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James Earl Jones
James Earl Jones (born January 17, 1931) is an American actor of stage and screen, well known for his deep basso voice.
Background
Childhood
Jones was born in Arkabutla, Tate County, Mississippi, the son of Ruth (née Connolly), a teacher and maid, and Robert Earl Jones (1910-2006), an actor, boxer, butler, and chauffeur who left the family before James Earl's birth.
He moved to his maternal grandparents' farm in Jackson, Michigan at the age of five, but the adoption was traumatic and he developed a stutter so severe he refused to speak aloud. When he moved to Brethren, Michigan in later years a teacher at the Brethren schools started to help him with his stutter. He remained functionally mute for eight years until he reached high school. He credits his high school teacher, Donald Crouch, who discovered he had a gift for writing poetry, with helping him out of his silence.
Education
Jones attended the University of Michigan where he majored in pre-med.
Military
Instead, he went home. As he waited for his orders to active duty, he found a part-time stage crew job at the Manistee Summer Theater, where he had performed before. By the end of summer 1953, Jones received his second lieutenant's commission, his official orders, and was off to Fort Benning to attend Basic Infantry Officers School. While there, Jones went through Ranger School, graduated, and received his Ranger Tab. His first duty station was supposed to be at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, but his orders changed, and his unit was instead sent to Colorado where the Army planned to establish a cold weather training command at the old Camp Hale near Aspen, Colorado. His regiment was established as training unit, to train in the bitter cold weather and the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains. Jones eventually earned the rank of First Lieutenant.
Film and stage career
Early career
Jones had his acting career beginnings at the Ramsdell Theatre in Manistee, Michigan. In 1953 he was a stage carpenter. During the 1955 – 1957 seasons he was an actor and stage manager. He performed his first portrayal of Shakespeare’s Othello in this theater in 1955.
His first film role was as a young and trim Lt. Lothar Zogg, the B-52 bombardier, in ''Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb'' in 1964 which was more famous for the work of Peter Sellers and Slim Pickens. His first big role came with his portrayal of boxer Jack Jefferson in the film version of the Broadway play, ''The Great White Hope'' which was based on the life of boxer Jack Johnson. For his role, Jones was nominated Best Actor by the Academy, with George C. Scott ultimately winning (but turning down) the Oscar for his role in ''Patton''. He was the second African-American male performer following Sidney Poitier to receive a nomination.
In 1969, Jones participated in making test films for a proposed children's television series called ''Sesame Street''; these shorts, combined with animated segments, were shown to groups of children to gauge the effectiveness of the then-groundbreaking ''Sesame Street'' format. As cited by production notes included in the DVD release ''Sesame Street: Old School 1969-1974'', the short that had the greatest impact with test audiences was one showing bald-headed Jones counting slowly to ten. This and other segments featuring Jones were eventually aired as part of the ''Sesame Street'' series itself when it debuted later in 1969 and Jones is often cited as the first celebrity guest on that series, although a segment with Carol Burnett was the first to actually be broadcast.
''Star Wars''
He has appeared in many roles since, but is best known as the sinister voice of Darth Vader in the ''Star Wars'' films. Darth Vader was portrayed in costume by David Prowse in the original films, with Jones dubbing Vader's dialogue in postproduction. At his own request, he was originally uncredited for the first two released films:
While many assume he is the uncredited, briefly heard voice of Darth Vader at the conclusion of ''Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith'', Jones, when specifically asked if he had supplied the voice, either newly or from a previous recording, told ''Newsday'', "You'd have to ask Lucas about that. I don't know".
Other voiceover work
His other voice roles include Mufasa in the 1994 film Disney animated feature ''The Lion King'', and its sequel ''The Lion King II: Simba's Pride'', and the Emperor of the Night in ''Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night''. He also has done the CNN tagline, "This is CNN"; the opening for NBC's coverage of the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics' "the Big PI in the Sky" (God) in the computer game ''Under a Killing Moon''; a Claymation film about The Creation; and several guest spots on ''The Simpsons''. He is also credited in the movie ''Robots'' with the voice of Darth Vader from a voice module.
Notable film roles
He also played the character Terence Mann in the baseball film ''Field of Dreams''; the feared neighbor and owner of the dog Hercules in ''The Sandlot''; King Jaffe Joffer in ''Coming to America'', Reverend Stephen Kumalo in ''Cry, The Beloved Country''; Admiral James Greer in ''The Hunt for Red October'', ''Patriot Games,'' and ''Clear and Present Danger''; the villain Thulsa Doom in ''Conan the Barbarian''; and author Alex Haley in the television mini-series ''Roots: The Next Generations''.
Notable stage roles
Jones is an accomplished stage actor as well; he has won Tony awards in 1969 for ''The Great White Hope'' and in 1987 for ''Fences,'' and his performance of Othello is considered one of the greatest in history. Other Shakespearean roles include King Lear, Oberon in ''A Midsummer Night's Dream'', Abhorson in ''Measure for Measure,'' and Claudius in ''Hamlet.'' He received Kennedy Center Honors in 2002.
