LOS ANGELES - American actor James Earl Jones, an imposing stage and screen presence who overcame a childhood stutter to develop a stentorian voice recognised the world over as intergalactic villain Darth Vader, died on Sept 9 at the age of 93, his agent said.
James Earl Jones, a longtime sufferer of diabetes, died at his home surrounded by family members.
Jones laughed when a BBC interviewer asked if he resented being so closely tied to Darth Vader, a role that required only his voice for a few lines while another actor did the on-screen work in costume. His long list of awards included Tonys for "The Great White Hope" in 1969 and "Fences" in 1987 on Broadway and Emmys in 1991 for "Gabriel's Fire" and "Heat Wave" on television. He also won a Grammy for best spoken word album, "Great American Documents" in 1977.
Later acclaimed movie roles included novelist Terence Mann in 1989's "Field of Dreams" and South African Reverend Stephen Kumalo in 1995's "Cry, the Beloved Country." He also starred in "Conan the Barbarian," "Coming to America," "The Sandlot," "Matewan," "The Hunt for Red October" and "Field of Dreams," among others.
Jones was about 5 years old when his grandparents moved the family from Mississippi to a farm in Michigan and it was around that time that he quit speaking because of his stutter. After studying drama at the University of Michigan, he moved to New York, where his theatre performances increasingly attracted critical attention and acclaim.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
James Earl Jones, voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93Jones, a longtime sufferer of diabetes, died at his home surrounded by family members, according to his agent. No cause of death was provided.
Read more »
James Earl Jones, voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93LOS ANGELES: American actor James Earl Jones, an imposing stage and screen presence who overcame a stutter in childhood to develop the stentorian voice recognised the world over as intergalactic villain Darth Vader, died on Monday at the age of 93, his agent said.
Read more »
Disney unveils Avatar, Indiana Jones, Encanto and Monsters, Inc attractionsANAHEIM, California — Walt Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro laid out an ambitious growth plan for the company's theme parks on Saturday at the D23 fan convention, announcing plans for four new cruise ships and details about six new themed lands.
Read more »
Indiana Jones' iconic felt fedora fetches US$630,000 at auctionThe hat featured in 1984's Indiana Jones And The Temple of Doom.
Read more »
US stocks climb on Target results, Fed minutesDow Jones Industrial Average ends up 0.1 per cent at 40,890.49.
Read more »
James Wan in talks to direct Creature From The Black Lagoon remakeHorror icon James Wan is reportedly being lined up to direct a remake of the 1954 monster movie classic The Creature From The Black Lagoon.
Read more »