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James Earl Jones

Birth Place: Arkabutla, MS, USA

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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.

Photos

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

Productions

 
[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

News


REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL Will Open at the James Earl Jones Theatre

Real Women Have Curves: The Musical has set its Broadway theatre! As previously announced, the musical will  begin previews on April 1 ahead of an April 27 opening night. The production has now found its Broadway house, and will play at the James Earl Jones Theatre.
Video: Delia Ephron & LEFT ON TENTH Cast Discuss the True Story Behind the Play

Delia Ephron, Julianna Margulies, and Peter Gallagher all joined Good Morning America to discuss the new play Left on Tenth. Watch the interview now!
Review: Eric McCormack and Laura Bell Bundy Reunite for OC Cabaret at Segerstrom Arts

Eric McCormick and Laura Bell Bundy recently stopped by Segerstrom Center of the Arts to present the OC debut of their cabaret show “A Blonde, A Brunette, and Some Duets: From Primetime to Sondheim,” a fun and cheeky night of silly songs and even sillier stories for a limited three-night engagement at the Samueli Theater in Costa Mesa.
Photos: LEFT OF TENTH Cast Takes Opening Night Bows

It was a big night at the James Earl Jones Theatre, where Delia Ephron’s new play Left on Tenth, starring Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild award winner Julianna Margulies and Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award winner Peter Gallagher, just opened. Check out photos of the first curtain call here.
Review Roundup: LEFT ON TENTH Starring Julianna Margulies and Peter Gallagher Opens On Broadway

Based on Delia Ephron’s bestselling memoir, Left on Tenth is now running on Broadway, directed by five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman and stars Julianna Margulies, Peter Gallagher, Peter Francis James and Kate MacCluggage. Read the reviews!
Interview: Darnell Abraham of DISNEY'S THE LION KING at Ottawa's National Arts Centre

I had the privilege to speak with Darnell Abraham about his background and his role as Mufasa in the upcoming Broadway Across Canada presentation of Disney’s The Lion King, including some insight into the preparation that goes into such a physical role, favourite scenes, and the timelessness of the musical's themes.
Reading Into It- Broadway Books for 2024/25

If you are seeing any of the below productions in 2024/25, check out how you can study up beforehand or unpack afterwards!
Video: Delia Ephron Says Seeing Her Life on Stage in LEFT ON TENTH is 'Not Easy'

Delia Ephron is shining a light on her personal struggles in the new play Left on Tenth. 'That is an interesting problem, because I am basically introverted,' the writer admitted during a segment on CBS Sunday Morning. 'So this is not easy.' Watch the full CBS segment now!
Photos: Peter Gallagher, Julianna Margulies and the Cast of LEFT ON TENTH Meet the Press

Performances are now underway for Delia Ephron’s new play Left on Tenth, starring Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild award winner Julianna Margulies and Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award winner Peter Gallagher. Check out all new photos of the company at their press day.
Full Cast Announced for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Starring Jason Alexander at La Mirada Theatre

LA Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment announced the cast for their upcoming production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, featuring a talented ensemble ready to bring the classic musical to life.
THE PLAY'S THE THING BY by James Magruder Published by Yale University Press

The stories of American film, television, Broadway, and regional theater are entwined with the story of Yale Repertory Theatre in The Play's the Thing out now.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld September 24, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is September 24, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
79th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony Set for June 2025

The 79th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony will take place on Monday evening, June 2, 2025 beginning at 7:00PM. The awards are the oldest awards given for Outstanding Broadway and Off-Broadway Debut Performances.
Broadway Theatres Will Dim Their Lights in Memory of James Earl Jones

Broadway theatres will dim their lights to honor the memory of James Earl Jones, four-time nominated and two-time Tony Award®-winning actor and recipient of the 2017 Special Tony Award® for Lifetime Achievement, whose career spanned almost seven decades on Broadway.
Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction to Take Place This Sunday

Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction will return for one day only this Sunday, September 22, 2024. More than 50 tables are set to sell stage-used props, memorabilia, posters and more. See how to attend!
Meet the Cast of LEFT ON TENTH, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway

Delia Ephron’s new play Left on Tenth, starring Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild award winner Julianna Margulies and Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award winner Peter Gallagher, is beginning Broadway previews tonight, September 6. Meet the cast of Left on Tenth here!
32 Theater Books for Your Fall 2024 Reading List

We're falling into fall with a great Broadway read! This season, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 32 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Fall 2024 reading list.
Kelsey Grammer Remembers Working With James Earl Jones in OTHELLO

Kelsey Grammer recently appeared on SiriusXM's The Spotlight with Jessica Shaw where he recalled working with the late James Earl Jones. The two actors appeared together in the 1982 Broadway production of Shakespeare's Othello.
Video: Britney Coleman Says COMPANY Tour Has Recouped Initial Investment

Britney Coleman reveals that the COMPANY tour has recouped its initial investment! Watch the announcement in the video here.
James Earl Jones Tribute Special Premiering on BET

BET News will honor the legendary James Earl Jones with an exclusive Entertainment Tonight news special, “BET News & ET PRESENT JAMES EARL JONES: LIFE AND LEGACY,” premiering Thursday, September 12 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET.

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 received numerous nominations for his outstanding performances, including: - 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) - 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 - 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, including: - Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement (Tony Awards) - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Best Man - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof - Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Fences - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Fences - The American Express Tribute (Helen Hayes Awards) - 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 Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Hamlet - Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for The Cherry Orchard - 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 - Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Moon on a Rainbow Shawl.

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