The Voice Behind Star Wars and The Lion King, James Earl Jones, Passes Away at 93
Hollywood is mourning the loss of an acting legend.
James Earl Jones—the iconic actor known for his deep and powerful voice in Star Wars and The Lion King—passed away on Sept. 9 at his home in Dutchess County, N.Y. at the age of 93, his representative confirmed to various publications.
Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones spent his early years in Michigan under the care of his grandparents. He faced a significant challenge with a stutter during his childhood, which ultimately led him to realize the strength of his own voice.
“As a young child, I struggled to communicate with my family, except for those who didn’t mind my stutter,” he reflected in a 2010 interview with the Daily Mail. “By the time I started school, my stuttering was so severe that I gave up on speaking properly.”
Despite his speech challenges, Jones overcame them with the guidance of an English teacher who encouraged him to explore the world of language.