'#RIP dad': Mark Hamill honors James Earl Jones with Darth Vader reference

Mark Hamill is mourning his fellow “Star Wars” co-star and longtime friend and “dad,” James Earl Jones.

The legendary actor and voice of Darth Vader died on Sept. 9 at the age of 93, his rep confirmed to NBC News.

Upon hearing the news, Hamill, who is best known as Luke Skywalker in the “Star Wars” galaxy, paid tribute to Jones on Instagram.

“One of the world’s finest actors whose contributions to Star Wars were immeasurable. He’ll be greatly missed. #RIP dad,” Hamill wrote on Sept. 9 alongside a throwback photo of him hugging Jones.

Hamill also wrote ""#RIP dad” on X with a broken-heart emoji.

Many people in the Instagram post's comments section also honored the Hollywood legend, with many writing, “May the force be with you.”

The “dad” tribute is a nod to the “Star Wars” films. In 1980’s “Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back,” Vader reveals to Luke during a lightsaber battle that he is his dad, saying the now-iconic phrase, “I am your father.”

Jones, who was also famously known as the voice of Mufasa in “The Lion King,” would go on to reprise his Vader voice role in subsequent “Star Wars” films, as well as spinoff series such as “Obi-Wan Kenobi.”

In January, Hamill wished Jones a happy 93rd birthday.

“For the one & only James Earl Jones: ?? A GIANT on both stage & screen! Wishing you all the best on your special day. Proud to be able to call you #DadVader,” he wrote.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com