James Earl Jones
Birth Place: Arkabutla, MS, USA
2026 Drama League Awards Nominations- The Full List (Apr 20, 2026)
Video: Adrien Brody & Tessa Thompson Celebrate THE FEAR OF 13 Opening Night (Apr 16, 2026)
Photos: Michael Urie, Lilli Cooper, and More Attend THE FEAR OF 13 Opening Night (Apr 16, 2026)
BIO
Born on January 17, 1931 in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones's career in acting began after he graduated from the University of Michigan where he studied drama. Over the years, he became renowned for his deep, resonant voice and commanding presence, which earned him critical acclaim and a place in the hearts of audiences around the world.
Perhaps best known for providing the voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars series, a role that made him an integral part of one of the most enduring franchises in cinematic history, Jones's influence extended far beyond the galaxies of Star Wars. His portrayal of characters across a range of genres showcased his versatility and depth as an actor.
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.
Speaking on working in the theater in an interview, Jones said "I was as content Off-Broadway as I was in a big Hollywood movie, and, I just try to be content wherever I am, you know."
James Earl Jones was honored with an Honorary Academy Award in 2011. He also received a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Great American Documents. His television achievements include two Primetime Emmy Awards: one for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Gabriel's Fire and another for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie for Heat Wave.
Jones passed away at the age of 93 on the morning of September 9, 2024.
Photos
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 22: (L-R) Roselyn Sánchez, Joy Huerta, Eva Longoria and Sofia Vergara attend as VIPs visit "Real Women Have Curves" on Broadway at James Earl Jones Theater on April 22, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Real Women Have Curves)
From: Photos: Eva Longoria, Sofia Vergara and More Attend REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
From: Photos: Eva Longoria, Sofia Vergara and More Attend REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
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STAGE CREDITS
Productions
Movies
[ 1964 ] Lt. Lothar Zogg
[ 1967 ] Dr. Magiot
[ 1970 ] Doctor D
[ 1970 ] Jack Jefferson
[ 1974 ] Roop
[ 1975 ] Rabbit Shazam
[ 1976 ] Johnny Williams
[ 1976 ] Leon Carter, All-Star C
[ 1976 ] Nick Debrett
[ 1977 ] Joshua Burke
[ 1977 ] Malcolm X
[ 1977 ] Older Kokumo
[ 1977 ] Sheikh
[ 1981 ] The Prisoner
[ 1982 ] Frye
[ 1982 ] Thulsa Doom
[ 1983 ] Darth Vader
[ 1984 ] Albert
[ 1986 ] Ike Bailey
[ 1986 ] Professor Banks
[ 1986 ] Umslopoga
[ 1987 ] Goody Nelson
[ 1987 ] Emperor of the Night
[ 1987 ] Few Clothes
[ 1988 ] King Jaffe Joffer
[ 1989 ] Dugan
[ 1989 ] Frank Couzo
[ 1989 ] Terence Mann
[ 1990 ] Admiral Greer
[ 1990 ] Lt. Spencer
[ 1990 ] Morrison
[ 1990 ] Retribution
[ 1991 ] Bear
[ 1991 ] Ben Johnson
[ 1991 ] James Earl Jones
[ 1992 ] Admiral Greer
[ 1992 ] Mr. Bernard Abbott
[ 1992 ] Narrator
[ 1993 ] Earnest Moses
[ 1993 ] Jake
[ 1993 ] Judge Issacs
[ 1993 ] Mr. Mertle
[ 1993 ] Narrator
[ 1993 ] William Perry
[ 1994 ] Admiral Greer
[ 1994 ] John Dolby
[ 1994 ] Mufa
[ 1995 ] Madison Hemings
[ 1995 ] Rev. Stephen Kumalo
[ 1996 ] James Bing
[ 1996 ] Ray Murdock
[ 1997 ] Arthur Baylor
[ 1998 ] CNN Voiceover
[ 1999 ] Fish
[ 1999 ] The Judge
[ 2001 ] Avery Phillips
[ 2001 ] Leo
[ 2005 ] Voice Box at Hardware Store
[ 2006 ] Darth Vader
[ 2008 ] Papa Jenkins
[ 2009 ] The Giant
[ 2010 ] Admiral
[ 2013 ] Frank McCarthy
[ 2014 ] Ruben Video store owner
