Star Wars actor Anthony Daniels paid tribute to his co-star James Earl Jones following his death at the age of 93. Jones, best known for providing the voice of Darth Vader, passed away at his home in Dutchess County, NY. Daniels, who portrayed C3P0 in the original Star Wars films, described Jones as a “lovely man” and a “real star,” praising his vocal abilities and the impact he had on the Star Wars franchise. Daniels recalled their first meeting in New York and shared his admiration for Jones’ talent and personality.
Jones never appeared on screen as Darth Vader, as the role of the iconic villain was physically played by David Prowse. Despite this, Jones’ voice became synonymous with the powerful character, leaving a lasting impression on fans around the world. Daniels discussed the difficulty of voicing a character that is not physically portrayed by the actor, highlighting Jones’ unique ability to bring Darth Vader to life through his voice. Daniels expressed his admiration for Jones’ acting skills and stage presence, noting that he was a multi-talented performer who left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Jones was initially hesitant to be credited for his role as Darth Vader, viewing his voice work as part of the film’s special effects. However, he eventually accepted credit for his iconic portrayal of the character, which he went on to reprise in multiple films, television series, and video games. Jones’ role as Darth Vader became a defining part of his career, with his famous line “I am your father” becoming a pop culture phenomenon. Despite his initial reluctance to be associated with the character, Jones embraced his role and became one of the most memorable villains in cinematic history.
Jones’ legacy extends beyond his work in Star Wars, as he achieved EGOT status by winning two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and three Tony Awards. He also received an Honorary Academy Award for his contributions to the entertainment industry. His retirement from voicing Darth Vader in 2022 marked the end of an era, as future portrayals of the character would be created using archive audio of Jones. His impact on the world of entertainment, particularly within the Star Wars universe, will be remembered for generations to come.
Mark Hamill, who portrayed Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise, paid tribute to Jones following his death, referring to him as “Dad” and acknowledging the lasting impact of his portrayal of Darth Vader. Star Wars creator George Lucas praised Jones for creating one of the greatest villains in cinematic history and acknowledged his contribution to the success of the franchise. Jones’ voice became synonymous with Darth Vader, adding a sense of gravitas and power to the character that resonated with audiences worldwide. His legacy as a talented actor and performer will endure, leaving a lasting mark on the entertainment industry.
