Hollywood actor James Earl Jones commands attention with his legendary voice, making him a standout figure in entertainment. Renowned for his portrayals of Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise and Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King, his career boasts many notable achievements. Equally impressive is his service with the US Army in the 1950s.
James Earl Jones’ early life
Born on January 17, 1931, in Mississippi, James Earl Jones was raised by his grandparents in Michigan after his father, an actor, departed. The early loss of his family left Jones traumatized, resulting in the development of a severe stutter that largely silenced him. It wasn’t until his high school English teacher, Donald Crouch, recognized his talent for poetry and encouraged him to share it with his peers that Jones began to overcome his speech impediment.
After his high school years, Jones enrolled at the University of Michigan, initially pursuing pre-medical studies. During this time, he also became a member of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Excelling in the program, he found fulfillment in the disciplined environment and camaraderie among his fellow cadets.
Reflecting on this experience, Jones later remarked, “My only semblance of a social life came in the fraternity of my fellow ROTC cadets in Perishing Rifles and Scabbard and Blade.”
Service with the US Army
In due course, James Earl Jones realized that medicine wasn’t the right path for him. Consequently, he switched his academic program to join the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance. During this period, the Korean War was unfolding, and Jones believed it prudent to pursue a program he enjoyed before, as he assumed, being called up to fight in the conflict.
While awaiting his orders, Jones worked part-time as a stagehand at a local theater. Commissioned in mid-1953, shortly after the armistice was signed, he reported to Fort Benning (now Fort Moore), Georgia.
There, the future actor underwent the Infantry Officers Basic Course and US Army Ranger School. Jones was then assigned to Headquarter and Headquarters Company, 38th Regiment Combat Team. He assumed a leadership role in his battalion, which transformed into a training unit based in the cold and rugged Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
Reflecting on this experience in an interview, the actor shared, “I took to the physical challenge, so much so that I wanted to stay there, testing myself in that awesome environment, mastering the skills of survival. I loved the austere beauty of the mountains and the exhilaration of the weather and the altitude. I didn’t mind the rigors of the work or the pioneer-like existence. I thought it was a good life.”
Although promoted to first lieutenant, Jones faced a pivotal decision regarding his commitment to the military. Recognizing that his true calling lay in following in the footsteps of his father, Robert Earl Jones, and pursuing acting, he decided to embark on a different path. His commanding officer told Jones to follow his dream and reminded him that he could always return to the Army if things didn’t work out.
James Earl Jones’ successful acting career
In the mid-1950s, Jones relocated to New York City, packing his belongings and taking on janitorial work while pursuing acting. Having already showcased his talent back home with notable roles like Othello in Shakespeare’s play of the same name, he went on to shine on the New York stage, establishing himself as one of the era’s foremost Shakespearean actors.
By 1957, Jones had landed his inaugural Broadway role and, in 1964, he made his cinematic debut in Stanley Kubrick‘s Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. His later graced screens alongside such ’60s stars as Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.
In 1970, Jones’ role in The Great White Hope earned him a historic Academy Award nomination, becoming only the second Black man in history to receive such recognition in the category.
Star Wars
In 1977, James Earl Jones appeared in one of his most iconic roles, even though he insisted on being uncredited for it. He played the voice of Darth Vader in George Lucas‘ Star Wars: A New Hope. Vader’s character was physically played by David Prowse, with Jones’ voice dubbed over. He reprised the role in the other two films within the trilogy, The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983).
His iconic voice has also appeared in animated classics like The Simpsons (1989-present) and The Lion King (1994), as well as full-fledged roles in films like The Hunt For Red October (1990) and Conan the Barbarian (1982).
Awards and accolades
In 1992, President George H.W. Bush awarded James Earl Jones the National Medal of the Arts. Years later, President George W. Bush also awarded him the Kennedy Center Honors and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award.
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Jones has also achieved the prestigious “EGOT” title, which means he’s been awarded all four major awards in Hollywood: an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award – although his Oscar was honorarily awarded. Even after all of his success and awards, Jones, who is 91 years old, still fondly remembers his time in the Army as some of the most formative and meaningful moments of his life.