He was a devout Christian.
James Earl Jones, the iconic voice behind characters like Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, was a devout Catholic who once called narrating the New Testament the “greatest honor” of his life. Jones passed away peacefully at his home in Dutchess County, New York, on Monday morning, surrounded by his family. He was 93 years old, according to his agent Barry McPherson.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jones earned numerous accolades, including three Tony Awards, two Emmys, a Grammy, and a 2011 Academy Award for lifetime achievement. He is best remembered for his portrayal of Darth Vader in George Lucas’ 1977 Star Wars, a role he reprised in The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983). Beyond film, Jones had a significant presence in television, with notable roles in series such as Gabriel’s Fire and Under One Roof, as well as guest appearances on popular shows like Frasier and The Big Bang Theory. In 1991, he became only the second African American actor to receive an Academy Honorary Award.
Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones overcame a severe childhood stutter that left him nearly mute for several years. Through the encouragement of a teacher and his involvement in poetry recitation, he regained his voice, which would later become his defining feature as an actor. Reflecting on this experience, Jones once said that he learned the importance of listening during his years of silence.
Though Jones wasn’t outspoken about his religious beliefs, he explored his spiritual journey in interviews and in his autobiography Voices and Silences. His interest in Catholicism began during his high school years and deepened during his time in the military in the 1950s. He ultimately converted to Catholicism and found solace in the faith during his service. In 1985, he narrated the King James version of the New Testament, an experience he called his greatest honor, dedicating the project to a mentor who helped him overcome his speech impediment and introduced him to God.
Following his death, many actors paid tribute to Jones. Kevin Costner, who starred with him in Field of Dreams, expressed his gratitude for the actor’s kindness and talent, noting that no one else could have brought the same magic to the film. Colman Domingo also honored Jones, saying, “Thank you dear James Earl Jones for everything. A master of our craft. We stand on your shoulders.”