Mark Hamill, Kevin Costner Among Stars Paying Tribute to James Earl Jones: “RIP Dad”
Mark Hamill, Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer and Colman Domingo were among the first Hollywood voices to pay tribute to James Earl Jones following news of his death on Monday.
Jones died at his home in New York on Monday. He was 93. His career spanned half a century of film, including Dr. Strangelove, Field of Dreams, Star Wars and The Lion King. He won an honorary Oscar at the 2011 Governors Awards.
More from The Hollywood Reporter
James Earl Jones, Authoritative Actor and Voice of Darth Vader, Dies at 93
Adam Sandler Celebrates 'Happy Gilmore 2' Starting Production: "We've Only Just Begun"
Selena Gomez Reveals She's Unable to Carry Her Own Children: "That Was Something I Had to Grieve"
Jones was also a celebrated stage actor, and earned two Tony Awards for his work in 1968’s Great White Hope and 1986’s Fences.
He won two Emmys, both in 1991, for his performances in Gabriel’s Fire and Heat Wave. He also won a Grammy in 1977 for best spoken word recording.
Hamill, who played the Luke Skywalker, son of Jones’ Darth Vader in Star Wars, was one of the first to react, writing on social media, “#RIP dad.”
Later the same day, Star Wars creator George Lucas also honored Jones, calling him an “incredible actor, a most unique voice both in art and spirit. 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.”
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy called Jones “one of the most versatile and talented actors of our time, with an iconic body of work across film, stage and television.”
Costner, Jones’ Field of Dreams co-star, penned a tribute to the actor soon after, writing: “That booming voice. That quiet strength. The kindness that he radiated. So much can be said about his legacy, so I’ll just say how thankful I am that part of it includes Field of Dreams. If you’ve seen it, you know that this movie wouldn’t be the same with anyone else in his role. Only he could bring that kind of magic to a movie about baseball and a corn field in Iowa. I’m grateful to have been a witness to him making that magic happen.”
On Instagram, Spencer wrote that Jones’ “voice and talent will be remembered always” and that “legendary doesn’t even begin to describe his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever.”
Domingo added to the tributes with a note that Jones was “a master of our craft. We stand on your shoulders. Rest now. You gave us your best.”
On television, Jones was also known as “the voice of CNN,” with his famous words “this is CNN” heard in households across the country.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of James’ passing,” a CNN spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter on Monday. “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.”
Jones guest-starred on three episodes of The Simpsons, including the memorable 1990 “Treehouse of Horror” installment. He was one of the show’s earliest guest stars.
“We were honored to have him play three parts in the first ‘Treehouse of Horror’ episode: a moving man, space alien Serak the Preparer, and probably most memorably, reading Poe’s ‘The Raven,'” The Simpsons’ executive producer Al Jean told THR. “It was a huge thrill to get an actor of his stature so early on in the show.”
Outside of Hollywood, Jones also narrated the University of Michigan hype video that plays prior to the school’s football games. “For the past 10 seasons, the voice of James Earl Jones has brought fans and alumni to their feet every time our Wolverines get ready to take the field at Michigan Stadium,” Warde Manuel, UM athletic director, told THR. “His iconic and resounding voice remains an indelible part of our game day tradition and we will always hold him in our hearts for the contributions he made to Michigan Football and our campus community. We extend our sincerest heartfelt condolences to the Jones family and all who loved and knew him.”
Michigan’s president, Santa Ono, added: “We celebrate his life and achievements, his overcoming of a speech impediment in high school, his discovery of a love of acting at the University of Michigan, and his award-winning career.”
Back in Hollywood, Disney’s Bob Iger said in a statement that Jones “gave voice to some of the greatest characters in cinema history,” including “the gentle wisdom of Mufasa” and “the menacing threat of Darth Vader.”
“A celebrated stage actor with more than 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,” Iger continued. “On behalf of all of us at Disney, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
The Lion King co-director Rob Minkoff wrote on social media that “his portrayal of Mufasa was perfection. What a powerful man and actor. Gone but will never be forgotten. Rest in power.”
