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James Earl Jones

Birth Place: Arkabutla, MS, USA

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BIO

James Earl Jones (January 17, 1931 – September 9, 2024) was an American actor. A pioneer for black actors in the entertainment industry, he is known for his extensive and acclaimed roles on stage and screen. Jones is one of the few performers to achieve the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony). He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1985, and was honored with the National Medal of Arts in 1992, the Kennedy Center Honor in 2002, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2009, and the Academy Honorary Award in 2011.



Born in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones had a stutter since childhood. He said that poetry and acting helped him overcome the challenges of his disability. A pre-med major in college, he served as an officer in the U.S. Army during the Korean War before pursuing a career in acting. His deep voice was praised as a "stirring basso profondo that has lent gravel and gravitas" to his projects. Jones made his Broadway debut in the play Sunrise at Campobello (1957). He then gained prominence for acting in numerous productions with Shakespeare in the Park including Othello, Hamlet, Coriolanus, and King Lear. He worked steadily in theater, winning the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his role as a boxer in The Great White Hope (1968), which he reprised in the 1970 film adaptation, earning him Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations.

Jones won his second Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his role as a working class father in August Wilson's Fences (1987). He was a Tony Award nominee for his roles as the husband in Ernest Thompson's On Golden Pond (2005) about an aging couple, and as a former president in the Gore Vidal play The Best Man (2012). His other Broadway performances included Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (2008), Driving Miss Daisy (2010–2011), You Can't Take It with You (2014), and The Gin Game (2015–2016). He received a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2017.

Jones made his film debut in Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove (1964). He received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Claudine (1974). He gained international fame for his voice role as Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise, beginning with the original 1977 film. Jones's other notable films include The Man (1972), Conan the Barbarian (1982), Matewan (1987), Coming to America (1988), Field of Dreams (1989), The Hunt for Red October (1990), Sneakers (1992), The Sandlot (1993), The Lion King (1994), and Cry, the Beloved Country (1995). On television, he received eight Primetime Emmy Awards nominations winning twice for his roles in thriller film Heat Wave (1990) and the crime series Gabriel's Fire (1991). He also acted in Roots (1977), Jesus of Nazareth (1977), Picket Fences (1994), Homicide: Life on the Street (1997), and Everwood (2004).

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

The Night of the Iguana The Night of the Iguana
[Regional (US)]
American Repertory Theater Regional Production, 2017
Nonno
Kurt Vonnegut's God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater Kurt Vonnegut's God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater
[Off-Broadway]
New York City Center Encores Off-Center Production, 2016
Kilgore Trout
The Gin Game The Gin Game
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2015
Weller Martin
You Can't Take It with You You Can't Take It with You
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2014
Martin Vanderhof
The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess
[US Tour]
National Tour, 2013
Robbins [Replacement]
[Replacement]
Gore Vidal's The Best Man Gore Vidal's The Best Man
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2012
Ex-President Arthur Hockstader
Driving Miss Daisy Driving Miss Daisy
[West End]
London Production, 2011
Hoke Colburn
Driving Miss Daisy Driving Miss Daisy
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2010
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2008
Big Daddy
On Golden Pond On Golden Pond
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2005
Norman Thayer, Jr.
Fences
[Broadway]
1987
Troy Maxson
"MASTER HAROLD"...and the boys
[Broadway]
1982
Sam [Replacement]
[Replacement]
Othello
[Broadway]
1982
Othello
A Lesson From Aloes
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1980
Steve Daniels
Paul Robeson
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1978
Paul Robeson
Of Mice and Men
[Broadway]
1974
Lennie
The Iceman Cometh
[Broadway]
1973
Theodore Hickman
King Lear
[Off-Broadway]
1973
Lear
The Cherry Orchard
[Off-Broadway]
1972
Lopahin
Hamlet
[Off-Broadway]
1972
Claudius
Les Blancs
[Broadway]
1970
Tshembe Matoseh
Boesman and Lena
[Off-Broadway]
1970
Boesman
The Great White Hope
[Broadway]
1968
Jack Jefferson
A Hand is on the Gate
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Performer
Danton's Death
[Broadway]
1965
Troilus and Cressida
[Off-Broadway]
1965
Ajax
Coriolanus
[Off-Broadway]
1965
Junius Brutus
Baal
[Off-Broadway]
1965
Ekart
Othello
[Off-Broadway]
1964
Othello
Othello
[Off-Broadway]
1964
The Blood Knot
[Off-Broadway]
1964
Zachariah Pieterson
Next Time I'll Sing to You
[Off-Broadway]
1963
Rudge
The Love Nest
[Off-Broadway]
1963
George Gulp
P.S. 193
[Off-Broadway]
1962
Mario Saccone
The Merchant of Venice
[Off-Broadway]
1962
Prince of Morocco
The Apple
[Off-Broadway]
1961
Performer
The Blacks: A Clown Show
[Off-Broadway]
1961
Deodatus Village
The Cool World
[Broadway]
1960
Harrison Thurston
Sunrise at Campobello
[Broadway]
1958
Edward
Infidel Caesar
[Broadway]
Performer

