The actor passed away on Monday, aged 93.
James Earl Jones, one of the greatest icons of cinema, TV and theater, passed away at the age of 93 this Monday (9), at his residence in New York state, USA. Known worldwide as the voice of Darth Vader in Star Warsand Mufasa in The Lion Kingthe actor and voice actor had a career spanning more than six decades, and was one of the great names in acting and voice acting.
To pay tribute to his career, the journalist Noel Murrayof the The New York Timesreleased a list of 12 of the most memorable films in Jones’ career, which highlight both his vocal work and his acting skills. Check it out:
1. Dr. Strangelove (1964)
Jones made his film debut under Stanley Kubrick’s direction in one of the greatest war films in history. He plays a bombardier whose professionalism leads him to follow the orders of whatever crazy commander or incompetent politician barks in his ear.
2. The Great White Hope (1970)
This film earned Jones his only Oscar nomination. Playing Jack Jefferson, a boxer inspired by the life of Jack Johnson, he challenged the racial segregation and social stigmas of the time.
3. The Black President (1972)
Jones played the first black president of the United States in this political drama, at a time when such representation was extremely radical for Hollywood.
4. Claudine (1974)
In this drama, Jones played a garbage collector who becomes romantically involved with a single mother, and faces the difficulties of life in the ghetto and sensitive social issues.
5.The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings (1976)
In this film, Jones is a home run hitter, modeled on Josh Gibson, who debates African-American control over their own destinies in baseball.
6. Star Wars (1977)
Darth Vader became one of the most iconic villains in cinema history, thanks in part to Jones’ distinctive voice, which brought a deep menace and tragic dimension to the character.
7. Matewan – The Final Fight (1987)
Jones played a black miner torn between principles and the realities of poverty during a real-life confrontation between workers and employers in West Virginia.
8. Field of Dreams (1989)
As Terence Mann, Jones brought a venerable presence to this film about baseball, America and hope, setting the tone with his stirring speeches.
9. The Lion King (1994)
As the voice of Mufasa, Jones brought to life another of pop culture’s great patriarchs, imbuing the character with wisdom and strength as he guided his son on a journey of coming of age.
10. The Disinherited (1995)
In this adaptation of Alan Paton’s anti-apartheid novel, Jones played a priest struggling to understand the impact of poverty and racial conflict in South Africa.
11. Family Secret (1996)
Jones starred alongside Robert Duvall in this drama about racial reconciliation, playing a brother who carries resentment over his family’s history of discrimination.
12. The Second Civil War (1997)
In this HBO political satire, Jones played an old-school news anchor dealing with the rise of tabloid media and changing journalistic values.
Source: Rollingstone

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