James Earl Jones is an American actor known for his deep resonant voice and versatile performances on stage and screen.
Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, he was raised by his maternal grandparents in Michigan after his father, Robert Earl Jones, left the family before his birth.
Jones attended the University of Michigan, majoring in drama, and later studied at the American Theatre Wing with Lee Strasberg.
She has had a prolific career in film, television, and theater, earning numerous awards and nominations.
He is perhaps best known for his iconic roles as Darth Vader in the Star Wars series and Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King.
Jones has also starred in films such as Dr. Strangelove, Conan the Barbarian and Coming to America, as well as television shows like Gabriel’s Fire and The Simpsons.
Net worth
Jones has an estimated net worth of $40 million.
He has amassed his considerable net worth through a successful and enduring career in acting that spans over six decades.
Jones’ wealth is primarily derived from his work in film, television, and theater, where he has taken on a wide range of roles that have showcased his talent and versatility.
His iconic voice has been a significant asset throughout his career, leading to numerous voice-over opportunities in commercials, documentaries and animated films.
Jones’ portrayal of Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise and Mufasa in The Lion King has not only solidified his status as a legendary actor but has also contributed significantly to his financial success through royalties and residuals.
Additionally, his work on Broadway, where he has starred in critically acclaimed productions such as The Great White Hope and Fences, has further bolstered his net worth.
His Tony Award-winning performances have not only garnered him accolades but have also been financially rewarding.
Furthermore, Jones’ involvement in various television shows, guest appearances, and endorsements have added to his overall wealth.
His enduring popularity and respected reputation in the entertainment industry have ensured a steady stream of opportunities that have contributed to his impressive net worth.
Career
Jones has had an illustrious and versatile career spanning over six decades in film, television and theater.
He began his acting career in the 1950s, appearing in productions of Shakespeare’s plays like Othello.
His early career also included an appearance in the ABC radio anthology series Theatre-Five. In 1964, he made his film debut in Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove.
Jones went on to appear in over 50 films, including The Great White Hope (1970), Conan the Barbarian (1982), Coming to America (1988) and Field of Dreams (1989).
Jones is best known for his iconic voice roles as Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise and Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King.
His deep, resonant voice has also been featured in numerous commercials, documentaries, and animated series like The Simpsons.
On television, Jones starred in shows like Gabriel’s Fire (for which he won an Emmy in 1991), Heat Wave and Roots: The Next Generations.
He has also made guest appearances on series like Law & Order, Will & Grace and The Big Bang Theory.
Jones’ acclaimed theater work includes starring roles in The Great White Hope (for which he won a Tony in 1969), Fences (1987 Tony) and King Lear.
Awards and recognitions
Jones has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He is one of the few entertainers to have achieved EGOT status, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award.
He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in The Great White Hope in 1971. He also won an Honorary Award for Lifetime Achievement in Motion Pictures in 2011.
Jones has won three Tony Awards for his work on Broadway. He won Best Actor in a Play for The Great White Hope in 1969 and for Fences in 1987.
He was also nominated for Best Actor in a Play for On Golden Pond in 2005 and for The Best Man in 2012. In addition, he won a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre in 2017.
Jones has won two Emmy Awards for his work on television. He won an Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries for Heat Wave and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Gabriel’s Fire in 1991.
He was also nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for Picket Fences in 1994 and for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Under One Roof in 1995.
Jones has won a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Great American Documents in 1977. He was also nominated for Best Spoken Word Recording for The Great White Hope (Album) in 1970.
He has received numerous other awards and accolades throughout his career. He won a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2009 and a CableACE Award for Supporting Actor in a Movie or Miniseries for Heat Wave in 1991.
Jones also won a CableACE Award for Actor in a Dramatic Special or Series for Gabriel’s Fire in 1991.
He has been recognized with several other awards, including the Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor for Matewan in 1987, the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Special for William Blakely in 2000, and the DVDX Award for Best Supporting Actor in a DVD Premiere Movie for The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey in 2006.
Personal life
Jones has been married twice and has one child. His first wife was Julienne Marie, an actress whom he married in 1968 and divorced in 1972.
His second wife was Cecilia Hart, also an actress, whom he married in 1982 and remained with until her death in 2016.
Jones has a son named Flynn Earl Jones, who is also an actor and producer.
