Mark Hamill and Hollywood Mourn the Loss of James Earl Jones

The Hollywood community is mourning the loss of veteran actor James Earl Jones, who passed away at the age of 93 on Tuesday, September 10. Best known for lending his iconic voice to characters such as Mufasa in *The Lion King* and Darth Vader in *Star Wars*, Jones had a distinguished career that spanned decades, earning him the coveted EGOT status.

Following the news of his death, tributes began flooding in from fans and fellow actors alike. *Star Wars* co-star Mark Hamill, who portrayed Luke Skywalker, expressed his condolences on social media platform X.

 

Tributes for James Earl Jones

In an official statement posted on the *Star Wars* website, *Star Wars* creator George Lucas praised Jones for his extraordinary talent. “James was an incredible actor, a one-of-a-kind voice both in his art and in his soul. For nearly fifty years, he was the voice of Darth Vader, but his true essence was in his kindness and humanity. He gave every role he played depth and sincerity, but his most important role was as a devoted husband to Ceci and father to Flynn. He will be missed by many—friends and fans alike.”

The president of Lucasfilm also paid homage, calling Jones “one of the most versatile and talented actors of our time.” They highlighted the lasting impact of his portrayal of Darth Vader, stating, “His deep, menacing voice as Darth Vader will forever be cherished by fans and stands as one of the greatest villainous performances in film history. Off-screen, his warm and commanding presence will be deeply missed.”

Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, remembered James Earl Jones on the company’s official Instagram page. He remarked, “From Mufasa’s gentle wisdom to Darth Vader’s menacing threat, James Earl Jones brought to life some of the most iconic characters in cinema history. With nearly 200 film and television credits, his commanding presence and rich spirit left an unforgettable mark on generations of audiences. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones on behalf of everyone at Disney.”

Actress Lydia Cornell, who co-starred with James Earl Jones in her debut film *Bloodtide*, shared her grief on X, writing, “Oh no!! I can’t believe it!! I thought he was going to live forever. My co-star from my first movie. Rest in peace, James Earl Jones.”

Jones’ passing marks the end of an era for one of Hollywood’s most celebrated and beloved figures, whose contributions to film and theater will be remembered for generations to come.