Read on below as we celebrate Jones' onscreen legacy.
The director cast the young actor after spotting him in a play while scouting another star.
Thats not what he actually said, but thats the way I like to put it.
Credit:everett (3)
It marked the beginning of an unparalleled Hollywood career, coronating Jones with first nomination for an Academy Award.
Only he could bring that kind of magic to a movie about baseball and a corn field in Iowa.
“He could have just as easily said no.
James Earl Jones in ‘Dr. Strangelove’.Columbia pictures
His voice could have sounded different.
Theres a lot of ways this could not have worked out.
That all of the stars aligned and there I was listening to him record…
James Earl Jones in ‘The Great White Hope’.Everett Collection
I felt something very powerful happening,“Favreau previously toldEntertainment Weeklyof working with the screen legend.
“It felt like a very significant milestone when we recorded him.”
Darth Vader in ‘Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope’ and ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’.everett (2)
Kevin Costner and James Earl Jones in ‘Field of Dreams’.Melinda Sue Gordon
James Earl Jones in ‘Coming to America’ and ‘Coming 2 America’.everett (2)
James Earl Jones The Hunt for Red October'; ‘Patriot Games’; and ‘Clear and Present Danger’.everett (3)
James Earl Jones (far right) with the child stars of ‘The Sandlot’.20th Century Studios/everett
Mufasa in ‘The Lion King’ and the photorealistic remake.Everett Collection; Disney
