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James Earl Jones

Birth Place: Arkabutla, MS, USA

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James Earl Jones BIO

James Earl Jones made his Broadway debut in 1957 and has won Tony Awards for the Broadway productions of The Great White Hope and Fences; a Tony nomination for On Golden Pond; Drama Desk Awards for Othello, Les Blancs, Hamlet, The Cherry Orchard and Fences; Obie Awards for Clandestine on the Morning Line, The Apple, Moon on a Rainbow Shawl and Baal; a Theatre World Award for Moon on a Rainbow Shawl; the Los Angeles Critics Circle Award for Fences; and an Olivier Award nomination for his portrayal of Big Daddy in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in London.


Additional theatre credits include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof on Broadway, Paul Robeson, The Iceman Cometh, Of Mice and Men and most recently the Broadway and London productions of Driving Miss Daisy.
Jones is also an award-winning film and television actor and was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Oscar.

James Earl Jones Photos

James Earl Jones STAGE CREDITS

[Regional (US)]
American Repertory Theater Regional Production, 2017
Nonno

[Off-Broadway]
New York City Center Encores Off-Center Production, 2016
Kilgore Trout

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2015
Weller Martin

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2014
Martin Vanderhof

[US Tour]
National Tour, 2013
Robbins [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2012
Ex-President Arthur Hockstader

[West End]
London Production, 2011
Hoke Colburn

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2010
Hoke Colburn

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2008
Big Daddy

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2005
Norman Thayer, Jr.

[Broadway]
1987
Troy Maxson

[Broadway]
1982
Sam [Replacement]

[Broadway]
1982
Othello

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1980
Steve Daniels

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1978
Paul Robeson

[Broadway]
1974
Lennie

[Broadway]
1973
Theodore Hickman

[Off-Broadway]
1973
Lear

[Off-Broadway]
1972
Lopahin

[Off-Broadway]
1972
Claudius

[Broadway]
1970
Tshembe Matoseh

[Off-Broadway]
1970
Boesman

[Broadway]
1968
Jack Jefferson

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Performer

[Broadway]
1965
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1965
Ajax

[Off-Broadway]
1965
Junius Brutus

[Off-Broadway]
1965
Ekart

[Off-Broadway]
1964
Othello

[Off-Broadway]
1964
Othello

[Off-Broadway]
1964
Zachariah Pieterson

[Off-Broadway]
1963
Rudge

[Off-Broadway]
1963
George Gulp

[Off-Broadway]
1962
Mario Saccone

[Off-Broadway]
1962
Prince of Morocco

[Off-Broadway]
1961
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1961
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1961
Deodatus Village

[Broadway]
1960
Harrison Thurston

[Broadway]
1958
Edward

[Broadway]
Performer

James Earl Jones Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 1972]
Conceiver

James Earl Jones Movies

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
[ 1964 ] Lt. Lothar Zogg
The Comedians
[ 1967 ] Dr. Magiot
The Great White Hope
[ 1970 ] Jack Jefferson
End of the Road
[ 1970 ] Doctor D
Claudine
[ 1974 ] Roop
Deadly Hero
[ 1975 ] Rabbit Shazam
The River Niger
[ 1976 ] Johnny Williams
The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings
[ 1976 ] Leon Carter, All-Star C
Swashbuckler
[ 1976 ] Nick Debrett
The Greatest
[ 1977 ] Malcolm X
A Piece of the Action
[ 1977 ] Joshua Burke
The Last Remake of Beau Geste
[ 1977 ] Sheikh
Exorcist II: The Heretic
[ 1977 ] Older Kokumo
The Bushido Blade
[ 1981 ] The Prisoner
Bloodtide
[ 1982 ] Frye
Conan the Barbarian
[ 1982 ] Thulsa Doom
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
[ 1983 ] Darth Vader
City Limits
[ 1984 ] Albert
Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold
[ 1986 ] Umslopoga
Soul Man
[ 1986 ] Professor Banks
My Little Girl
[ 1986 ] Ike Bailey
Gardens of Stone
[ 1987 ] Goody Nelson
Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night
[ 1987 ] Emperor of the Night
Matewan
[ 1987 ] Few Clothes
Coming to America
[ 1988 ] King Jaffe Joffer
Three Fugitives
[ 1989 ] Dugan
Best of the Best
[ 1989 ] Frank Couzo
Field of Dreams
[ 1989 ] Terence Mann
The Ambulance
[ 1990 ] Lt. Spencer
Grim Prairie Tales
[ 1990 ] Morrison
Terrorgram
[ 1990 ] Retribution
The Hunt for Red October
[ 1990 ] Admiral Greer
True Identity
[ 1991 ] James Earl Jones
Convicts
[ 1991 ] Ben Johnson
Scorchers
[ 1991 ] Bear
Freddie as F.R.O.7.
[ 1992 ] Narrator
Sneakers
[ 1992 ] Mr. Bernard Abbott
Patriot Games
[ 1992 ] Admiral Greer
The Sandlot
[ 1993 ] Mr. Mertle
Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama
[ 1993 ] Narrator
Dreamrider
[ 1993 ] William Perry
Sommersby
[ 1993 ] Judge Issacs
Excessive Force
[ 1993 ] Jake
The Meteor Man
[ 1993 ] Earnest Moses
Clear and Present Danger
[ 1994 ] Admiral Greer
Clean Slate
[ 1994 ] John Dolby
The Lion King
[ 1994 ] Mufa
Cry, the Beloved Country
[ 1995 ] Rev. Stephen Kumalo
Jefferson in Paris
[ 1995 ] Madison Hemings
A Family Thing
[ 1996 ] Ray Murdock
Good Luck
[ 1996 ] James Bing
Gang Related
[ 1997 ] Arthur Baylor
Primary Colors
[ 1998 ] CNN Voiceover
The Annihilation of Fish
[ 1999 ] Fish
Undercover Angel
[ 1999 ] The Judge
On the Q.T.
[ 2001 ] Leo
Finder's Fee
[ 2001 ] Avery Phillips
Robots
[ 2005 ] Voice Box at Hardware Store
The Benchwarmers
[ 2006 ] Darth Vader
Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins
[ 2008 ] Papa Jenkins
Jack and the Beanstalk
[ 2009 ] The Giant
Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey
[ 2010 ] Admiral
Gimme Shelter
[ 2013 ] Frank McCarthy
The Angriest Man in Brooklyn
[ 2014 ] Ruben Video store owner
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
[ 2016 ] Darth Vader
Warning Shot
[ 2018 ] Pendleton
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker
[ 2019 ] Darth Vader
Coming 2 America
[ 2021 ] King Jaffe Joffer
Dark Suns
[ 2023 ] Darth Vader

