James Earl Jones is dead aged 92

An American actor and voice actor who is best known for his distinctive voice and iconic roles in film, television, and theater is dead

James Earl Jones was born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, grew up in a poor family and served in the United States Army during the Korean War.

After his military service, he studied drama at the University of Michigan and later at the American Negro Theatre in New York City.

Jones’ breakthrough performance came in 1957 when he played the title role in the Broadway production of Leroi Jones’ play “Moon on a Rainbow Shawl”.

He continued to excel in theater, appearing in numerous productions, including a Broadway production of “The Amen Corner” in 1984, for which he won a Tony Award for Best Actor.

Jones’ career in film and television is equally impressive. He is perhaps best known for his voice work as Mufasa in Disney’s “The Lion King” (1994) and its 2019 remake. Other notable film roles include “The Great White Hope” (1970), “Claudine” (1974), “Coming to America” (1988), and “The Sandlot” (1993). In television, he has appeared in numerous shows, including “Roots” (1977), “Gabriel’s Fire” (1994-1998), and “The Big Bang Theory” (2010).

Throughout his career, Jones has received numerous awards and honors, including an Academy Honorary Award, a Grammy Award, and multiple Emmy Awards. He continues to be an influential figure in the world of acting and is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation.

By Isiaka Muritala Kayode