James Earl Jones Biography

Actor. Born January 17, 1931 in Arkabutla, Mississippi. The son of an ex-prizefighter-actor, Jones was raised by his maternal grandparents and is of Irish, Cherokee and African decent. He developed a severe stutter in childhood and refused to speak in school until a teacher helped him out of his silence in high school. He graduated from the University of Michigan, and after Army service he studied acting in New York.

Jones made his Broadway debut in 1957 with his first major role as boxer Jack Jefferson in 1966’s The Great White Hope. He also starred in the film version, earning an Academy Award nomination for the performance. Famous for his distinctive bellow, Jones is perhaps best known as the voice for the character of Darth Vader in the seminal Star Wars movies (1977, 1980, 1983).

Jones film career has been vast, often playing strong, authoritative characters. Notable film performances include Field of Dreams, The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger.

An accomplished stage actor, Jones has won two Tony Awards, the first for The Great White Hope and the second in 1987 for Fences. He received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2002.

Jones's first wife is actress Julienne Marie. He married Cecilia Hart in 1982; they have one son.

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