James Earl Jones TV Shows

Everwood
Will Cleveland
Gabriel's Fire
Gabriel Bird
L.A. Law
Lee Atkins
Mathnet
Chief Thad Green
Paris
Woody Paris
Pros and Cons
Gabriel Bird
Square One Television
Announcer, Chief Thad Green
Star Wars: Rebels
Darth Vader
Tarzan
Nerlan, Chief Bella
The Simpsons
Narrator, Maggie Simpson, Moving Man

James Earl Jones Awards and Nominations


winner
Tony Awards - 2017 - Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement

James Earl Jones


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

James Earl Jones, The Best Man

Tony Awards - 2012 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

James Earl Jones, Gore Vidal's The Best Man

Olivier Awards - 2010 - Best Actor

James Earl Jones, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

James Earl Jones, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Helen Hayes Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production

James Earl JonesOn Golden Pond

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

James Earl Jones, On Golden Pond

Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

James Earl Jones, On Golden Pond


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1987 - Outstanding Actor - Play

James Earl Jones, Fences


winner
Drama League Awards - 1987 - Distinguished Performance Award

James Earl Jones, Fences


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1987 - The American Express Tribute

James Earl Jones


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1987 - Best Actor

James Earl Jones, Fences


winner
Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

James Earl Jones, Fences

Drama Desk Awards - 1978 - Outstanding Actor - Play

James Earl Jones, Paul Robeson


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Performance

James Earl Jones, The Cherry Orchard


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Performance

James Earl Jones, Hamlet


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Performance

James Earl Jones, Les Blancs


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1969 - Outstanding Performance

James Earl Jones, The Great White Hope


winner
Tony Awards - 1969 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

James Earl Jones, The Great White Hope


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1965 - Best Performance

James Earl Jones, Othello


winner
Obie Awards - 1965 - Performance

James Earl JonesBeal


winner
Obie Awards - 1962 - Best Actor

James Earl Jones , Clandestine on the Morning Line


winner
Obie Awards - 1962 - Best Actor

James Earl Jones , The Apple


winner
Obie Awards - 1962 - Best Actor

James Earl Jones Moon on a Rainbow Shawl


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1962 - Performance

James Earl JonesMoon on a Rainbow Shawl

James Earl Jones Videos

James Earl Jones News


Photos: Julie Chen Moonves Stops By THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL On Broadway

Julie Chen Moonves rocked out on Broadway, catching the new musical THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL at the James Earl Jones Theatre. See photos from her visit!
Ford's Theatre Annual Gala Celebrates President Lincoln's Legacy With Performances & More

Ford's Theatre Society celebrated the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln at its Annual Gala on Sunday evening, June 9, 2024, at Ford's Theatre. Learn more about the event.
Broadway Buying Guide: June 10, 2024- Get Tickets to Incoming Shows

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, June 10, 2024.
Original LION KING Animated Film to Return to Theaters in July

The original The Lion King will be re-released in theaters on July 12th, according to an Instagram post on the official Disney account.
Review: COMPANY at Orpheum Theatre

What a mess – the characters I mean. Sondheim’s original Tony-winning play examines both the merit and harsh realities of relationships as seen through the perspective of a detached, intimacy avoiding individual. They’re all delightfully dysfunctional, their relationships messy, beautifully mirroring reality.
A Guide to Parking in NYC's Theatre District

