Hollywood is in mourning after the passing of James Earl Jones, who died on Monday at the age of 93. Jones’ former Star Wars co-star Mark Hamill is now speaking out to pay tribute to him.
Hamill Honors Jones
Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker opposite Jones’ Vader in Star Wars, took to social media to pay a simple but touching tribute to the late actor.
“#RIP dad,” Hamill, 72, wrote alongside a broken heart emoji.
The reference is to Vader’s character very famously being the father of Luke Skywalker.
George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, also spoke out to honor Jones after his passing was announced.
“James was an incredible actor, a most unique voice both in art and spirit,” Lucas said. “For nearly half a century he was Darth Vader, but the secret to it all is he was a beautiful human being. 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 will be missed by so many of us…friends and fans alike.”
“James Earl Jones is one of the most versatile and talented actors of our time, with an iconic body of work across film, stage and television,” added Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy. “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 screen, and warm personality off screen, will be greatly missed.”
Disney CEO Speaks Out
Disney CEO Bob Iger also released a tribute to Jones.
“From the gentle wisdom of Mufasa to the menacing threat of Darth Vader, James Earl Jones gave voice to some of the greatest characters in cinema history,” he wrote on Instagram, referring to Jones’ roles in The Lion King and Star Wars.
“A celebrated stage actor with nearly 200 film and television credits to his name, the stories he brought to life with a uniquely commanding presence and a true richness of spirit have left an indelible mark on generations of audiences,” Iger continued. “On behalf of all of us at Disney, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Jones died on Monday morning surrounded by his family at his home in Dutchess County, New York. His longtime agent Barry McPherson confirmed his death to ABC News.
Known for his iconic deep voice, Jones had an acting career that spanned over 60 years. During that time, he won three Tony Awards, two Emmys, and a Grammy. He was also recognized for lifetime achievement by the Oscars in 2011.
Even the Empire State Building said goodbye.
Related: ‘Star Wars’ Actress Daisy Ridley, 32, Reveals Grave’s Disease Diagnosis
Jones ‘Lucked Out’ With Star Wars
Despite his many roles, it is Darth Vader in Star Wars that Jones will always be best remembered for. Jones voiced the character, with the physical Darth Vader being played by someone else. Jones addressed this in a 2009 interview with the American Film Institute.
“I’m simply special effects,” he explained. “George [Lucas] wanted, pardon the expression, a darker voice, so he hires a guy born in Mississippi, raised in Michigan, who stutters. That’s the voice, that’s me. I lucked out. From all these so-called handicaps, I lucked out to get a job that paid me $7,000, and I thought that was good money.”
Check out Jones full comments on this in the video below.
Jones was a true legend, and there will never be another one like him. Please join us in saying a prayer for his family and friends as they mourn him.
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