Productions

The Cherry Orchard
 
[Off-Broadway, 1972]
Conceiver

Movies

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
[ 1964 ] Lt. Lothar Zogg
The Comedians
[ 1967 ] Dr. Magiot
End of the Road
[ 1970 ] Doctor D
The Great White Hope
[ 1970 ] Jack Jefferson
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
A Piece of the Action
[ 1977 ] Joshua Burke
The Greatest
[ 1977 ] Malcolm X
Exorcist II: The Heretic
[ 1977 ] Older Kokumo
The Last Remake of Beau Geste
[ 1977 ] Sheikh
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
My Little Girl
[ 1986 ] Ike Bailey
Soul Man
[ 1986 ] Professor Banks
Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold
[ 1986 ] Umslopoga
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 Hunt for Red October
[ 1990 ] Admiral Greer
The Ambulance
[ 1990 ] Lt. Spencer
Grim Prairie Tales
[ 1990 ] Morrison
Terrorgram
[ 1990 ] Retribution
Scorchers
[ 1991 ] Bear
Convicts
[ 1991 ] Ben Johnson
True Identity
[ 1991 ] James Earl Jones
Patriot Games
[ 1992 ] Admiral Greer
Sneakers
[ 1992 ] Mr. Bernard Abbott
Freddie as F.R.O.7.
[ 1992 ] Narrator
The Meteor Man
[ 1993 ] Earnest Moses
Excessive Force
[ 1993 ] Jake
Sommersby
[ 1993 ] Judge Issacs
The Sandlot
[ 1993 ] Mr. Mertle
Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama
[ 1993 ] Narrator
Dreamrider
[ 1993 ] William Perry
Clear and Present Danger
[ 1994 ] Admiral Greer
Clean Slate
[ 1994 ] John Dolby
The Lion King
[ 1994 ] Mufa
Jefferson in Paris
[ 1995 ] Madison Hemings
Cry, the Beloved Country
[ 1995 ] Rev. Stephen Kumalo
Good Luck
[ 1996 ] James Bing
A Family Thing
[ 1996 ] Ray Murdock
Gang Related
[ 1997 ] Arthur Baylor
Primary Colors
[ 1998 ] CNN Voiceover
The Annihilation of Fish
[ 1999 ] Fish
Undercover Angel
[ 1999 ] The Judge
Finder's Fee
[ 2001 ] Avery Phillips
On the Q.T.
[ 2001 ] Leo
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

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

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

Videos

More Videos

News


Bess Wohl, Jen Silverman and More Named as Finalists for The Susan Smith Blackburn Pr Photo
Bess Wohl, Jen Silverman and More Named as Finalists for The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 24, 2025

The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize has revealed this year's finalists for the prestigious international playwriting award- the largest and oldest award recognising women+ writers for plays of outstanding quality written for the English-speaking theatre. 
LIBERATION Extends Broadway Run For Additional Three Weeks Photo
LIBERATION Extends Broadway Run For Additional Three Weeks
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 17, 2025

