The actor famed for his deep and powerful voice, James Earl Jones, has died. The iconic actor passed away on Sept. 9, at the age of 93, leaving behind a monumental legacy that spans over seven decades in film, television, and theater. 

From Darth Vader to Mufasa and many other roles, Ive spent hours of my childhood watching his films, visualizing his roles, and fantasizing about wanting to be the characters that he played. James Earl Jones brought iconic characters to life. 

Jones was born on Jan. 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi. His early life was marked by a struggle with a severe stutter, which he later overcame through poetry recitation and acting. He went on to attend the University of Michigan, where he initially studied pre-medicine before shifting his focus to acting. Personally, I grew up with a cousin that overcame a stutter, so it was fascinating to see that Jones went through something similar.

He has also been a prominent figure in promoting the arts and has received numerous awards, including an honorary Academy Award in 2011 for his lifetime achievements. I believe he deserves these rewards through his hard work and past.

His voice as the iconic Darth Vader will go down in history as one of the best voice roles ever, and was the first movie of his that I´ve seen. Even though it was actor David Prowse who played the physical actor, it was Jones’ deep, resonant voice that brought the character to life. His voice was so sinister and dark, but I felt like it fit him perfectly in the role. As a kid, I thought he sounded so cool and he seemed very different.  He showed a power and leadership kids would want to recreate, his contribution to the character cemented his place in cinematic history.

Another of Jones’ most famous voice roles is the lion Mufasa, the powerful leader of  pride in Disney’s ¨The Lion King.¨ His role as Mufasa, particularly his fatherly wisdom and warmth, left a lasting impression on me. Mufasa was a character that kids could look up to as a hero with his guardian-like appearance. It was a shock to see someone built up as such a leader suddenly gone. But this was important for me too, because it showed that these things happen in real life, people are taken too soon.