Death of James Earl Jones: Mark Hamill, LeVar Burton and Colman Domingo lead the funeral

Following the announcement of the death of James Earl Jones at the age of 93, condolences are pouring in.

The cause of death of the American actor, who is best known as Darth Vader in the star Wars Franchise and Mufasa in The Lion King.

On social media, Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill referenced the relationship between their Star Wars characters by tweet: “#RIP, Dad.”

He later revealed more in an Instagram post, writing: “One of the finest actors in the world whose contribution to Star Wars was immeasurable. He will be greatly missed.”

James Earl Jones Death: Booming voice behind Darth Vader and Mufasa dies at age 93

Star Wars creator George Lucas said in a statement: “For nearly half a century he was Darth Vader, but the secret behind it all is that he was a wonderful human being. He brought depth, sincerity and meaning to all his roles, most important of which was being a devoted husband to the late Ceci and father to Flynn.

“James will be missed by so many of us… friends and fans alike.”

Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, described Jones as “one of the most versatile and talented actors of our time with an iconic body of work in film, stage and television.”

Field of Dreams Co-star Kevin Costner shared a touching message on Instagram: “That booming voice. That quiet strength. The kindness he radiated. There is so much to say about his legacy, so I'll just say how grateful I am that a part of it Field of Dreams.

“Anyone who has seen the film knows that he would not be the same with anyone else in his role. Only he could bring that kind of magic to a film about baseball and an Iowa cornfield. I am grateful to have been able to witness how he created that magic. Rest in peace, my friend.”

Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, said: “From the gentle wisdom of Mufasa to the menacing threat of Darth Vader, James Earl Jones has voiced some of the greatest characters in film history.

“He was an acclaimed stage actor who appeared in nearly 200 films and on television. The stories he brought to life with a uniquely commanding presence and truly witty energy have left an indelible impression on generations of audiences.

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“On behalf of all of us at Disney, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Actor and television presenter LeVar Burton, best known for his role in Star Trek: The Next GenerationJones also paid tribute: “Such a special combination of grace will never be seen again.”

Star Trek Star George Takei posted on X: “A great spirit and a boundless, unique voice have left us. James Earl Jones has died and passed away. His loss is less regrettable for all of us, as we mourn him together and honor his great life's work.”

Wendell Pierce, who played Detective Bunk Moreland in TheWire, published a moving tribute to Jones, who he said inspired him to act“This man was the living embodiment of artistry, integrity, creativity and dignity,” Pierce wrote.

“James Earl Jones is the sole reason I became an actor. He awakened in me a calling that gave voice to my unheard heart songs. Through his example, he led me to explore my own humanity and to study the human behavior of others and the intangible, ever-present soul. He was a once-in-a-generation talent who left an enormous legacy to American culture.”

Rustin Star Colman Domingo wrote on X: “Thank you, dear James Earl Jones, for everything. A master of our craft. We stand on your shoulders. Now rest. You gave us your best.”

Bridesmaids Directed by Paul Feig wrote: “James Earl Jones will never die. His talent, his work and his influence will always be with us. Rest in peace, Mr. Jones.”

Oscar winner Octavia Spencer wrote on Instagram: “I am incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of #JamesEarlJones today. Legendary doesn't even come close to describing his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever. His voice and talent will always be remembered. Sending love to his family, friends and countless fans in every galaxie, far, far away.”

Also on Instagram, Star Wars: The Force Awakens Actor Rosario Dawson posted a collage of photos of Jones as a young man with the caption: “May the force be with you, rest in peace King James, THANK YOU.”

The Mandalorian In a heartfelt tribute on social media, star Diana Lee Inosanto described how she listened to “that wonderful Mid-Atlantic accent he created for this infamous galactic villain” while preparing for her audition.

