James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones Biography

James Earl Jones (born January 17, 1931) is an American actor of stage and screen, well known for his deep basso voice. He has appeared in many roles since, but is best known as the sinister voice of Lord Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy. Darth Vader was portrayed in costume by Dave Prowse in the original trilogy, with Jones dubbing Vader's dialogue in postproduction. At his own request, he was originally uncredited for the first two released films: “ When Linda Blair did the girl in The Exorcist, they hired Mercedes McCambridge to do the voice of the devil coming out of her. And there was controversy as to whether Mercedes should get credit. I was one who thought no, she was just special effects. So when it came to Darth Vader, I said, no I'm just special effects. But it became so identified that by the third one, I thought, OK I've been denying it, I've been saying it sounds like the uncola nut guy Holder. Geoffrey Holder! ... But for the third one, I said OK, I'll let them put my name on it. ” While many assume he is the uncredited, briefly heard voice of Darth Vader at the conclusion of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Jones, when specifically asked if he had supplied the voice, either newly or from a previous recording, told Newsday, "You'd have to ask Lucas about that. I don't know". Matthew Wood, a sound technician for the film who also voiced General Grievous, claims that the voice is indeed Jones'. Over the years, James Earl Jones reprised his role as the voice of Vader several times: He credited in the movie Robots with the voice of Lord Darth Vader from a voice module. He also vocally appeared as Vader in the comedy film The Benchwarmers and the video game Monopoly Star Wars.