Star Wars creator George Lucas has led the tributes to “incredible actor” James Earl Jones, the voice behind Darth Vader, following his loss of life on the age of 93.
In an announcement, Lucas described Jones as “a most unique voice both in art and spirit”.
“For nearly half a century he was Darth Vader, but the secret to it all is he was a beautiful human being,” the director stated.
“He gave depth, sincerity and meaning to all his roles, amongst the most important being a devoted husband to the late Ceci and dad to Flynn.
“James shall be missed by so many people… associates and followers alike.”
‘RIP dad’
Jones was best known for giving Star Wars supervillain Darth Vader his distinctive deep voice, and also starred in dozens of other films including Field of Dreams, Coming To America, Conan the Barbarian and The Lion King.
Mark Hamill, who performed Vader’s son Luke Skywalker, posted “RIP Dad” on X with a broken heart emoji.
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy added: “James Earl Jones is among the most versatile and proficient actors of our time, with an iconic physique of labor throughout movie, stage and tv.
“The menacing baritone he brought to Darth Vader will forever be beloved by fans and regarded as one of the great villainous performances in cinema.
“His commanding presence on display screen, and heat character off-screen, shall be enormously missed.”
Getty ImagesJones was also loved by millions for voicing Mufasa in Disney’s classic animation The Lion King.
Disney chief executive Bob Iger said: “From the mild knowledge of Mufasa to the menacing risk of Darth Vader, James Earl Jones gave voice to a few of the biggest characters in cinema historical past.”
He added: “The tales he dropped at life with a uniquely commanding presence and a real richness of spirit have left an indelible mark on generations of audiences.”
Actor Matthew Broderick, who voiced Simba in the Lion King, told People magazine: “I’m so fortunate to have had an opportunity to work with James Earl Jones. To have had him play my father, my king! And to get to know him just a little bit.”
Writing on X, Star Trek star George Takei posted: “A fantastic spirit and boundless, distinctive voice has left us.
“James Earl Jones has passed, and he is returned to the great beyond.
“We’re all of the lesser for his loss, and we collectively mourn his passing and honour his nice physique of labor.”
Star Trek actor LeVar Burton wrote on X: “There’ll by no means be one other of his specific combos of graces.”
Getty ImagesKevin Costner, who co-starred with Jones in Field of Dreams, posted on Instagram: “That booming voice. That quiet strength. The kindness that he radiated. So much can be said about his legacy, so I’ll just say how thankful I am that part of it includes Field of Dreams.”
Oscar-winning actress Octavia Spencer wrote on Instagram that Jones’s “voice and talent will be remembered always” and that “legendary doesn’t even begin to describe his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever”.
Additionally paying tribute, US actor Colman Domingo wrote on X: “Thank you dear James Earl Jones for everything. A master of our craft. We stand on your shoulders. Rest now. You gave us your best.”
Crystal Minkoff, spouse of The Lion King co-director Rob Minkoff, posted a photograph of Jones on Instagram holding a statue of Mufasa, with the phrases: “Rest in Power, Mr Jones. You made a young animator’s dream come true when you accepted the role of Mufasa.
“Thanks for all you could have accomplished for Rob. Your reminiscence will dwell on.”
‘Authority, grace and decorum’
Jones was also the voice of US broadcaster CNN’s “That is CNN” tagline.
A statement on X from CNN read: “We’re deeply saddened to listen to of James’s passing.
“He was the voice of CNN and our brand for many decades, uniquely conveying through speech instant authority, grace and decorum.
“That exceptional voice is only one of many issues the world will miss about James. Our ideas are along with his household.”
Jones forged his distinctive voice and acting career after overcoming a stammer, which lasted into his teens.
Jane Powell, chief executive of charity Stamma, told the BBC: “A fantastic actor, a incredible voice, and by all accounts a beautiful man. And somebody who stammered and who continued to work laborious to sound fluent and handle his phrases all through his life.
“James talked about the support he got from speech and language therapists, learning different techniques to manage his stammer, and how difficult it was trying to sound fluent. He had a magnificent voice.”
Actress Ava DuVernay posted on her Instagram tales: “Thank you for showing us ourselves. Our complicated selves, our dignified selves, our smiles our pain.
“A job effectively accomplished. A present fantastically shared. Bless you as you journey on.”
The Color Purple star Danielle Brooks added: “Relaxation in energy to one in all our giants. Might we eternally maintain your voice in our hearts!”
Director Paul Feig wrote on X that “James Earl Jones won’t ever die” as “his expertise, work and affect shall be with us at all times.”
British actor Abubakar Salim, who appeared in HBO’s Raised by Wolves and the latest series of House of the Dragon, told BBC Newsbeat he met Jones about 14 years ago when his sister was doing hair and make-up on a play the star was appearing in London.
Salim was introduced to him, and described Jones as “a beautiful human being, very all the way down to earth”.
He added that the star was “so humble”, and “it was the kindness” that stood out to him, as he gave up his time to give Salim advice about breaking into acting.