Liberation will extend its run on Broadway for an additional three weeks. The play is written by Tony Award nominee Bess Wohl and directed by Tony Award nominee Whitney White.
Video: Watch Betsy Aidem in a Scene From LIBERATION Photo
Video: Watch Betsy Aidem in a Scene From LIBERATION
by Michael Major - Nov 12, 2025

Watch a video of Betsy Aidem performing a powerful monologue in Liberation on Broadway. Aidem, a Tony Award nominee for Prayer for the French Republic, plays the role of Margie in Bess Wohl's play.
LIBERATION Will Host Mother-Daughter Matinee Performance Photo
LIBERATION Will Host Mother-Daughter Matinee Performance
by Stephi Wild - Nov 3, 2025

A special Mother-Daughter Matinee will be held for Liberation, the new play by Tony Award nominee Bess Wohl, and directed by Tony Award nominee Whitney White.
Review: A MIDNIGHT DREARY at We Happy Few Photo
Review: A MIDNIGHT DREARY at We Happy Few
by Peter Rouleau - Nov 3, 2025

An engaging trip into the psyche of the father of American Horror.
From Chicago to NYC: Steppenwolf’s Broadway Boom Photo
From Chicago to NYC: Steppenwolf’s Broadway Boom
by Stephi Wild - Nov 1, 2025

Many Steppenwolf productions have made the jump to Broadway, with three shows transferring in 2025 alone. Learn more about Purpose, Bug, The Minutes, and more!
Videos You Missed This Week: LIBERATION, LITTLE BEAR RIDGE ROAD, and More Photo
Videos You Missed This Week: LIBERATION, LITTLE BEAR RIDGE ROAD, and More
by Sidney Paterra - Oct 31, 2025

It's been a busy week on (and off) Broadway! Fall has officially arrived and a new season is very much in swing. Catch up on all the latest from the week ending October 31, 2025 with videos from Liberation, Little Bear Ridge Road, and more!
Watch: Inside the Star-Studded Opening Night of ‘Liberation’ on Broadway Photo
Watch: Inside the Star-Studded Opening Night of ‘Liberation’ on Broadway
by Joey Mervis - Oct 30, 2025

Hear them roar! An extraordinary group of women (an some men too) celebrated opening night of Liberation on Broadway earlier this week. Watch in this video as we take you inside opening night with the full company.
Photos: LIBERATION Cast Takes Opening Night Bows Photo
Photos: LIBERATION Cast Takes Opening Night Bows
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 29, 2025

Liberation, the new play by Tony Award nominee Bess Wohl, and directed by Tony Award nominee Whitney White, officially opened on October 28, 2025. Check out photos from the opening night curtain call here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 29, 2025- HAMILTON And WICKED Lead the Grosses and Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 29, 2025- HAMILTON And WICKED Lead the Grosses and More
by - Oct 29, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 29, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Review Roundup: Bess Wohl's LIBERATION Opens On Broadway Photo
Review Roundup: Bess Wohl's LIBERATION Opens On Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 29, 2025

See what the critics are saying about Liberation, the new play by Tony Award nominee Bess Wohl which got raves Off-Broadway and is now playing on Broadway at the James Earl Jones Theatre. The play examines a meeting between a group of women at the height of the women's liberation movement of the 1970s.
The History of Feminist Plays That Came Before LIBERATION Photo
The History of Feminist Plays That Came Before LIBERATION
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 28, 2025

As the fight for women to have equal rights and opportunities has evolved, so has the presence of plays telling these stories. When I wrote my book, Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy that the History Books Left Out, the first-ever book about female musical theatre writers, I researched many musicals that are in this genre as well.
Video: Watch Highlights from LIBERATION on Broadway Photo
Video: Watch Highlights from LIBERATION on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 28, 2025

