Iconic screen and voice actor James Earl Jones has died. Known for starring in movies like “Coming to America,” “Claudine” and “Field of Dreams” and voicing Mufasa in “The Lion King” and Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” franchise, the actor was 93.
James Earl Jones’ representative confirmed to NBC News that the legendary talent died on Monday, Sept. 9. He is survived by his only child, son Flynn Earl Jones, whom he shared with his wife Cecilia Hart. Hart, also an actor, died in October 2016.
“The Sandlot” star and Hart married in 1982 after meeting on the police procedural “Paris,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. James Earl Jones portrayed Los Angeles Police Captain Woody Paris, and Hart co-starred as Sgt. Stacey Erickson. The same year they tied the knot, the couple welcomed a son, Flynn Earl Jones.
Flynn Earl Jones wasn’t bitten by the acting bug like his parents. But, he has used the powerful voice he inherited from his father to tell stories in another way. Read on to learn more about Flynn Earl Jones below.
He has voiced audio books
James Earl Jones was known for taking on a variety of roles throughout his decades-long career. His characters Mufasa and Darth Vader—two of his most beloved roles—highlighted his booming tone, making him one of the most recognizable voices in Hollywood. He passed on that distinguishable voice to his son.
Flynn Earl Jones chooses to use his voice for storytelling. He has narrated multiple audiobooks over the years, including “Bright Boulevards, Bold Dreams: The Story of Black Hollywood,” “Lions of the Sky,” books in the “Rogue Star” series and more novels.
He has supported his dad at Hollywood events
Although he mostly stays out of the spotlight, Flynn Earl Jones has attended Hollywood award ceremonies and red carpet events from time to time to show support for his parents.
In October 2010, the proud son and his mom joined James Earl Jones in New York City for the opening night of “Driving Miss Daisy” on Broadway. Flynn Earl Jones also returned to watch his father’s closing night performance in April 2011.
A year later, the family of three appeared together at the 2012 Marian Anderson Awards Gala in Philadelphia. James Earl Jones was honored at the event, according to the regional Philadelphia magazine. Terrence Howard and Phylicia Rashad also attended the gala to celebrate the icon.
His dad gave him a shout-out while accepting a Tony Lifetime Achievement Award
James Earl Jones was presented with the Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre Award at the 2017 Tony Awards. In his speech, the actor expressed his gratitude for his wife and mentioned their son.
“And finally, I want to thank my wife, Ceci, for being such a wonderful companion in my life and in my work,” he said. “And for being the great co-producer of our son, Flynn, and for being so dazzling on the red carpet.”