James Earl Jones is known for his distinctive voice, considered one of the most legendary in the entertainment world. Throughout his career, he has brought countless memorable characters to life, including the ominous Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, showcasing the range of his acting talent.
Jones’ service as an officer in the US Army further adds to his impressive list of achievements, both in his acting career and beyond the public eye.
James Earl Jones’ early life
James Earl Jones, born on January 17, 1931, in Mississippi, was brought up by his grandparents in Michigan after his father, who was also an actor, departed. Jones recalls that the loss of his family during childhood had a profound impact on him, causing him to develop a severe stutter and become selectively mute. It wasn’t until his high school English teacher, Donald Crouch, encouraged him to explore his talent for writing poetry and sharing it in class that Jones overcame his speech impediment.
After high school, Jones attended the University of Michigan, initially aiming for a pre-medical degree. He also joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), excelling academically and finding camaraderie among his fellow cadets in the structured environment.
“My only semblance of a social life came in the fraternity of my fellow ROTC cadets in Pershing Rifles and Scabbard and Blade,” Jones remarked about his early time with the US military.
Service with the US Army
Eventually, James Earl Jones realized medicine wasn’t the right path for him and switched his program to join the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance. At the time, the Korean War was raging and Jones thought he should be in a program he enjoyed before, he assumed, he was called up to fight in the conflict.
While awaiting his orders, Jones worked as a part-time stagehand at a local theater. He was commissioned in mid-1953, shortly after the end of the war, and reported to Fort Benning, Georgia, where he attended the Infantry Officers Basic Course and US Army Ranger School. Jones was assigned to Headquarter and Headquarters Company, 38th Regiment Combat Team. He was a leader in his battalion, which became a training unit based in the cold and rugged Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
The actor shared his thoughts on the experience in an interview, saying, “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.”
Jones was promoted to first lieutenant, but when deciding whether to fully commit to the military he knew he was destined for another path. He realized he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father, Robert Earl Jones, and pursue acting. 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
James Earl Jones relocated to New York City in the mid-1950s, supporting himself as a janitor while chasing acting opportunities. Prior to the move, he had already performed in several shows in his hometown, including the role of Othello in Shakespeare’s play. In New York, he continued to secure lead roles in similar productions, eventually establishing himself as one of the most celebrated Shakespearean actors of his time.
By 1957, Jones had secured his first Broadway role and, in 1964, made his film debut in Stanley Kubrick‘s Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. He went on to collaborate with major stars of the 1960s, such as Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.
In 1970, Jones’ leading role in The Great White Hope earned him a historic Academy Award nomination, making him the second Black man ever to be nominated in that category.
Star Wars
In 1977, James Earl Jones took on one of his most iconic roles, although he insisted on being uncredited for it. He provided the voice of Darth Vader in George Lucas‘ Star Wars: A New Hope. While David Prowse physically portrayed the character, Jones’ voice was dubbed over. He reprised the role in the other two films of the trilogy, The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983).
Jones’ iconic voice has also featured in animated classics like The Simpsons (1989-present) and The Lion King (1994). As well, he’s taken on full-fledged roles in films such as The Hunt for Red October (1990) and Conan the Barbarian (1982).
Awards and accolades
In 1992, James Earl Jones was honored by US President George H.W. Bush with the National Medal of the Arts. Later, President George W. Bush conferred upon him the Kennedy Center Honors and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award.
Jones has achieved the prestigious “EGOT” status, representing his attainment of all four major awards in Hollywood: an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award, albeit his Oscar was honorary.
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Even with a wealth of achievements and honors under his belt, Jones, now at the age of 93, holds dear his time in the Army as among the most important and impactful periods of his life.