[ 2016 ] Darth Vader
[ 2018 ] Pendleton
[ 2019 ] Darth Vader
[ 2021 ] King Jaffe Joffer
[ 2023 ] Darth Vader
TV Shows
Will Cleveland
Gabriel Bird
Lee Atkins
Chief Thad Green
Woody Paris
Gabriel Bird
Announcer, Chief Thad Green
Darth Vader
Nerlan, Chief Bella
Narrator, Maggie Simpson, Moving Man
Awards and Nominations
winner
James Earl Jones
winner
James Earl Jones, The Best Man
James Earl Jones, Gore Vidal's The Best Man
James Earl Jones, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof
winner
James Earl Jones, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
James Earl JonesOn Golden Pond
James Earl Jones, On Golden Pond
James Earl Jones, On Golden Pond
winner
James Earl Jones, Fences
winner
James Earl Jones, Fences
winner
James Earl Jones
winner
James Earl Jones, Fences
winner
James Earl Jones, Fences
James Earl Jones, Paul Robeson
winner
James Earl Jones, The Cherry Orchard
winner
James Earl Jones, Hamlet
winner
James Earl Jones, Les Blancs
winner
James Earl Jones, The Great White Hope
winner
James Earl Jones, The Great White Hope
winner
James Earl Jones, Othello
winner
James Earl JonesBeal
winner
James Earl Jones , Clandestine on the Morning Line
winner
James Earl Jones , The Apple
winner
James Earl Jones Moon on a Rainbow Shawl
winner
James Earl JonesMoon on a Rainbow Shawl
Videos
Video: Adrien Brody & Tessa Thompson Celebrate THE FEAR OF 13 Opening Night
by Luka Vonier - 2026-04-16 14:50:20
Video: Tessa Thompson Reveals How HEDDA Sparked Her Return to Theater Work
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-03-18 12:07:42
Video: Extended Highlights from CATCH ME IF YOU CAN at Marriott Theatre
by Joshua Wright - 2025-09-30 15:58:17
Video: JJ Niemann in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN at Marriott Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2025-09-03 14:49:10
Video: JJ Neimann Leads CATCH ME IF YOU CAN In Rehearsals at Marriott Theatre
by Joshua Wright - 2025-08-21 16:10:26
Videos: Go Inside the Final Performance of REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Michael Major - 2025-06-30 10:02:05
Video: Broadway Siblings Christopher and Monica Ramirez Featured on THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-21 10:53:04
Photos/Video: Eva Longoria, Sofia Vergara, Gloria Estefan, and More Attend REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Stephi Wild - 2025-04-23 06:00:07
Video: Justina Machado Praises REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Co-Star Tatianna Córdoba: 'She Is Incredible'
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-22 17:45:47
Video: Tatianna Córdoba Performs 'Flying Away' From REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-15 10:34:44
Photos: REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Pop Up Concert from Co-Composer Joy Huerta
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2025-03-18 14:46:19
Video: Tatianna Córdoba Sings 'Flying Away' from REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Joey Mervis - 2025-02-17 12:28:57
Video: Joy Huerta Performs 'Flying Away' From REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL
by Stephi Wild - 2025-01-10 09:18:33
News
by Stephi Wild - Apr 20, 2026
The Drama League has announced the 2026 Drama League Awards Nominees, which include Chess, Heathers, Ragtime, The Rocky Horror Show, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Titanique, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and more. Check out the full list here!
by Luka Vonier - Apr 16, 2026
The Fear of 13, the new play by Lindsey Ferrentino and directed by David Cromer, has fearlessly, officially entered the Broadway season! Watch in this video as the cast and creative team walk the red carpet on opening night!