Liberation, the new play by Tony Award nominee Bess Wohl, and directed by Tony Award nominee Whitney White, is now running on Broadway at the James Earl Jones Theatre. Watch highlights of the cast in action in this video!
Photos: LIBERATION on Broadway- First Look Photo
Photos: LIBERATION on Broadway- First Look
by Stephi Wild - Oct 23, 2025

All new production photos have been released from Liberation, the new play by Tony Award nominee Bess Wohl, and directed by Tony Award nominee Whitney White, now on Broadway. Check out the photos here!
Theater Resources Unlimited to Present 'Is Theater As Gay-Friendly As We Think?' Photo
Theater Resources Unlimited to Present 'Is Theater As Gay-Friendly As We Think?'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 16, 2025

A dependable haven for artists in isolation, Theater Resources Unlimited will present an upcoming town hall, Queery: Is Theater As Gay-Friendly As We Think?. Learn more and see how to attend.
Kandi Burruss Will Join the Cast of & JULIET on Broadway Photo
Kandi Burruss Will Join the Cast of & JULIET on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Oct 9, 2025

Grammy Award winner and Tony Award and Emmy Award nominee Kandi Burruss will return to the stage this winter in the hit Broadway musical & Juliet. Burruss will join the cast as ‘Angélique’ for a limited engagement.
Meet the Cast of LIBERATION, Now Playing on Broadway Photo
Meet the Cast of LIBERATION, Now Playing on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Oct 8, 2025

Following its award-winning world premiere earlier this year, Liberation, a new play by Tony Award nominee Bess Wohl, and directed by Tony Award nominee Whitney White, is now playing on Broadway. Meet the cast here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 6, 2025- Dylan Mulvaney Talks THE LEAST PROBLEMATI Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 6, 2025- Dylan Mulvaney Talks THE LEAST PROBLEMATIC WOMAN IN THE WORLD And More
by - Oct 6, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 6, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
A History of Three-Handers on Broadway Photo
A History of Three-Handers on Broadway
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 5, 2025

While a lot has been written about two handers, a term for two-person shows, less has been penned about three-handers. Yet, three-person plays are just as common a genre on Broadway as pieces with only two players. Currently, Art, by Yasmina Reza, is receiving an all-star revival at the Music Box.
LIBERATION to Present $30 Under 30 Ticket Offer, Plus Rush and Lottery Photo
LIBERATION to Present $30 Under 30 Ticket Offer, Plus Rush and Lottery
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 3, 2025

A special $30 Under 30 ticket offer will be presented for preview performances of Liberation, the new play by Tony Award nominee Bess Wohl. Learn more about Liberation here!
More News

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?

Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement (Tony Awards), Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Best Man , Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Gore Vidal's The Best Man , Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for On Golden Pond, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for On Golden Pond , Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for On Golden Pond, Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Fences, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Fences, The American Express Tribute (Helen Hayes Awards) for , Best Actor (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Fences, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Fences, Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Paul Robeson, Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for The Cherry Orchard, Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Hamlet, Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Les Blancs, Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for The Great White Hope, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Great White Hope, Best Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Othello, Performance (Obie Awards) for Beal, Best Actor (Obie Awards) for Clandestine on the Morning Line, Best Actor (Obie Awards) for The Apple, Best Actor (Obie Awards) for Moon on a Rainbow Shawl and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Moon on a Rainbow Shawl.

What awards has James Earl Jones won?

James Earl Jones has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. These include the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the Tony Awards for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play for both Fences and The Great White Hope. He won Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Best Man and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, as well as Best Actor for Fences. Additionally, he earned the Outstanding Actor - Play award from the Drama Desk Awards for Fences, along with multiple Outstanding Performance honors from Drama Desk for Hamlet, The Cherry Orchard, Les Blancs, The Great White Hope, and Othello. His distinguished performances earned him the Distinguished Performance Award from the Drama League Awards for Fences. Jones also received The American Express Tribute at the Helen Hayes Awards. His Obie Awards include Performance for Beal, and Best Actor for Clandestine on the Morning Line, The Apple, and Moon on a Rainbow Shawl. Moreover, he was honored with a Performance award from the Theatre World Awards for Moon on a Rainbow Shawl.

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