SAG-AFTRA Statement on the Death of Life Achievement Recipient James Earl Jones

SAG-AFTRA mourns the passing of Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement honoree James Earl Jones, who died today at age 93. Jones’ distinctive deep, booming voice earned him a permanent place in American culture with roles such as Darth Vader in the Star Wars films, Mufasa in The Lion King, and as the voice of CNN. 

"James Earl Jones was a unique talent and thoughtful, profound, and unwavering in his convictions. His body of work speaks volumes about his dedication, not only to the craft of acting but to the integrity and depth he brought to every role," said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. "In 2008, our union proudly honored him with the Life Achievement Award — an acknowledgment of his towering contributions both on-screen and behind the scenes. His immense talent, boundless wisdom, and unmistakable voice will be deeply missed."
 

Ironically, for someone known worldwide for his voice, he overcame stuttering early in his life. However, his voice work was only a small part of a rich and varied career for which he was given the 45th SAG Life Achievement Award. A U.S. Army veteran, Jones made his mark on film, television and stage, as well as dedicating himself to philanthropic endeavors off screen, including promoting literacy.

When accepting his award, Jones quoted biblical verse and expressed his admiration for his fellow performers. 

“I want to thank all of you for the work that you do. We read in the Book of Genesis, ‘Then the Lord God shaked man from the dust of the ground. And into his nostrils He breathed the breath of life, and man became a living being.’ Now, I don’t mean to embarrass anybody, by comparing the actor to God. But once we’ve taken a role, we have a similar responsibility to breathe life into that character. And only the actor can do that,” Jones said. “I love the work you do. Sometimes it simply knocks me out. But it always makes me proud to be counted as one of you.” 

About SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.