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 16, 2026
The stars came out for opening night of The Fear of 13, including Michael Urie, Lilli Cooper, Common, Anna Wintour, and many more. Check out the photos from the red carpet here!
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 16, 2026
Lindsey Ferrentino’s new play, The Fear of 13, is now open on Broadway. We're taking you on the red carpet the the opening night event, featuring the cast and creative team. Check out the photos here!
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 16, 2026
Lindsey Ferrentino’s new play, The Fear of 13, starring Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson, officially opened on Broadway at the James Earl Jones Theatre. Check out photos of the cast taking their opening night bows!
by - Apr 16, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 16, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 16, 2026
Reviews are in for The Fear of 13, Lindsey Ferrentino’s new Broadway play starring Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson. Now running at the James Earl Jones Theatre, the production marks the Broadway debuts of both screen actors.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 15, 2026
Get a first look at production photos of Lindsey Ferrentino’s new play, The Fear of 13, starring two-time Academy Award winner Adrien Brody and Golden Globe Award nominee Tessa Thompson on Broadway at the James Earl Jones Theatre.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 13, 2026
Kim Kardashian has joined the producing team of The Fear of 13 on Broadway. The new play by Lindsey Ferrentino, currently in previews on Broadway, starring Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson.
by Sidney Paterra - Apr 11, 2026
Beyond already-running hits like Six, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, and Operation Mincemeat, the 2025/26 Broadway season is already full of Olivier Award-winning (and nominated) productions, including...
by Stephi Wild - Apr 7, 2026
The 80th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony will take place on Tuesday afternoon, June 2, 2026 beginning at 2:00PM. Learn more about the upcoming awards ceremony here!
by Jennifer Broski - Apr 5, 2026
The 2025/26 Broadway season is here at last, with many new productions set to arrive before the end of the season. If you don't live in New York City or frequent the Theater District, odds are you haven't seen Broadway's newest marquees! Check out what's up so far below.
by Joshua Wright - Mar 31, 2026
Goodman Theatre has released first look footage of Theater of the Mind, the immersive theatrical experience co-created by Academy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning artist David Byrne and writer Mala Gaonkar, now extended through July 12, 2026 by popular demand.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 31, 2026
Witzend Productions and Charing Cross Theatre will present the world premiere of DARK OF THE MOON, featuring GLENN ADAMSON and LAUREN JONES, with performances scheduled from May to August 2026.
by Luka Vonier - Mar 30, 2026
In this video, watch as playwright Lindsey Ferrentino breaks down her words from The Fear of 13 in the newest episode of BroadwayWorld's Notes on a Script a
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Mar 29, 2026
Our 41 Broadway theaters provide a home for every production that hits the Great White Way. From our oldest continually operating Broadway house, the Lyceum, to our newest reopened and functioning Broadway house, the Hudson, the Broadway theaters are all located in midtown Manhattan. Who are all of our current Broadway houses named for...?
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 24, 2026
Goodman Theatre has extended Theater of the Mind in Chicago following a sold-out preview period. The immersive experience by David Byrne and Mala Gaonkar will now run through July.
by - Mar 23, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 23, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 22, 2026
The Spring 2026 Broadway season is here at last, with many new productions set to arrive before the Tony Awards eligibility cutoff on April 26, 2026. Check out where this spring's shows were developed.
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 20, 2026
The Fear of 13, starring two-time Academy Award winner Adrien Brody and Golden Globe Award nominee Tessa Thompson officially arrived at the James Earl Jones Theatre. Check out photos from the cast's first curtain call and stage door experience here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
James Earl Jones has appeared on Broadway in 20 shows.
James Earl Jones has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.
James Earl Jones's first West End show was Driving Miss Daisy which opened in 2011
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.
James Earl Jones has received numerous awards throughout his illustrious career, including the following: - 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
Videos