In February 2008, he began starring on Broadway as Big Daddy in a limited-run, all-African-American production of Tennessee Williams's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama ''Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'', directed by Debbie Allen and mounted at the Broadhurst Theatre. He appears alongside stage veterans Phylicia Rashad (Big Mama) and Anika Noni Rose (Maggie), as well as film actor Terrence Howard making his Broadway debut as Brick.
Other work
His other works include his portrayal of GDI's commanding general James Solomon in ''Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun'', a starring role in the television program ''Under One Roof'' as widowed police officer Neb Langston for which he received an Emmy nomination, and television and radio advertising for Verizon Business DSL and Verizon Online DSL from Verizon Communications.
Jones appeared in the 1963-1964 television season in an episode of ABC's drama series about college life, ''Channing'' starring Jason Evers and Henry Jones. He has twice played lead characters on television. First, he appeared on the short-lived CBS police drama ''Paris,'' which aired during Fall 1979. That show was notable as the first program on which Steven Bochco served as executive producer. The second show aired on ABC between 1990 and 1992, the first season being titled ''Gabriel's Fire'' and the second (after a format revision) ''Pros and Cons.'' In both formats of that show, Jones played a former policeman wrongly convicted for murder who, upon his release from prison, became a private eye.
In 1986, Jones played a Harvard law professor in the movie ''Soul Man'', with C. Thomas Howell and Rae Dawn Chong.
From 1989 to 1993, Jones served as the host of the children's TV series ''Long Ago and Far Away''.
In 1992, Jones was often seen as the host on the video tele-monitor for the Sea World resort in Orlando, FL.
In 1996, James guest starred in the CBS drama ''Touched by an Angel'' as the Angels of Angels in the episode "Clipped Wings."
He has guest-starred on such sitcoms as ''Frasier'', ''Will & Grace'' and ''Everwood''. Jones also lent his voice for a narrative part in the Adam Sandler comedy, ''Click'', released in June 2006. His voice is also used to create an audio version of the King James Bible.
On April 7, 2005, James Earl Jones and Leslie Uggams headed the cast in an African-American Broadway revival version of ''On Golden Pond'', directed by Leonard Foglia and produced by Jeffrey Finn.
On November 3, 2008, TV Guide reported that Jones is due to make a guest appearance on an upcoming episode of the sit-com ''Two and a Half Men'' as a clergyman officiating at a funeral for Charlie Sheen’s character, Charlie.
Personal life
Jones has been married to Cecilia Hart (a co-star of his on ''Paris'') since 1982, with whom he had one child, Flynn Earl Jones. He was previously married to actress and singer Julienne Marie. They had no children. Both actors had played the role of Desdemona in the same production in which Jones played Othello.
Awards
Academy Awards
* 1971 Best Actor in a Leading Role'' / ''The Great White Hope'' (Nominated)
Emmy Awards
* 1964 Outstanding Lead Actor - Miniseries or a Movie / ''East Side/West Side'' (Nominated)
* 1990 Outstanding Supporting Actor - Miniseries or a Movie / ''By Dawn's Early Light'' (Nominated)
* 1991 Outstanding Lead Actor - Drama Series / ''Gabriel's Fire''
* 1991 Outstanding Supporting Actor - Miniseries or a Movie / ''Heat Wave''
* 1994 Outstanding Guest Actor - Drama Series / ''Picket Fences'' (Nominated)
* 1995 Outstanding Supporting Actor - Drama Series / ''Under One Roof'' (Nominated)
* 1997 Outstanding Guest Actor - Comedy Series / ''Frasier'' (Nominated)
* 1999 Outstanding Performer - Children's Special
* 2004 Outstanding Guest Actor - Drama Series / ''Everwood'' (Nominated)
Golden Globe Awards
* 1971 New Star of the Year - Actor / ''The Great White Hope''
* 1971 Best Actor - Motion Picture Drama / ''The Great White Hope'' (Nominated)
* 1975 Best Actor - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy / ''Claudine'' (Nominated)
* 1991 Best Actor in a Drama Series / ''Gabriel's Fire'' (Nominated)
* 1992 Best Actor in a Drama Series / ''Pros and Cons'' (Nominated)
Independent Spirit Awards
* 1987 Best Supporting Male / ''Matewan'' (Nominated)
Screen Actors Guild Awards
* 1996 Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role / ''Cry, the Beloved Country'' (Nominated)
Tony Awards
* 1969 Best Leading Actor in a Play / ''The Great White Hope''
