Who Is James Earl Jones? Age, Biography and Wiki
James Earl Jones, born on January 17, 1931, has been a pillar of American theater and cinema for decades. With a commanding voice and remarkable acting skills, he has become a legendary figure in film, best known for his roles in iconic films like Star Wars and The Lion King. As of 2025, he is 94 years old, having left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry by continually redefining acting standards.
| Occupation | Soap Opera Actor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 17, 1931 |
| Age | 93 Years |
| Birth Place | Arkabutla, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 9 September, 2024 |
| Died Place | Pawling, New York, U.S. |
Popularity
James Earl Jones's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
James Earl Jones stands tall at approximately 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and has maintained a robust physical presence throughout his career. Although precise measurements may vary, he has been noted for his distinctive baritone voice and commanding on-screen demeanor. His weight, typically fluctuating around 200 lbs (90 kg), has been a topic of discussion among fans and health enthusiasts due to his remarkable ability to maintain his health.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
James Earl Jones has been married twice. His first marriage was to actress Julienne Marie in 1966, but they divorced in 1972. He later married his current wife, Cecilia Hart, in 1982, a union that lasted until her passing in 2016. As for his relationship status in 2025, Jones has chosen to focus on his legacy and artistic pursuits, and is currently not publicly linked to any partners.
For his roles on Broadway, Jones won two Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Play for playing a boxer in the Howard Sackler play The Great White Hope (1968) and a working class father in August Wilson's Fences (1987).
He was also nominated for other Tonys for his roles as part of an elderly couple in On Golden Pond (2005) and as a former president in The Best Man (2012). Jones also acted in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (2008), Driving Miss Daisy (2010–2011), You Can't Take It with You (2014), and The Gin Game (2015).
He received a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2017.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, James Earl Jones's net worth is estimated to be around $40 million. This impressive figure results from his extensive work in film, television, and theater, including numerous voiceover roles that have solidified his financial standing. Additionally, he manages earnings from various sponsorships and royalties from iconic performances.
In 1985, Jones was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame He was also the 1987 First recipient of the National Association for Hearing and Speech Action's Annie Glenn Award. In 1991, he received the Common Wealth Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Dramatic Arts. In 1992, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by George H. W. Bush.
He received the 1996 Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs, California, Walk of Stars. Also in 1996, he was given the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement presented by Awards Council member George Lucas. In 2002, he was the featured Martin Luther King Day speaker for Lauderhill, Florida.
In 2011, he received the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Monte Cristo Award Recipient. He also received an Honorary Academy Award on November 12, 2011. He was the 2012 Marian Anderson Award Recipient. Jones won the 2014 Voice Icon Award sponsored by Society of Voice Arts and Sciences at the Museum of the Moving Image.
In 2017, he received an Honorary Doctor of Arts from Harvard University. He was honored with a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2017. In 2019, he was honored as a Disney Legend. In March 2022, Broadway's Cort Theatre was renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre in his honor.
Career, Business and Investments
James Earl Jones has a prolific career spanning over six decades. His early work in theater paved the way for his transition into film and television, where he achieved significant acclaim. He is known for his powerful roles in productions like The Great White Hope, Field of Dreams, and, of course, as the voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise. Beyond acting, Jones has ventured into directing and producing, investing in various artistic projects that highlight his commitment to the performing arts.
James Earl Jones (January 17, 1931 – September 9, 2024) was an American actor. A pioneer for black actors in the entertainment industry, Jones is known for his extensive and acclaimed roles on stage and screen. Jones is one of the few performers to achieve the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony).
He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1985, and was honored with the National Medal of Arts in 1992, the Kennedy Center Honor in 2002, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2009, and the Academy Honorary Award in 2011.
Social Network
Although James Earl Jones has historically maintained a low profile on social media, he has a significant following due to his impactful career. His fans often celebrate his contributions through various platforms, sharing clips and tributes that highlight his work. As of 2025, Jones remains an influential figure in the industry, with his work widely discussed on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook by fans and aspiring performers alike.
In 1974, Jones co-starred with Diahann Carroll in the film Claudine, the story of a woman who raises her six children alone after two failed and two "almost" marriages. The film is a romantic comedy and drama, focusing on systemic racial disparities black families face.
It was one of the first major films to tackle themes such as welfare, economic inequality, and the typical marriage of men and women in the African American community during the 1970s. Jones and Carroll received widespread critical acclaim and Golden Globe nominations for their performances.
Carroll was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Education
James Earl Jones attended the University of Michigan, where he graduated with a degree in drama. His educational background laid the foundation for his successful acting career, with early influences including his participation in the university's theatrical productions. His training and experiences have contributed to his exceptional skills and dedication to the craft of acting.
In conclusion, James Earl Jones remains a legendary figure whose contributions to the arts continue to inspire new generations. His legacy is marked by an impressive career, personal resilience, and an influence that transcends the silver screen.
From the age of five, Jones was raised by his maternal grandparents, John Henry and Maggie Connolly, on their farm in Dublin, Michigan; they had moved from Mississippi in the Great Migration. Jones found the transition to living with his grandparents in Michigan traumatic and developed a stutter so severe that he refused to speak.
He said, "I was a stutterer. I couldn't talk. So my first year of school was my first mute year, and then those mute years continued until I got to high school." He credited his English teacher, Donald Crouch, who discovered he had a gift for writing poetry, with helping him end his silence.
Crouch urged him to challenge his reluctance to speak through reading poetry aloud to the class.
