In Hollywood’s glitz and glamor, few figures have captivated and charmed audiences as much as the legendary James Earl Jones. With his deep, resonant voice, Jones has animated numerous characters—from the fearsome Darth Vader to the stately Mufasa—but his success story is not what it seems on the surface. Behind this tale of triumph lies a narrative of childhood hardship and a long, winding journey to find his voice. Jones didn’t speak from the ages of 6 to 14, and even when he started talking, he was still a stutterer—so, he was told, for life. Yet, somehow, he managed, in the course of his living, to make himself into a voice of authority and one with a certain degree of “gravitas.” One can only wonder what other untold stories lie behind the curtain of this master storyteller.
Star Wars fans probably think of James Earl Jones as the quintessential voice of Darth Vader, but they may not know that he was not the first choice to play the iconic role. Orson Welles was rumored to be the first pick, but for a succession of reasons—some involving the timing and others having to do with Jones’s voice—Darth Vader ended up being voiced by Jones. He was, and still is, a great pick for the part, and one of the reasons is that his son was so scared the first time he heard his father voice the character, he actually had a concerned talk with his dad about using such a powerful voice for evil. I remember laughing pretty hard at that revelation. Jones does… when it comes to simple storytelling, of any length, with or without a reason to laugh.
Consider, for a moment, one of the most treasured Disney films: “The Lion King.” And then think of the man who lent it his voice. James Earl Jones’s portrayal of the regal Mufasa was nothing short of iconic; he captured the grandeur of royal authority and the heart of fatherhood effortlessly. The “Circle of Life” became not just an anthem for the movie, but also for the astounding career and the life of this brilliant actor. Jones’s voice not only shaped a generation of Disney watchers but also informed the world in the daily way: “This is CNN.” When Jones says, “My voice suggests knowledge, even when I don’t have it,” one isn’t quite sure if he is being humble or just what he is. If one thought James Earl Jones was all about serious roles, one would be surprised at his comedic chops. At 83, he recently showcased his ability for an audience to laugh at him.
In this digital era dominated by social media, one individual stands apart as a proud purist. James Earl Jones, a man of the theater and film, is neither a Twitter nor a Facebook user. And for good reason! He has, from the beginnings of his unique and wonderful career, embraced the life of a true artist—finding joy in the sincerity of his craft rather than in the fickle applause of a powered-up audience or in the dollar signs that often accompany performing gigs (particular those in the age of the scattered light and sound show). Yet what’s even more singular about Jones is his unmatched versatility. With over 70 years in the business, Jones’s career has often defied categorization. He is a man who has accomplished seemingly everything there’s to achieve in a lifetime of performance. And by the looks of it, he shows no signs of stopping anytime soon!
Whether he is the sinister presence behind the galaxy’s most recognizable baddie or just a dad with a goofus mug, his is a journey as ageless as the storytelling tradition itself. Don’t miss the latest updates regarding the voice that once filled your living room with unmatched tales! Can anyone ever rise to this man’s level? We sincerely doubt it!