* 1987 Best Leading Actor in a Play / ''Fences''
* 2005 Best Leading Actor in a Play / ''On Golden Pond'' (Nominated)
Other Awards
* 1991 Common Wealth Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Dramatic Arts
Filmography
* ''Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb'' (1964)
* ''The Comedians in Africa'' (1967)
* ''The Comedians'' (1967)
* ''End of the Road'' (1970)
* ''King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis'' (1970)
* ''The Great White Hope'' (1970)
* ''Malcolm X'' (1972)
* ''The Man'' (1972)
* ''Claudine'' (1974)
* ''The Cay'' (1974 one-hour TV drama)
* ''The UFO Incident'' (1975 TV-movie)
* ''The River Niger'' (1976)
* ''The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings'' (1976)
* ''Swashbuckler'' (1976)
* ''Deadly Hero'' (1976)
* ''The Greatest'' (1977)
* ''Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope'' (1977) (voice)
* ''Exorcist II: The Heretic'' (1977)
* ''The Last Remake of Beau Geste'' (1977)
* ''A Piece of the Action'' (1977)
* ''Jesus of Nazareth'' (1977)
* ''Black Theatre: The Making of a Movement'' (1978)
* ''Star Wars Christmas Special'' (1978 TV special) (voice)
* ''Roots: The Next Generations'' (1979 TV miniseries)
* ''Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back'' (1980) (voice)
* ''Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones'' (1980 TV miniseries)
* ''The Creation'' (1981)
* ''The Bushido Blade'' (1981)
* ''The Flight of Dragons'' (1982) (voice)
* ''Conan the Barbarian'' (1982)
* ''Blood Tide'' (1982)
* ''Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi'' (1983) (voice)
* ''Allen Boesak: Choosing for Justice'' (1984)
* ''City Limits'' (1985)
* ''Soul Man'' (1986)
* ''Gardens of Stone'' (1987)
* ''Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold'' (1987)
* ''My Little Girl'' (1987)
* ''Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night'' (1987) (voice)
* ''Matewan'' (1987)
* ''Terrorgram'' (1988) (voice)
* ''Coming to America'' (1988)
* ''Three Fugitives'' (1989)
* ''Field of Dreams'' (1989)
* ''Best of the Best'' (1989)
* ''By Dawn's Early Light'' (1990)
* ''Convicts'' (1990)
* ''The Hunt for Red October'' (1990)
* ''A World Alive'' (1990)
* ''The Ambulance'' (1990)
* ''Grim Prairie Tales'' (1990)
* ''Heatwave'' (1990)
* ''True Identity'' (1991)
* ''Scorchers'' (1991)
* ''The Second Coming'' (1992)
* ''Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama'' (1992)
* ''Patriot Games'' (1992)
* ''Freddie the Frog'' (1992)
* ''Sneakers'' (1992)
* ''Dreamrider'' (1993)
* ''Sommersby'' (1993)
* ''The Sandlot'' (1993)
* ''Excessive Force'' (1993)
* ''The Meteor Man'' (1993)
* ''Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult'' (1994)
* ''Africa: The Serengeti'' (1994)
* ''Clean Slate'' (1994)
* ''The Vernon Johns Story'' (1994)
* ''The Lion King'' (1994) (voice)
* ''Clear and Present Danger'' (1994)
* ''Countdown to Freedom: 10 Days That Changed South Africa'' (1994)
* ''Jefferson in Paris'' (1995)
* ''Judge Dredd'' (1995)
* ''Cry, The Beloved Country'' (1995)
* ''A Family Thing'' (1996)
* ''Looking for Richard'' (1996)
* ''Good Luck'' (1996)
* ''Gang Related'' (1997)
* ''What the Deaf Man Heard'' (1997)
* ''New York... Come Visit the World'' (1998)
* ''Primary Colors'' (1998) (voice)
* ''Merlin'' (1998) (voice)
* ''The Lion King II: Simba's Pride'' (1998 direct-to-DVD) (voice)
* ''Summer's End'' (1999)
* ''Our Friend, Martin'' (1999) (voice)
* ''On the Q.T.'' (1999)
* ''Undercover Angel'' (1999)
* ''The Annihilation of Fish'' (1999)
* ''Fantasia 2000'' (1999)
* ''Tiberian Sun'' (1999)
* ''Ennis' Gift'' (2000)
* ''Antietam: A Documentary Drama'' (2000)
* ''The Papp Project'' (2001)
* ''Black Indians: An American Story'' (2001)
* ''Finder's Fee'' (2001)
* ''Recess Christmas: Miracle on Third Street'' (2001)
* ''Muhammad Ali: Through the Eyes of the World'' (2001)
* ''Disney's American Legends'' (2002)
* ''The Great Year'' (2004)
* ''Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson'' (2004)
* ''Robots'' (2005) (voice)
* ''The Reading Room'' (2005)
* ''The Sandlot 2'' (2005)
* ''Malcolm X: Prince of Islam'' documentary (2006) (narration only)
* ''Kingdom Hearts II'' (2006)
* ''The Benchwarmers'' (2006) (voice)
* ''Scary Movie 4'' (2006)
* ''Click'' (2006) (voice) (As Himself)
* ''The Trail of Tears: Cherokee Legacy'' (2006)
* ''Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins'' (2008)
* ''Jack and the Beanstalk'' (2008) (voice)
* ''Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey'' (2009) (voice)
Footnotes
Source: Wikipedia