James Earl Jones is celebrated for his unmistakable voice, widely considered one of the most legendary in the world of entertainment. Throughout his career, he has brought to life a range of memorable characters, including the formidable Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, showcasing his wide range of talent as an actor.
Beyond his achievements in acting, Jones also served as an officer in the US Army, adding another impressive accomplishment to his already remarkable legacy.
James Earl Jones’ early life
James Earl Jones, born on January 17, 1931, in Mississippi, was raised by his grandparents in Michigan following the departure of his father, who was also an actor. Jones reflects on the large impact of losing his family during his childhood, which led him to develop a severe stutter and become selectively mute. It was through the encouragement of his high school English teacher, Donald Crouch, who inspired him to explore his gift for writing poetry and sharing it with his classmates, that Jones managed to overcome his speech difficulties.
After graduating high school, Jones enrolled at the University of Michigan with the intention of pursuing a pre-medical degree. He also joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC
“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 experience 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 moved to New York City in the mid-1950s, where he supported himself by working as a janitor while pursuing acting opportunities. Before relocating, he had already appeared in several productions in his hometown, including the role of Othello in Shakespeare’s play. In New York, he continued to land leading roles in similar performances, eventually becoming one of the most famous Shakespearean actors of his era.
By 1957, Jones had secured his first Broadway role, and in 1964, he made his film debut in Stanley Kubrick‘s Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. He later worked alongside prominent stars of the 1960s, including Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.
In 1970, Jones’ leading role in The Great White Hope earned him a historic Academy Award nomination, making him only 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.