James Earl Jones’ Hollywood Career Spanned More Than 6 Decades: Photos of the Actor’s Transformation

1968

James’ Broadway career took off and he won his first Tony Award for his portrayal of Jack Jefferson in The Great White Hope. He shaved his head ahead of the role and appeared on Sesame Street the following year. 

All through the ‘60s, James continued his work in Shakespearean plays and also began starring in films. Some of his earliest onscreen roles include 1964’s Dr. Strangelove and 1967’s The Comedians. 

1977

He earned both an Oscar and a Golden Globe nomination for his role in the 1970 film The Great White Hope after starring in the play of the same name. In 1977, James voiced villain Darth Vader in Star Wars, a role that solidified his status as a top-name voiceover artist. The Field of Dreams actor grew out his hair upon voicing Darth Vader in Star Wars: A New Hope, the first film of the successful trilogy. 

The Claudine actor continued to balance his career in film and theater, starring in Of Mice and Men on Broadway in 1973.

1981

James sported facial hair while promoting a new production of Othello that he was starring in.

 In 1988, James starred in Coming to America alongside Eddie Murphy. He reprised his role of King Jaffe Joffer in the film’s 2021 sequel, Coming 2 America. 

“Of the countless characters I’ve portrayed, King Jaffe Joffer remains one of the most enjoyable and iconic characters I’ve had the pleasure of playing,” the film icon told People in December 2020. “With his regal and commanding presence as the ruler of Zamunda, I reveled at bringing his presence to life for Coming to America in 1988. And now, over 30 years later, I am honored to reprise my role once again in the sequel, Coming 2 America.”

In addition to his prestigious acting career, The Lion King star became a father in 1982 when he welcomed his son, Flynn Earl Jones, with his second wife, Cecilia Hart. The pair met after starring in the 1979 series Paris. Hart died from ovarian cancer in 2016, but James continued to honor her memory. He shared an emotional tribute to her before accepting the Tony Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.

“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 coproducer of our son Flynn and for being so dazzling on the red carpet.”

1991

The Cat On A Hot Tin Roof star flashed his famous smiling while holding his two Emmy Awards for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Gabriel’s Fire and Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Special for Heat Wave.

2006

James wore a black tuxedo and posed with his late wife at the 60th Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

2016

The theater legend was beaming on the red carpet at the 70th Annual Tony Awards at the Beacon Theatre. 

2021

Fans were thrilled to see James on the big screen again in Coming 2 America at the age of 90.