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Stage and screen actor James Earl Jones, who won Tony Awards for "The Great White Hope" and "Fences," and whose majestic basso profundo voice would become internationally recognized as the villainous Darth Vader in the "Star Wars" franchise, has died, his rep confirmed to CBS News. He was 93. (CBS News)

So long, James. He's narrating in heaven now.

The actor amassed nearly 200 screen credits during his brilliant 60-year career, starting some early-’60s TV guest roles and Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 classic Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964). He probably is best known for his voice role as the dastardly Darth Vader in George Lucas’ original Star Wars trilogy: Star Wars (1977) The Empire Strikes Back, 1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983). He also reprised the villainous role in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019) and TV’s Obi-Wan Kenobi and Star Wars: Rebels. (Deadline)

93 and what a career. Some deaths are sad but this one is just melancholy. He's walking in that cornfield to see what's on the other side.

I've been randomly watching clips from House M.D. lately. Just the other day, I watched a clip with James Earl Jones playing an African dictator And man, you gotta be a great actor to be so beloved and yet play a character that's so hated.

Wow. Unmatched as an actor and narrator.

Damn fine actor and one of the most iconic voices ever.

Loved seeing him play, and of course his voice.
I'm saddened, but on the other hand 93 is a good run. I hope he didn't suffer too much and died the way he wanted to.

What can be said that hasn't been said already a thousand different times in a thousand different ways by a thousand different people all about how this man touched their lives and moved their spirits?

We are less now without him, but so much richer for having had him enhance our lives.

Still the only performer I've heard place the emphasis on the People as opposed to the of/by/for.

--Patrick

I read he was always will to take a chance on a role, no matter how big or small. I think it helped him avoid getting type-cast, but also led to him showing how much talent he really had. Amazing to think one of the most iconic voices of all times was mute for most of his childhood.

Sad that it was his time, but grateful for all the gifts he's left us.

There are so many iconic roles, but the one I quote the most is King Jaffe.

“Let them WAIT!” is still a classic moment from Coming to America.

One thing I rather liked about him is how he wasn't afraid to poke fun at himself. I know a lot of you guys don't like the Big Bang Theory, but I think this is a good example of it.

bhamv3 said:

I know a lot of you guys don't like the Big Bang Theory,

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Personally, I find it clever, but exploitative.
Also: My wife's favorite JEJ memory is from the MST3K watching of City Limits: "This is CNN, now get off my lawn!"

--Patrick

Sad that he is now gone, happy that he lived and gave us so many wonderful performances.

Tress said:

“Let them WAIT!” is still a classic moment from Coming to America.

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"TOTES MAGOATS" - James Earl Jones

For the impact he had, I think I have only seen 5-10% of what is on IMDB for him.

Thulsa Doom