Vader (voice)2015FilmAugust Wilson: The Ground on Which I Standas Self 2014TVStar Wars Rebelsas Darth Vader (voice)2014FilmStar Wars Rebels: Spark of Rebellionas Darth Vader (voice)2014FilmThe Angriest Man in Brooklynas Ruben 2013FilmGimme Shelteras Frank McCarthy 2013FilmMuse of Fireas Self 2013FilmBlackfishas Self (archive footage)2013FilmMiliusas Self 2012FilmAn Amazing Time: A Conversation About End of the Roadas Self 2012FilmJoe Papp in Five Actsas Self 2011FilmStrange Septembers: The Hill Abduction & the Exeter Encounteras Himself 2010FilmQuantum 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 Jenkins 2007FilmEarthas Narrator (voice)2007TVThe Big Bang Theoryas Self 2007FilmOur Paul: Remembering Paul Robesonas Self 2007FilmJohn, Paul, George and Benas Narrator 2006FilmSearching for Orsonas Self 2006TVThe One Showas Self - Guest 2006FilmClickas 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)2005FilmHollywood's Greatest Villainsas Self 2005FilmThe Sandlot 2as Mr. Mertle 2005FilmThe Reading Roomas William 2005FilmStar 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 Narrator 2004TVHouseas Dibala 2004FilmNo Fighting in the War Room Or: 'Dr Strangelove' and the Nuclear Threatas Self 2004FilmNine Dog Christmasas Storyteller (voice)2004FilmEmpire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogyas Self 2004FilmThe Story of Star Warsas Darth Vader (archive footage)2004FilmBlack Indians: An American Storyas Narrator 2003FilmThe Simpsons: Treehouse of Horroras Maggie Simpson (voice)2003TVTwo and a Half Menas James Earl Jones 2003FilmThe Great Yearas Narrator 2003FilmBeneath the Surface: The Making of 'The Hunt for Red October'as Self 2002TVEverwoodas Will Cleveland 2002FilmFredericksburg: A Documentary Filmas Narrator 2001FilmMuhammad Ali - Through The Eyes Of The Worldas Self 2001FilmFeast of All Saintsas Older Marcel 2001FilmRecess Christmas: Miracle On Third Streetas Mister (voice)2001TVAccording to Jimas Royal Flush Voice (voice)2001FilmFinder's Feeas Avery Phillips 2001FilmDisney's American Legendsas Narrator 2000FilmAntietam: A Documentary Filmas Narrator 2000FilmConan Unchained: The Making of 'Conan'as Self 2000FilmInside: '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 Self 2000FilmSidney Poitier: One Bright Light 2000FilmFantasia 2000as Self - Host 1999FilmSanta and Peteas James Earl Jones 1999FilmThe Annihilation of Fishas Fish 1999FilmUndercover Angelas The Judge 1999FilmOn the Q.T.as Leo 1999FilmSummer's Endas Dr. William 'Bill' Blakely 1999FilmOur Friend, Martinas Daddy King (voice)1998FilmThe Lion King II: Simba's Prideas Mufasa (voice)1998TVWill & Graceas James Earl Jones 1998TVMerlinas Rock of Ages 1998FilmPrimary Colorsas CNN Voiceover (voice)1997FilmAloneas Grey 1997FilmThe Second Civil Waras Jim Kalla 1997FilmWhat the Deaf Man Heardas Archibald Thacker 1997FilmGang Relatedas Arthur Baylor 1997FilmHitler'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 Bing 1997FilmStar Wars: The Magic & the Mysteryas Self 1997FilmAfro Promoas Self (archive footage)1996FilmTimepieceas Lawrence 1996FilmRebound: The Legend of Earl 'The Goat' Manigaultas Dr. McDuffie 1996FilmLooking for Richardas Self - Interviewee 1996FilmCorwinas Self 1996FilmA Family Thingas Ray Murdock 1996TV3rd Rock from the Sunas Narrator (voice) (uncredited)1995FilmCry, the Beloved Countryas Rev. Stephen Kumalo 1995FilmWho's in Rabbit's House?as Narrator (voice)1995FilmJudge Dreddas Narrator (uncredited)1995FilmThe First 100 Years: A Celebration of American