Minkoff’s wife, Crystal, added that Jones “made a young animator’s dream come true when you accepted the role of Mufasa. Thank you for all you have done for Rob. Your memory will live on.”
LeVar Burton wrote that “there will never be another” of Jones’ “particular combination of graces,” and director Barry Jenkins shared a photo of young Jones with the caption, “forever and always.”
Actress Lydia Cornell wrote on social media, “I can’t believe it!! I thought he was going to live forever.” Cornell worked in Jones in her debut film, 1982’s Bloodtide. “Rest in peace,” she wrote.
Director Paul Feig wrote that “James Earl Jones will never die” as “his talent, work and influence will be with us always.”
On her Instagram story, Ava DuVernay wrote, “Thank you for showing us ourselves. Our complicated selves, our dignified selves, our smiles our pain. A job well done. A gift beautifully shared. Bless you as you journey on”
Garcelle Beauvais wrote on social media: “Words cannot express how sad this makes me! thank you for gracing us with your talent and your spirit! It was a pleasure to work and know you.”
Debbie Allen wrote that Jones “will forever be remembered as THE GOAT.” Allen once directed the late actor in a 2008 production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. “It was truly a privilege to direct him and a Blessing to be loved by him,” she added. “We will forever speak his name and tell the great stories that will become Legend and Myth and seed generations to come.
Rosario Dawson wrote, “May the force be with you. Rest in Power King James.”
Danielle Brooks added, “Rest in power to one of our giants. May we forever hold your voice in our hearts!”
The Mandalorian actress Diana Lee Inosanto wrote on social media that during her audition preparation, she watched Jones’ scenes from the original Star Wars trilogy and “listen to that wonderful mid-Atlantic accent that he created for that infamous galactic villain…hoping that I could capture just a tenth of what he brought. What Star Wars presence! Inspiration! What a gift of talent!”
Yvette Nicole Brown also penned a tribute, honoring Jones’ performance in 1974’s Claudine and saying the actor “is a part of my cinematic DNA. Heartbroken doesn’t begin to cover it.”
Co-creator of Pose Steven Canals wrote on social media, “What a career. Thank you for making the moviegoing experience so special. Rest In Power, Legend.”
SAG-AFTRA’s Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said in a statement that Jones “was a unique talent and thoughtful, profound and unwavering in his convictions. His body of work speaks volumes about his dedication, not only to the craft of acting but to the integrity and depth he brought to every role.”
On their social media account, the MLB shared a tribute to Jones, honoring his role in Field of Dreams and The Sandlot and sharing a moving video of the actor performing a spoken word rendition of the national anthem at an All-Star game in 1993.
Actor Wendell Pierce wrote that Jones “was the living embodiment of artistry, integrity, creativity, and dignity” and “the sole reason I became an actor. He stirred a vocation in me that gave voice to my unsung heart songs. By example, he led me on the exploration of my own personal humanity and the study of human behavior in others and the intangible, ever-present soul. He was a once in a generation talent that has left an enormous legacy in American culture.”
In a statement, President Biden recalled Jones’ “legendary voice.” He recalled being at Ford’s Theatre in Washington with Jones when the late actor was being honored with the Lincoln Medal.
“I admired him for something else as well, something we both had in common—overcoming a childhood stutter to find our voice for something bigger than ourselves,” Biden wrote. “His legendary voice boomed wherever it was heard, an instrument and imprint that reverberated in the hearts of audiences worldwide. And we’ve all heard it. Through iconic characters, film, stage, commercials, radio, and more, his voice carried a sense of grace and dignity that commanded respect and demanded to be heard. His roles made us stop, stayed with us, and inspired us to reflect on everything from race and power, good and evil, to our place in the world.”
He went on to praise Jones’ “remarkable talent” and spoke of him as a “proud Army veteran.”
“I will always remember him as someone who served this country, influenced generations, and became one of the greatest actors of our time,” Biden wrote. “Jill and I send our love and condolences to his son Flynn, his brother Matthew, and everyone he inspired and who he will continue to inspire as his voice echoes for the ages.”
Sept. 10, 10:21 a.m. This story has been updated with a statement from President Joe Biden.
Best of The Hollywood Reporter
Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.