RIP James Earl Jones: The Reason the Most Iconic Movie Villain Exists

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The film industry has lost one of its all-time greatest talents with the news that legendary performer James Earl Jones has passed away at the age of 93. A decades-long veteran of the stage and screen, Jones was beloved around the world for his versatility, easy-going charisma, and endlessly listenable contrabass voice. That last attribute is also the reason most people likely recognize his name, because although he gave many committed performances in a wide variety of films, TV shows and theater productions, his most famous role will always be as the voice of Darth Vader from the Star Wars series. Commonly considered one of if not the most iconic villains in film history, Darth Vader is the role Jones will be most remembered for, which makes it all the more remarkable that the only aspect of the character he directly contributed was his voice.

Vader was always a team effort, from his striking visual design derived from Ralph McQuarrie’s original concept art, the physical performance from David Prowse who wore the suit on set in the original films, Sebastian Shaw playing Vader with his mask removed in Return of the Jedi, and Jones dubbing over Prowse to give the character his unforgettable voice. All of them deserve credit for their contributions to the character, but it was Jones who gave Vader not just his intimidating presence, but also the shades of humanity that would slowly be revealed in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi as the audience learned more about the man behind the mask.

James Earl Jones' second most famous role was as Mufasa in The Lion King. It’s fascinating how Jones’ versatility led him to playing one of the most famous heroic father figures and perhaps the most famous villainous one, but that’s how incredible he was at this. His deep, commanding voice gives both characters an instant sense of respectability and authority, yet the way he channels it leads to drastically different results. Even though Mufasa doesn’t make it halfway through the film before he’s murdered by his brother Scar, Jones packs his early scenes with the young Simba with Mufasa’s genuine love and admiration for his kingdom and all of the creatures within it, providing Simba the foundational morality he will later have to strive for when he accepts his need to overthrow Scar and restore the Pride Lands.

To celebrate his life, let’s look back at why Jones’ vocal performances stand as his most enduring achievement.

#StarWars
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Rest in Peace James Earl Jones😢❤ The Force Be With You

DoomGuy-
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May the Force be With You, James Earl Jones🕊🫶🥲❤

olleselin
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Rest in power, James Earl Jones. The force is always with you. ❤😢

HeIsTheBluesCat
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James Earl Jones was one the best voice actors in my childhood and he will forever be missed by those who got to hear his deep voice in the Star Wars movies and in The Lion King’s as Mufasa he has brought that inspiration to the stage now he is telling us of a place called Heaven he is teaching us from the grave beyond at that we will one day be with him in glory

errittsmith
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This video makes me emotional. James Earl Jones did a great job with his portrayal as the voice of Darth Vader and it's sad to see an iconic actor who is known for their portrayal of an iconic villain pass away.

myronstokes
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We will miss you Mr. Jones. There will hardly be a more EPIC voice than yours... thanks for the stellar performance in all you did as an actor.

relelskum
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This man was such a HUGE contribution to the STAR WARS saga!!

michaelkrolewski
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without him, vader wouldn't be the same, nor would star wars be. Goodbye, sir! 🫡

boqndimitrov
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It's an absolutely perfect performance. Just the right amount of everything in all the right places. You'd never think he wasn't in the suit.

Randy_Batswinger
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The force will be you Mr. JAMES EARL JONES, Always! 💝

hanoman
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BEST VOICE ACTOR EVER BAR NONE!! THA K YOU FOR YOURWORK MR JONES.AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

BlueshellGamer
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My deepest condolences for the family of one of the most outstanding Actors of our time. His voice, outside of 'Darth Vadar', is one that is instantly recognized. Rest in Paradise Sir!!! 🙏🏽

c
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“This is indeed a disturbing universe.”

My favourite James Earl Jones line.

SmashBrosAssemble
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When you hear the rich emotional accents in the line “Release your anger, only your hatred can destroy me” and realize he was doing it in a 1980’s sound booth, with only vague stage directions to guide him, says all you need to know about his approach to character development.

zerdahero
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Rest in peace James Earl Jones 🙏 💔 😢 🕊

tylerdenaro
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Rest in peace James Earl Jones your voice will be immortalized forever on film. Thank you for all the great movies 🙏

MrBLUMSON
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1:22 Don't forget Bob Anderson, the fencer who did Vader's fight scenes.

berniethekiwidragon
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Rest In Peace Mr. James Earl Jones. 🖤 May the force be with you.

lesliedaubert
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Rest in peace, a great voice actor and my favorite in star wars ❤

thekellanator
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Force will be with you James, always 😥🖤

taldarim