Heading into the city for your Broadway show and need help with parking? While driving in New York City's Theatre district can be stressful, parking doesn't need to be. Luckily, there are plenty of garages and lots near every Broadway theatre. Check out a full list of where you can park your car according to your theatre location here!
Broadway Buying Guide: June 3, 2024- Ben Platt is Back

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, June 3, 2024.
Broadway Buying Guide: May 28, 2024- HADESTOWN Is Back on Top

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, May 28, 2024.
Video: Huey Lewis and McKenzie Kurtz Bring THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL To Good Morning America

McKenzie Kurtz, one of the stars of the new musical The Heart of Rock and Roll, joined music legend Huey Lewis for an appearance on Good Morning America. See the video!
Video: Tamika Lawrence Performs the National Anthem for the New York Liberty

Tamika Lawrence, one of the stars of the new musical The Heart of Rock and Roll, stopped by the New York Liberty women's basketball game for a roof-raising rendition of the national anthem.  Check out video of her performance!
Cast Members From THE WIZ, STEREOPHONIC, and More Honored With 2024 Theatre World Awards

The 2024 Honorees have been announced for the Theatre World Award for an Outstanding Debut Performance in a Broadway or Off-Broadway Production. Learn more about the honorees here!
Mike Birbiglia's Titles, Including THE OLD MAN AND THE POOL, Acquired By Concord Theatricals

Concord Theatricals has acquired the titles of Mike Birbiglia, with five of his stage works soon to be available for publishing and licensing worldwide.
O'Neill Theater Center Chairman Tom Viertel to Step Down

Tom Viertel, who has been a member of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center board for nearly three decades and its Chairman since 2000, will step down from his role at the end of the O'Neill's 2024 season in August. Learn more.
Leslie Uggams And Liz Callaway Join The Honorary Board Of The York Theatre Company

The York Theatre Company has announced that Broadway leading ladies Leslie Uggams and Liz Callaway have been added to the starry list of the company's Honorary Board of Directors.
Josh Gad-Directed Chris Farley Biopic Picked Up By New Line Cinema

Tony Award-nominated actor Josh Gad will make his directorial debut with a biopic centering on legendary comic Chris Farley.
Video: Tamika Lawrence Performs 'The Power of Love' From THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL on SHERRI

Tamika Lawrence joined Sherri Shepherd on Friday to perform The Power of Love from the new musical The Heart of Rock and Roll on the show. She was joined by Huey Lewis who, after the performance, highlighted his admiration for Lawrence and the cast. See the special performance here!
Have Many Shows this Season Premiered Long Before Broadway?

This time, the reader question was: Have a lot of shows this season had a long time between their first productions and Broadway premieres?
Video: Go Inside Opening Night of THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL

The Heart of Rock and Roll officially opened earlier this week at the James Earl Jones Theatre. In this video, watch as the entire cast and creative team walks the red carpet to celebrate the power of love on opening night!
Photos: First Look at A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD at Children's Theatre Company

Children’s Theatre Company is now presenting A Year With Frog and Toad. Check out all new photos below!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 23, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 23, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

James Earl Jones FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has James Earl Jones been in?

James Earl Jones has appeared on Broadway in 20 shows.

How many West End shows has James Earl Jones been in?

James Earl Jones has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

What was James Earl Jones's first West End show?

James Earl Jones's first West End show was Driving Miss Daisy which opened in 2011

What awards has James Earl Jones been nominated for?

James Earl Jones has been nominated for several awards throughout his illustrious career, including the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "The Best Man," Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "Gore Vidal's The Best Man," Best Actor at the Olivier Awards for "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof," and Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for "On Golden Pond." Additionally, he received nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "On Golden Pond," Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "On Golden Pond," Outstanding Actor - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Fences," Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for "Fences," and Best Actor at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Fences." Jones also received nominations for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "Fences," Outstanding Actor - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Paul Robeson," and Outstanding Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Cherry Orchard," "Hamlet," "Les Blancs," and "The Great White Hope." He was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "The Great White Hope," Best Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for "Othello," Performance at the Obie Awards for "Beal," Best Actor at the Obie Awards for "Clandestine on the Morning Line," "The Apple," and "Moon on a Rainbow Shawl," and Performance at the Theatre World Awards for "Moon on a Rainbow Shawl."

What awards has James Earl Jones won?

James Earl Jones has won numerous awards throughout his illustrious career, including the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "The Best Man" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," Outstanding Actor - Play from the Drama Desk Awards for "Fences," Distinguished Performance Award from the Drama League Awards for "Fences," The American Express Tribute from the Helen Hayes Awards, Best Actor from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Fences," Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "Fences," Outstanding Performance from the Drama Desk Awards for "Hamlet," "The Cherry Orchard," "Les Blancs," and "The Great White Hope," Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "The Great White Hope," Best Performance from the Drama Desk Awards for "Othello," Performance from the Obie Awards for "Beal," Best Actor from the Obie Awards for "Clandestine on the Morning Line," "The Apple," and "Moon on a Rainbow Shawland," as well as Performance from the Theatre World Awards for "Moon on a Rainbow Shawl."

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