James Earl Jones, actor known for his powerful, rich voice, has passed away at 93 years old
James Earl Jones 399864 01: Actor James Earl Jones reacts to a person who asked him if he could perform one of his movie character voices January 19, 2002 at the Lauderhill Boys and Girls Clubs of America in Lauderhill, FL. Jones was there to participate in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
By Gustavo Chacon
James Earl Jones, the actor known for his rich, resonant voice, and portrayal of Star Wars’ Darth Vader, The Lion King’s Mufasa, as well as King Jaffe Joffer in Coming to America and Mr. Mertle in the Sandlot, has passed away at the age of 93. According to his rep, he was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.
He first discovered his “voice” in high school when asked to recite a poem written by himself in front of his class. His approach to every character he portrayed, mixed in with his booming voice created some powerful figures that will never be forgotten in modern-day cinema.
Opening Night Of "On Golden Pond" NEW YORK - APRIL 7: (U.S. TABS AND HOLLYWOOD REPORTER OUT) Actor James Earl Jones attends the opening night of "On Golden Pond" after party at Blue Fin April 7, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images) (Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images)
"Driving Miss Daisy" On Broadway Celebrates James Earl Jones' 80th Birthday NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 17: Actor James Earl Jones celebrates his 80th birthday by blowing the candles out on his cake at The Golden Theatre on January 17, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images) (Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
James Earl Jones 399864 01: Actor James Earl Jones reacts to a person who asked him if he could perform one of his movie character voices January 19, 2002 at the Lauderhill Boys and Girls Clubs of America in Lauderhill, FL. Jones was there to participate in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
James Earl Jones Honored By The YMCA NEW YORK - OCTOBER 24: Actor James Earl Jones speaks during the annual YMCA Arts & Letters Auction and Reception at the Rainbow Room October 24, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images) (Scott Gries/Getty Images)
The American Theatre Wing Annual Dinner CBS And Leslie Moonves NEW YORK - APRIL 11: Actor James Earl Jones answers a few questions from the television press upon arriving at the American Theater Wing Annual Dinner honoring CBS Television and it's chairman Leslie Moonves at Cipriani's 42nd St. April 11, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Fernando Leon/Getty Images) (Fernando Leon/Getty Images)
15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - Show LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 25: Actor James Earl Jones accepts the Life Achievement award during the 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on January 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
"You Can't Take It With You" Final Curtain Call NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 22: James Earl Jones(C) and the cast of 'You Can't Take It With You' during the final curtain call at Longacre Theatre on February 22, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Grant Lamos IV/Getty Images) (Grant Lamos IV/Getty Images)
James Earl Jones Honored By The YMCA NEW YORK - OCTOBER 24: Actor James Earl Jones reads to children during the annual YMCA Arts & Letters Auction and Reception at the Rainbow Room October 24, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images) (Scott Gries/Getty Images)