Actor (speaking voice: bass-baritone)
James Earl Jones was an American actor of legendary stature whose distinctive baritone voice and commanding stage presence defined six decades of transformative performances across theatre, film, and television.
Known For
Defining moments and milestones
From his breakthrough in regional theatre and Broadway debut in 1957, James Earl Jones ascended to become one of America's most commanding stage actors, earning dual Tony Awards for *The Great White Hope* (1968) and *Fences* (1987) while simultaneously achieving iconic status through his resonant voice work in *Star Wars* and *The Lion King*. His six-decade career encompassed Shakespearean roles, contemporary drama, and cultural touchstones, establishing him as a performer of intellectual rigor and emotional depth who transcended the boundaries of stage, film, and voice acting.
Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for *Fences* (1987); also won Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for *The Great White Hope* (1968); achieved EGOT status with competitive Tonys, Emmy, Grammy, and Honorary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement (2011)
University of Michigan (B.A., Department of Music, Theater, and Drama, 1955); American Theatre Wing
A chronological journey through key moments
Recordings featuring James Earl Jones in the Society index
Additional recordings will appear here as the catalog expands.