Reactions to James Earl Jones' passing, "We are all lesser for his loss."

The beloved actor of Darth Vader passed away at the age of 93 on Monday
2012 Tony Awards - Meet The Nominees Press Reception
2012 Tony Awards - Meet The Nominees Press Reception / Jemal Countess/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit

The loss of James Earl Jones has shaken Star Wars fans, creators, and the world. The beloved actor passed away on Monday at the age of 93. The legend touched many people across generations. Jones wasn't just beloved by Star Wars fans. He was part of many fandoms from Disney, Simpsons, and childhood classics like The Sandlot. Field of Dreams, Coming to America, and so many other films come to mind. Tributes are pouring in remembrance of this great man.

“James was an incredible actor, a most unique voice both in art and spirit,” George Lucas said to StarWars.com. “For nearly half a century he was Darth Vader, but the secret to it all is he was a beautiful human being. He gave depth, sincerity and meaning to all his roles, amongst the most important being a devoted husband to the late Ceci and dad to Flynn. James will be missed by so many of us... friends and fans alike.”

Mark Hamill shared a photo of them both with the words, "One of the world’s finest actors whose contributions to Star Wars were immeasurable. He’ll be greatly missed. RIP Dad."

Sean and Deana Kiner, who helped compose the music for series like Star Wars Rebels, The Clones Wars, and The Bad Batch, wrote on their Twitter account, "Just gonna have to accept I'm not getting any more work done today after finding out. RIP to a legend."

Kathleen Kennedy told StarWars.com, “James Earl Jones is one of the most versatile and talented actors of our time, with an iconic body of work across film, stage and television. The menacing baritone he brought to Darth Vader will forever be beloved by fans and regarded as one of the great villainous performances in cinema. His commanding presence on screen, and warm personality off screen, will be greatly missed.”

The Peter Mayhew Foundation, which was started by Peter Mayhew and his wife, shared on their Twitter, "Deeply saddened to hear that James Earl Jones has passed away. Our most heart felt sympathy to his family. Rest in Peace."

Longtime Star Trek actor George Takei shared his thoughts on Jones' passing. The actor, who had guest roles in The Clone Wars and Star Wars Visions, said, "A great spirit and boundless, unique voice has left us. James Earl Jones hass passed, and he is returned to the great beyond. We are all the lesser for his loss, and we collective mourn his passing and honor his great body of work."

The Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger, shared on Disney's official blog, “From the gentle wisdom of Mufasa to the menacing threat of Darth Vader, James Earl Jones gave voice to some of the greatest characters in cinema history. A celebrated stage actor with nearly 200 film and television credits to his name, the stories he brought to life with a uniquely commanding presence and a true richness of spirit have left an indelible mark on generations of audiences. On behalf of all of us at Disney, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Matt Lanter, who is the voice of Anakin Skywalker in animation and shared his voice with Jones in the Star Wars Rebels episode "Twilight of the Apprentice Part 2," simply said, "Thank you. You changed our lives."

The director of The Lion King, Rob Minkoff, shared a photo of him and Jones on his Instagram, saying, "Just learned of the passing of the great James Earl Jones. I was blessed to get to work with him. His portrayal of Mufasa was perfection. What a powerful man and actor. Gone but will never be forgotten. Rest in power."

Star Trek and beloved Reading Rainbow host, LeVar Burton, say on his Twitter account, "James Earl Jones... there will never be another of his particular combination of graces."

Another person who also shares the title of "Disney Legend" along with Jones is Ming-Na Wen. The Fennec Shand actor shared on her Twitter account, "Thank you for adding so much to my life with your talents. May the Force Be With You. RIP, Mr. Jones."

Lucasfilm Sound Designer David W. Collins said on his Twitter account, "He didn't just speak lines, he transformed each one into unforgettable melodies with his rich timbre, powerful resonance, timeless American stage speech, and perfect dramatic intention. Thank you, James Earl Jones! Your work inspired millions of fans and will continue to do so for years to come."

Ahsoka actor Rosario Dawson shared her own words of sympathy on her Instagram, stating, "May the Force be with you! Rest in Power, King James. THANK YOU. #LegendsNeverDie."

Longtime Star Wars writer John Jackson Miller said on his Twitter account, "From Sesame Street — where he was the first celebrity guest — through Star Wars, Red October, and countless other roles, James Earl Jones's voice has long been in my life and those of countless others. What a career. Thank you, sir."

Actor and dancer Debbie Allen, who starred in the Broadway production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with Jones in 2008, said on her Instagram, "Today we lost our Big Daddy. James Earl Jones will forever be remembered as THE GOAT. It was truly a privilege to direct him and a Blessing to be loved by him. We will forever speak his name and tell the great stories that will become Legend and Myth and seed generations to come."

Finally, I think NASA's post was a perfect way to end today's commemoration of James Earl Jones. They tweeted, "'Look at the stars...' Today, we look up at the stars and remember the great James Earl Jones. As Mufasa, he reminded us that those stars will always be there to guide us."

dark. Next. James Earl Jones has died at age 93. James Earl Jones has died at age 93