“This AMAZING MAN! Rest in peace. James Earl Jones…this talent, this human being who gave the world the iconic voice of Star Wars' Darth Vader and so many other unforgettable characters. I remember, while preparing to audition for The Mandalorian, playing his scenes in the original Star Wars trilogy and listening to that wonderful Mid-Atlantic accent he created for that infamous galactic villain…hoping I could capture just a tenth of what he brought. What a Star Wars presence! Inspiration! What a talent!”

Actor Chris O'Dowd shared a photo of himself on X with Jones with the caption: “A voice that made you stop and think. Rest in peace legend.”

The Lion King Rob Minkoff also shared a photo of himself and Jones from 1993 on social media, writing: “Just learned of the passing of the great James Earl Jones. I was lucky enough to work with him. His portrayal of Mufasa was perfect. What a powerful man and actor. He is gone but will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.”

American filmmaker Barry Jenkins shared a photo of the young Jones on social media, while actress Lydia Cornell, who starred with Jones in the 1982 film Bloody floodposted an obituary on X: “Oh no!! I can't believe it!! I thought he would live forever. My co-star from my first movie. Rest in peace James Earl Jones.”

Actor and television star Garcelle Beauvais, who worked with Jones on Coming to Americaposted on Instagram and wrote: “Words cannot express how sad this makes me! Thank you for blessing us with your talent and spirit! It was a pleasure working with you and getting to know you.”

Debbie Allen, who played Jones in a 2008 Broadway production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roofalso shared a moving tribute on Instagram, writing: “Today we lost our Big Daddy. #JamesEarlJones will forever be remembered as The GOAT. It was truly a privilege to lead him and a blessing to be loved by him. We will forever speak his name and tell the great stories that will become legends and myths and shape generations to come.”

Steven Canals, known for co-creating poseposted a tribute on his Instagram stories, writing: “What a career. Thank you for making the cinema experience so special. Rest in peace legend.”

The color purple Star Danielle Brooks wrote: “Rest in peace one of our giants. May we keep your voice in our hearts forever!”

Yvette Nicole Brown posted on X: “Aside from #StarWars, #Claudine was the first movie I ever saw. #JamesEarlJones is part of my cinematic DNA. Heartbroken isn't even close to the most accurate example of that.”

Major League Baseball posted a video on X of Jones singing the national anthem at an All-Star game in 1993 and wrote: “RIP James Earl Jones, the legendary actor who made unforgettable appearances in the iconic baseball films Field of Dreams And The sand court.”

Kerry Washington wrote on X: “Your voice has left a lasting mark on film and theater. Your roles have shaped our imagination. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest in peace, Mr. Jones.”

Josh Gad shared an old photo of himself and Jones and wrote that he was “shaken” by Jones' death.

“Shattered. There are icons and then there is this man. How do you remember someone who gave us some of the greatest stage and screen performances of all time? For so many of us, you shaped our childhood, from star Wars To Lion Kingout of Field of Dreams To The sandbankout of Coming to America To Dr. Strangelove“Thank you, James, for dedicating your life to the arts and filling our lives with some of the greatest performances ever. It was an honor to know you and an even greater honor to be able to perform in a theater with your namesake,” he wrote.

Viola Davis posted a video on Instagram celebrating Jones' life and career, writing, “What a life!!!! A life of electrifying EXCELLENCE!! You were the gold standard… the dignity, the courage, the sweat, the strength and the vulnerability… Every character was towering and heroic. You were the chosen ones. It was an honor to have known you, sir. I am honored that you enriched this life and left behind this gift of art. Rest among the giants… May hosts of angels sing you into your rest.”

During his successful career on stage and screen, Jones has received three Tony Awards, two Emmys and a Grammy.

Even after his death, Jones' booming voice will live on. In 2022, he released archived voice recordings that will be edited using artificial intelligence for future versions of Darth Vader. “David Prowse worked very hard to create the character of Darth Vader. He is Vader. I just think of myself as a special effect,” Jones said self-deprecatingly in his 1993 memoir. “That's how I approached it. I just sat there and had all the fun of playing my voice like an instrument.”

What an instrument that was.

Read more about James Earl Jones here.