As it turns out, the actor who portrayed the iconic voice behind Darth Vader’s unmistakable mask, Mr. James Earl Jones, is Denzel Washington’s hero. That’s not hard to believe, but what is unfathomable is that Jones and Washington — two of Hollywood’s most prolific heavyweights — never worked together on television or in film. But now, on the heels of Jones’ death, Washington pays tribute to the individual he “wanted to be.” Washington honored the iconic actor in the following statement (via Variety):
“He’s my hero.
My college theater career started because of ‘The Emperor Jones’ and ‘Othello’ with
James Earl Jones.
I wasn’t going to be as big as him.
I wanted to sound like him.
He was everything to me as a budding actor.
He was who I wanted to be.”
Jones’ most iconic role is undoubtedly that of the voice of Darth Vader, which he performed for the very first time on the Silver Screen nearly 50 years ago in the original Star Wars (1977). Someone who did work closely with Jones during the making of that science fiction saga in a galaxy far, far away, George Lucas, also honored his friend and collaborator in a statement (per the BBC):
“[He was] a most unique voice both in art and spirit.
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.”
Kevin Costner Remembers His Field of Dreams Co-Star
James Earl Jones passed away at the age of 93 on Monday, September 9, and since then the outpouring of love for the beloved actor has been almost immeasurable online. In addition to Denzel Washington and George Lucas, Star Wars’ own Mark Hamill honored his “dad” on social media. And Jones’ Field of Dreams co-star, Kevin Costner, is also remembering the Oscar winner (Honorary Award). Costner wrote in a post (via Instagram):
“Just hearing the news of James Earl Jones’s passing.
That booming voice.
That quiet strength.
The kindness that he radiated.
So much can be said about his legacy, so I’ll just say how thankful I am that part of it includes Field of Dreams.If you’ve seen it, you know that this movie wouldn’t be the same with anyone else in his role.
Only he could bring that kind of magic to a movie about baseball and a corn field in Iowa.
I’m grateful to have been a witness to him making that magic happen.
Rest in peace, friend.”
Jones’ role as author Terence Mann was not only memorable, but it was an integral part of what made Field of Dreams such a striking and heartfelt baseball film. When fans boil it down, the crux of the movie lies in the relationships, particularly between Ray Kinsella (Costner) and his late father, John (Dwier Brown).
However, one of the most appealing aspects about the screenplay, at least to Jones, was the fact that his character, Mann, had that meaty monologue, which convinced Ray not to sell his property and the baseball field he built. Now, check out the late James Earl Jones’ reaction to finding out about and receiving his Oscar back in 2011 (below):