“Stars Pay Tribute to James Earl Jones: ‘Rest in Peace, Dad’”
Mark Hamill, Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer, and Colman Domingo were among the first stars from Hollywood to honor James Earl Jones following his passing on Monday at the age of 93 at his New York home. With a career spanning over 50 years, Jones starred in iconic films like Dr. Strangelove, Field of Dreams, Star Wars, and The Lion King, earning an honorary Oscar in 2011. A celebrated stage actor, he won two Tony Awards for The Great White Hope and Fences, and received two Emmys and a Grammy for his work.
Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, expressed his grief on social media with a heartfelt “#RIP dad.” George Lucas praised Jones as an “incredible actor” and a “beautiful human being,” highlighting his dedication to family. Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, referred to Jones as one of the most talented actors of his time.
Costner, reflecting on their collaboration in Field of Dreams, emphasized Jones’ unique presence and magic in the role. Spencer honored his legacy, stating that his “voice and talent will be remembered always.” Domingo recognized him as a master of the craft, urging him to rest peacefully after giving his all.
As the “voice of CNN,” Jones left a lasting impact, with a spokesperson noting his ability to convey authority and grace. He also made memorable guest appearances on The Simpsons, including the iconic “Treehouse of Horror” episode, where he read Poe’s “The Raven.”
Beyond Hollywood, Jones’ narration for the University of Michigan’s hype video became a cherished tradition. Michigan officials celebrated his journey from overcoming a speech impediment to a remarkable acting career. Disney’s Bob Iger acknowledged Jones for bringing life to legendary characters like Mufasa and Darth Vader, while The Lion King co-director Rob Minkoff praised his portrayal of Mufasa as perfection.
LeVar Burton remarked that there would never be another actor like him, and director Barry Jenkins shared a nostalgic photo of Jones, captioned “forever and always.”
