James Earl Jones Dead at 93: Mark Hamill and More Pay Tribute
Originally appeared on E! Online
The entertainment community is coming out to honor a legend.
Following James Earl Jones' death on Sept. 9 at the age of 93, many in Hollywood shared memories and tributes to the actor, who was known for his deep and iconic voice which could be heard in films like Star Wars and The Lion King.
Mark Hamill—who played Luke Skywalker to Jones' Darth Vader in Star Wars—had a special message for his onscreen father, writing on Instagram, "One of the world's finest actors whose contributions to Star Wars were immeasurable. He'll be greatly missed. #RIP dad"
As Star Trek alum LeVar Burton noted, "There will never be another of his particular combination of graces."
Just days before Jones' passing, Terrence Howard recalled meeting the legendary actor, expressing how struck he was by his kindness.
"He looked me in the eye and treated me like a man," he told E! News at the premiere of Fight Night Sept. 4, "even though I was a kid. He made a huge difference."
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Oscar winner Octavia Spencer also shared her grief over losing Jones, posting on Instagram, "Legendary doesn't even begin to describe his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever."
"His voice and talent will be remembered always," she continued. "Sending love to his family, friends and countless fans in all the galaxies, far, far away."
Indeed, Jones was aware of the impact his voice had on Disney fans. In fact, Tony winner appreciated the opportunity to show off his deep voice when meeting young viewers of The Lion King.
"Their parents will say, 'There's Mufasa!' But I don't look like a lion, and if they're real little kids, they think they're being shafted or having the wool pulled over their eyes," he said in a 2011 interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "And I can't roar to prove it to them, but I can say [in Mufasa's voice], ‘Simba. You have deliberately disobeyed me!'"
To see more tributes to the Hollywood icon, keep reading.
Mark Hamill
"One of the world’s finest actors whose contributions to Star Wars were immeasurable," Hamill wrote on Instagram. "He’ll be greatly missed. #RIP dad"
LeVar Burton
"James Earl Jones," Burton shared on X, "there will never be another of his particular combination of graces."
Octavia Spencer
Spencer posted on Instagram alongside a photo of Jones, "I’m incredibly saddened to learn of #JamesEarlJones’ passing today. Legendary doesn’t even begin to describe his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever. His voice and talent will be remembered always. Sending love to his family, friends and countless fans in all the galaxies, far, far away."
George Takei
"A great spirit and boundless, unique voice has left us," Takei said on X. "James Earl Jones has passed, and he is returned to the great beyond. We are all the lesser for his loss, and we collectively mourn his passing and honor his great body of work."
Yvette Nicole Brown
Besides #StarWars, the first film I remember ever seeing was #Claudine," Brown recalled on Instagram. "#JamesEarlJones is a part of my cinematic DNA. Heartbroken doesn’t begin to cover it."
Henry Winkler
"James Earl Jones was our good friend," Winkler shared on X, "and set an example for how to live and work with power and grace. Rest well. We loved and love you."
Michael McKean
"There will never be another James Earl Jones," McKean wrote on X. "We were very lucky to have lived in his time. Working with him was what you might call next-level. A great actor. A great man."
Colman Domingo
"Thank you dear James Earl Jones for everything," Domingo posted to X. "A master of our craft. We stand on your shoulders. Rest now. You gave us your best."
William Shatner
Shatner paid tribute to Jones, writing on X, "Condolences to the family of James Earl Jones."
Tyrus
"Childhood hero," Tyrus posted to X, "the legendary actor James Earl Jones! I used to dream he was my dad… all time favorite actor have thulsa doom tattoo on my hand thank you for giving this kid the gifts of dreaming… rest well hero …"
Paul Feig
"James Earl Jones will never die," Feig noted on X. "His talent, work and influence will be with us always. RIP, Mr. Jones."
Michael Ian Black
Black wrote on X, "They've made him more powerful than you can possibly imagine."
Barry Jenkins
Jenkins shared a photo of Jones to X, writing, "Forever and always."
JJ Watt
"Rest in Peace James Earl Jones," Watt posted to X. "Absolute Legend."
Garcelle Beauvais
"Words cannot express how sad this makes me!" Beauvais posted to Instagram. "thank you for gracing us with your talent and your spirit! It was a pleasure to work and know you #jamesearljones restinpower"
Eric Braeden
"JAMES EARL JONES passed away today at age 93!" Braeden shared on X. "I had the honor of working with him many, many years ago! A gentleman and superb actor!!"
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