His Most Memorable Movie Roles

His Most Memorable Movie Roles

James Earl Jones’ death at the age of 93 will leave a void in Hollywood. The highly respected, baritone-voiced actor was a veteran presence on the big screen — as well as the stage, winning a trio of Tony Awards — and the small screen, where he made multiple guest appearances on a wide range of shows.

Jones was in rarefied air as a thespian, achieving the coveted EGOT status by winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award. Although it should be noted he was recognized with an honorary Oscar in 2011, and he didn’t win one for acting in a specific role or in a competitive field.

Jones will be remembered by scores of fans for his work in films, with his distinctive voice and presence figuring prominently in several movies. His cinematic body of work, which began in the 1964 political satire “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb,” is a testament to his talent and ability to connect to a role and a story. He would go on to star in such movies as “Conan the Barbarian,” “Matewan,” “Claudine,” “’The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings” and “The Hunt for Red October.”

Here’s a look at some of his most memorable parts and films.

‘The Great White Hope’

James Earl Jones and Marlene Warfield in the 1970 movie “The Great White Hope.”Getty Images

Jones had already notched the first of his two Tonys — he’d also won a lifetime achievement award — for appearing in the Broadway show “The Great White Hope.” He would star in the 1970 big-screen adaptation, earning his only Oscar nomination, playing Jack Jefferson, a character based on boxer Jack Johnson. Jones’ character is outspoken and has to cope with the public’s opinion of him, as well as his talents in the ring and interracial romances.

‘Star Wars’

Darth Vader, as voiced by James Earl Jones, in “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” in 1980.Photo 12 / Alamy Stock Photo

Jones didn’t physically appear as Darth Vader in the original “Star Wars” trilogy, but he famously voiced the character, whose name alone conjures images of villainousness and evil. David Prowse is the actor in the costume, but Jones’ booming and authoritative voice added color to the part and resulted in one of the most memorable characters in cinematic history.

‘Coming to America’

James Earl Jones as King Jaffe Joffer in “Coming to America.”Everett Collection

It’s probably no coincidence that Jones had a knack for playing memorable fathers. In this classic 1988 comedy, he plays the king of the fictional country Zamunda and grows impatient when his son, played by Eddie Murphy, comes to America to find a bride. As a supporting actor in the film, he adds just enough bluster to make fans appreciate that he can be brusque, even as he wants the best for his son.

‘Field of Dreams’

James Earl Jones helped make “Field of Dreams” a hit in 1989.Everett Collection

Jones stars as cranky, reclusive author Terence Mann, who initially doesn’t buy into Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella’s (Kevin Costner) quest or reasoning to find him after Kinsella builds a baseball field in his cornfield. Eventually, Mann comes around and then delivers a stirring monologue at the end of the film about why Kinsella simply can’t sell his farm, reminding him that people will come to watch baseball.

‘The Sandlot’

James Earl Jones in “The Sandlot.”Alamy

Jones could’ve been an intimidating presence, which was played up in this 1993 coming-of-age comedy. While the baseball-playing kids in the movie fear a dog called The Beast, which precludes them from retrieving baseballs, they also fear the blind Mr. Mertle, who, it turns out, was a baseball player in Babe Ruth’s time who is happy to talk about the sport with them.

‘The Lion King’

Jones was a towering figure as Mufasa (top) in “The Lion King.”Alamy

Yet another role that showcases Jones’ patriarchal prowess. He voiced Mufasa in this enduring 1994 musical. He plays a ruler murdered by his brother, only to guide his son, Simba, who harbors guilt about his father’s death. Mufasa’s spirit helps Simba by urging him to reclaim his rightful place as king.