Moviesas Self 1995FilmThe Making of 'Jurassic Park'as Host 1995FilmJefferson in Parisas Madison Hemings 1995TVUnder One Roofas Neb Langston 1995TVHappily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Childas King Dakkar (voice)1995FilmCircle of Life: An Environmental Fableas Mufasa 1995TVSigns and Wondersas Diamond 1995FilmPeople: A Musical Celebrationas The Storyteller (voice)1994FilmBah, Humbug!: The Story of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'as Narrator 1994TVTouched by an Angelas The Angel of Angels 1994FilmClear and Present Dangeras Admiral James Greer 1994FilmThe Making of the Lion Kingas Self 1994FilmThe Lion Kingas Mufasa (voice)1994FilmThe Twilight Zone: Rod Serling's Lost Classicsas Host 1994FilmClean Slateas John Dolby 1994FilmAfrica: The Serengetias Narrator 1994FilmNaked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insultas James Earl Jones (uncredited)1994FilmGangs: Turning the Corneras Self 1994FilmConfessions: Two Faces of Evilas Charles Lloyd 1994FilmThe Vernon Johns Storyas Vernon Johns 1993FilmHallelujahas Old Man Taylor 1993FilmMichael Jackson: Dangerous - The Short Filmsas Self (voice) (uncredited)1993TVFrasieras Norman Royster 1993TVLois & Clark: The New Adventures of Supermanas Franklin Stern 1993FilmPercy & Thunderas Percy Banks 1993FilmThe Meteor Manas Earnest Moses 1993FilmDreamrideras Bill Perry 1993FilmExcessive Forceas Jake 1993FilmThe Sandlotas Mr. Mertle 1993FilmSommersbyas Judge Barry Conrad Issacs 1993TVHomicide: Life on the Streetas Felix Wilson 1992FilmLincolnas Narrator (voice)1992TVPicket Fencesas Bryant Thomas 1992FilmSneakersas Mr. Bernard Abbott 1992FilmPatriot Gamesas Adm. James Greer 1992TVShelley Duvall's Bedtime Storiesas Narrator (voice)1992FilmThe JFK Conspiracyas Self - Host 1991TVPros and Consas Gabriel Bird 1991FilmTrue Identityas James Earl Jones 1991FilmWhen It Was a Gameas (voice)1991FilmScorchersas Bear 1991FilmPortrait of Castro's Cubaas Host/Narrator 1991FilmVisitors from the Unknownas Narrator (voice)1991FilmConvictsas Ben Johnson 1990FilmGrim Prairie Talesas Morrison 1990TVLaw & Orderas Defense Attorney Horace McCoy 1990TVGabriel's Fireas Gabriel Bird 1990FilmIvory Huntersas Inspector Nkuru 1990FilmHeat Waveas Junius Johnson 1990FilmLast Flight Outas Al Topping 1990FilmBy Dawn's Early Lightas Alice 1990FilmThe Ambulanceas Lt. Spencer 1990FilmThe Hunt for Red Octoberas Vice ADM James Greer 1990FilmTeach 109as Dr. Winston 1990FilmTerrorgramas Retribution (voice)1989TVThe Simpsonsas Narrator (voice)1989Film11-22-63: The Day the Nation Criedas Narrator 1989FilmBest of the Bestas Frank Couzo 1989FilmField of Dreamsas Terrence Mann 1989TVLong Ago and Far Awayas Host 1989FilmThree Fugitivesas Dugan 1989FilmThe Hunting of the Snarkas Narrator (voice)1989FilmStories to Remember: Noah's Arkas Narrator 1988TVGarfield and Friendsas Diablo 1988FilmComing to Americaas King Jaffe Joffer 1988FilmMichael Jackson: The Legend Continuesas Narrator (voice)1987FilmMatewanas 'Few Clothes' Johnson 1987FilmPinocchio and the Emperor of the Nightas Emperor of the Night (voice)1987FilmGardens of Stoneas Sgt. Maj.'Goody' Nelson 1987FilmA House Divided 1987TVMathnetas Chief Thad Green (voice)1986FilmAllan Quatermain and the Lost City of Goldas Umslopogaas 1986FilmSoul Manas Professor Banks 1986TVL.A. Lawas Lee Atkins 1986FilmMy Little Girlas Ike Bailey 1986FilmAladdin and His Wonderful Lampas Genie / Narrator 1986FilmThe Lone Star Kidas Holmes 1985FilmMosesas Pharaoh 1985FilmCity Limitsas Albert 1985TVMe & Mom 1985FilmNight of 100 Stars IIas Self 1985TVThe Atlanta Child Murdersas Major Walker 1985FilmVisual Pathfinders: Robert Abel & Associates 1984FilmThe Vegas Strip Waras Jack Madrid 1984TVHighway to Heavenas Gabe Wilson 1984TVCBS Schoolbreak Specialas Detective Robb 1984FilmWhy Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Earsas Narrator 1983TVReading Rainbowas Self - Narrator (voice)1983FilmReturn of the Jedias Darth Vader (voice)1982FilmBlood Tideas Frye 1982FilmAmy and the Angelas Gabriel 1982TVFaerie Tale Theatreas Genie / Narrator (voice)1982FilmThe Flight of Dragonsas Ommadon (voice)1982FilmConan the Barbarianas Thulsa Doom 1982FilmNight of 100 Starsas Self 1981FilmGolden Book Video - Beauty and the Beastas Narrator (voice)1981FilmThe Creationas Narrator (voice)1981FilmThe Bushido Bladeas The Prisoner 1981FilmThere Was Always Sun Shining Someplace: Life in the Negro Baseball Leaguesas himself, voice 1981FilmBeauty and the Beastas Narrator (voice)1981FilmGod's Trombonesas Narrator (voice)1980FilmThe Golden Moment: An Olympic Love Storyas Dane Oliver 1980FilmThe Empire Strikes Backas Darth Vader (voice) (uncredited)1980FilmThe Me Nobody Knowsas Self 1980TVGuyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jonesas Father Divine 1979TVParisas Woody Paris 1979FilmA Walking Tour of Sesame Streetas Self - Host 1979TVRoots: The Next Generationsas Alex Haley 1979FilmPaul Robesonas Paul Robeson 1978FilmBlack Theatre: The Making of a Movementas Self 1978TVThe Kennedy Center Honorsas Self 1978FilmThe Star Wars Holiday Specialas Darth Vader (voice)1978FilmThe Story of the Faithful Wookieeas Darth Vader (voice)1978TVThe Magic of David Copperfield 1977FilmThe Greatest Thing That Almost Happenedas Morris Bird, Jr.1977FilmA Piece of the Actionas Joshua Burke 1977FilmThe Making of Star Warsas Darth Vader (voice) (uncredited)1977FilmExorcist II: The Hereticas Older Kokumo 1977FilmThe Last Remake of Beau Gesteas Sheikh 1977FilmStar Warsas Darth Vader (voice) (uncredited)1977FilmThe Greatestas Malcolm X 1977TVJesus of Nazarethas Balthazar 1976FilmSwashbuckleras Nick Debrett 1976FilmThe Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kingsas Leon 1976FilmThe River Nigeras Johnny Williams 1975FilmDeadly Heroas Rabbit Shazam 1975FilmThe UFO Incidentas Barney Hill 1975TVVegetable Soupas Long John Spoilsport 1974FilmThe Cayas Timothy 1974TVDinah!as Self 1974FilmClaudineas Rupert D. "Roop" Marshall 1974FilmKing Learas King Lear 1973TVThe American Film Institute Salute to ...as Self 1973TVBlack Omnibusas Self - Host 1972FilmThe Manas Douglass Dilman 1972FilmMalcolm Xas Biographical Narration (voice)1971FilmMartin Luther King, Jr.: Legacy of a Dreamas Narrator 1971TVGreat Performancesas King Lear 1970FilmThe Great White Hopeas Jack Jefferson 1970FilmKing: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphisas Self (archive footage)1970FilmEnd of the Roadas Doctor D 1969TVSesame Street 1968TVThe Dick Cavett Showas Self - Guest 1967FilmThe Comediansas Dr. Magiot 1966TVTarzan 1964FilmDr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bombas Lt. Lothar Zogg 1963TVEast Side/West Side 1962TVThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carsonas Self 1962TVThe Merv Griffin Showas Self 1961TVThe Mike Douglas Showas Self 1961TVDr. Kildareas Dr. Lou Rush 1961TVThe Defendersas Lieutenant Andrews 1951TVHallmark Hall of Fameas Archibald Thacker 1948TVLamp Unto My Feet 1944TVGolden Globe Awardsas Self - Nominee / Presenter —FilmBroadway: The Next Generationas Self