Famous fans and collaborators are paying tribute to James Earl Jones, the award-winning actor and commanding voice of Darth Vader, who died Tuesday at 93.
“One of the world’s finest actors whose contributions to Star Wars were immeasurable. He’ll be greatly missed,” actor Mark Hamill, who played Vader’s son Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars movies, said in a statement to The Associated Press.
“James Earl Jones will forever be remembered as The GOAT. It was truly a privilege to direct him and a Blessing to be loved by him. We will forever speak his name and tell the great stories that will become Legend and Myth and seed generations to come,” said actor and dancer Debbie Allen, who directed Jones in the 2008 Broadway production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, on Instagram.
“Legendary doesn’t even begin to describe his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever. His voice and talent will be remembered always. Sending love to his family, friends and countless fans in all the galaxies, far, far away,” stated actor Octavia Spencer on Instagram.
“James Earl Jones… there will never be another of his particular combination of graces,” wrote actor LeVar Burton, on X.
“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. 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,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said, in a statement.
“Thank you, dear James Earl Jones, for everything. A master of our craft. We stand on your shoulders. Rest now. You gave us your best,” marked actor Colman Domingo, on X.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of James’s passing. He was the voice of CNN and our brand for many decades, uniquely conveying through speech instant authority, grace, and decorum. That remarkable voice is just one of many things the world will miss about James. Our thoughts are with his family,” CNN posted on X.
“RIP James Earl Jones, the legendary actor who memorably appeared in the iconic baseball movies Field of Dreams and The Sandlot. Jones gave a moving recitation of our National Anthem at the 1993 MLB All-Star Game in Baltimore,” noted Major League Baseball, on X.
“Mourning the death of University of Michigan graduate James Earl Jones. Your inspirational career and your inspiring words — heard at every home game — move us as a university community. We will miss you,” posted University of Michigan President Santa Ono on Instagram.
