James Earl Jones 'defined our childhood.' What's being said in wake of actor's death

Reactions to the death of James Earl Jones have continued to pour in Tuesday both from Hollywood and from longtime fans across the country. Jones died Monday at age 93, "surrounded by loved ones," a representative said. His cause of death has not been released.

Many of Jones' colleagues in the entertainment industry took to social media to express their sympathies. Star Wars franchise creator George Lucas called Jones "a beautiful human being," with co-star Mark Hamill paying Jones a brief but moving tribute.

Shortly after learning of Jones' death, Hamill posted on social media, "#RIP dad ??," a nod to Hamill and Jones' famous relationship as father and son in a galaxy far, far away. Hamill would later speak of Jones in more detail in a subsequent post on Instagram.

James Earl Jones obituary: Acclaimed 'Field of Dreams' actor and voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93

What are people saying about James Earl Jones?

Fans saddened by Jones' death meanwhile are remembering the actor for his many iconic movie roles, such as "King Jaffe Joffer" in the Eddie Murphy film "Coming to America," or "Mufasa" in Disney's "The Lion King," and as the unmistakable voice of "Darth Vader" in the "Star Wars" films.

While Jones' iconic voice has been silenced, others continued Tuesday to raise theirs in celebration of the legendary stage and screen actor. Here's what people are saying.

Mark Hamill: Jones 'one of the world's finest actors'

On Instagram, Star Wars co-star Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker said of Jones: "One of the world's finest actors whose contributions to Star Wars were immeasurable. He'll be greatly missed. #RIP dad. ??

George Lucas: "He gave depth, sincerity and meaning to all his roles'

Filmmaker George Lucas, responsible for creating the Star Wars franchise, released this message as part of an official statement from Lucasfilm.

“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.”

Kathleen Kennedy: Jones 'Beloved by fans'

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy issued the following statement along with Lucas:

“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,” Kennedy said. “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.”

Billy Dee Williams on Jones: His 'heart and grace left the deepest impact'

Billy Dee Williams, who first played Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars film franchise, posted to Instagram this message:

"Today, we lost a legend, #JamesEarlJones was a man whose voice could move mountains, but it was his heart and grace that left the deepest impact. He brought power, wisdom, and soul to every role, but more than that, he was a kind, humble soul who inspired everyone around him. His legacy will live on forever, and though he’s gone, his presence will always be felt. Rest in peace, my friend ??"

Other notable tributes to James Earl Jones

In addition to Hamill, other Star Wars co-stars paid tribute to Jones. Actor Anthony Daniels called Jones "the sweetest man who played the (baddest) villian." on his official social media account. "Now that's acting. His voice will be with us, always."

Ming-Na Wen, who played Fennec Shand in the Disney+ series "The Mandalorian," said of Jones: "Thank you for adding so much to my life with your talents. May the Force Be With You. RIP, Mr. Jones.????."

Viola Davis: Jones was 'the gold standard'

Viola Davis called Jones "the gold standard," in the industry.

"Every character was towering and heroic," Davis said on Instagram. "You were anointed. Honored to have met you sir. Honored you graced this life and left this gift of artistry. Rest with the giants....May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. ?????????."

Josh Gad: Jones 'defined our childhoods'

Actor Josh Gad, who voiced "Olaf" in the Frozen franchise and starred in the Broadway musical, "The Book of Mormon" said Jones was the voice that defined his childhood.

"Shattered," wrote Gad on Instagram. "There are icons and then there is this man. How do you remember someone who gave us some of the greatest stage and screen performances of all time?" Gad wrote in an Instagram caption. "For so many of us, you defined our childhoods from Star Wars to Lion King, from Field of Dreams to The Sandlot, from Coming to America to Dr. Strangelove.

"Thank you James for giving your life to art and filling our lifetimes with some of the best performances of any resume ever. It was an honor to know you and an even bigger honor to get perform in a theater with your namesake. ??"

Mike Colter: Jones 'left a wonderful legacy'

On Instagram, Mike Colter, the actor behind Luke Cage in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, remembered meeting Jones and called him a class act who didn't disappoint.

"I'll remember James Earl Jones as a pioneer in film and television. One of the first actors to become known as much for his voice as his screen presence. I had the pleasure to converse with him on set and he was a class act. He didn't disappoint. You will be missed sir. You left a wonderful legacy. Rest easy ?? ???

From the official Star Wars social media account

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USA TODAY reporter KiMi Robinson contributed to this article.

John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at JTuftsReports.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: James Earl Jones death leads to tributes from Mark Hamill, others