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Thursday's Connector of the Day – James Earl Jones
It is for his sonorous bass voice that most people recognize James Earl Jones.
The American actor of stage and screen is best known for speaking the roles of Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” films and Mufasa in “The Lion King.”
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/01/05/earljones.art.jpg caption="The voice of Darth Vader: James Earl Jones"]
Known for his humility, Jones declined to have his name appear on the credits of both “Star Wars” and “The Empire Strikes Back” claiming that he felt his contribution wasn't significant enough to warrant a mention. He did eventually bow to pressure and agree to have his name appear of the credits for the third Star Wars film: “Return of the Jedi.”
Born in 1931 in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Earl Jones didn't always boast such a commanding voice. In fact, he suffered from a stutter in early life and took acting lessons to help control it. He has since made a career of the impressive authoritative voice, and is heard by millions every day intoning “This is CNN” on our network.
He has starred in many movies over a 40-year period, beginning with the Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 classic “Dr Strangelove”. He has since been seen on screen in “Field of Dreams,” “The Hunt for Red October” and “Patriot Games.”
As a Tony award winning stage actor (for his performance in “The Great White Hope” in 1968, Jones is treading the boards again. Currently appearing in London’s West End, as Big Daddy in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” recently transferred from Broadway.
Send your comemnts about James Earl Jones here.
You do have a great voice, however you have played some great roles, one of my favorites was in the "Sandlot" you really brought the whole film alive. Which brings me to a question, I assume you are a baseball fan, and if so who is your favorite team, and your all time favorite player and why? Thank you for putting so much of yourself into your work, I personally look forward to any project you are involved with. Thanks again
Mr. Jones currently there is less than one percent of the US population serving in the military. What was your hardest experience while in uniform and what advice would you give to people who want to serve in uniform.?
I agree with Cybercarbon. I got to see the original Star Wars saga on the 1970's and 1980's, Your voice gave a tremendous impact on the Darth Vader character, and I think that 80% of the character itself it's the voice. Are there any similar projects in the future, particularly I prefer the original english language (I'm a Mexican). Anf I saw recently Your character as the african dictator D'bala on House, What is Your point of view regarding the decision made by House's medical team.
Best Regards
David Rmos
I have always enjoy seeing you on the big screen with my favorite being "A Family Thing". Is it hard playing roles in which you have to deal with bigotry?
Politics , War & Economics are huge on most peoples minds these days around the Globe....If you could give advice to the US President, What would it be? Thank you, love your work!
First one comment: I will buy, rent, or go to any movie in which Mr. Jones appears. I congratulate you on your craft, your art and your transparency.
My question: How has the profession of acting changed since you've been in the business? Is the craft as demanding from an artistic view now or have people become more willing to accept a more shallow performance, or are they more easily entertained?
Mr. Jones, You have been witness to huge changes in the socio-economic and socio-political landscape in the US and globally during your lifetime. In this context, what role or roles were most important to you on a personal and moral level, and why? How did the characters you played in these roles change your life?
Is there anyone who recognize you through your voice without knowing that you are the one who dubbed Dart Vadder's voice?
i have always admired your wide-ranging work, as well as the sense one gets that you are a good person.
so i'd like to ask you to talk about something that 's important to you:
what is your biggest passion in life, and what would you like to tell people about that?
peace and blessings
Mr. Jones,
Have you ever directed? I have enjoyed you on film, broadway and television. Do you ever thing there will be a Claudine part 2? What are your thoughts on the hollywood of today?
HI,
IS JAMES E. JONES A BORN-AGAIN CHRISTIAN? THANKS, YOUR PARTNER FOR PROGRESS, CHRIS
Which voice on television or in movies is your favorite?
You have such a distinct and recognizable voice. Are you ever frustrated that it is your voice and not your acting skills that is recognized most?
I love your character in "Field of Dreams". The baseball speech is a classic!
In the movie of your life story, who would you like to do the voiceover?
Of all the outstanding roles you got to play what was your favorite? Thank you for entertaining us over the years. It was a privilege to see you perform.
Am always interested when I hear the name, James Earl Jones.
Was your voice as deep when you were a teenager?
With such a magnificent voice, have u ever trained as a singer?
Will you do the message on my answering machine?
When you starred in "The Man" in 1972 did you think that the first African American president would come as quickly as it did? Did you think it would be sooner?
any chance of an animated red october remake? in 3D
Mr Jones – your bravery, emotional availability and range as an actor are an ongoing inspiration to those following in your footsteps – on both sides of the pond. if you could go back in time to speak to your younger self, would you do it? And if so, what would you say?
What is the best direction for the health as far as the republican party is concern?
If they do know, why did they failed to implement it during the Bush tenure?
The bottomline is, it is all politics no matter what they say.
Whether it is Democrat or Republican the color is the same because they all are color blind
Hello, Mr. Jones.
Do you secretly play/joke with Darth Vader's voice? What do you do?
Mr. Jones – thank you for sharing a part of yourself through your many roles.
What was your first impression when you were presented with the idea of doing the voice of Darth Vader? Did you think it would work? Where you able to hear the dialogue as spoken by Mr. Prowse during the filming and how did you adapt to not having a physical presence in the scenes? Have a very healthy and happy 2010.
mr jones its so so great to know that ur voice is that of dart vader me and my nigerian friends have always wanted to find out,u are awonderfull inspiration to other actors back home .
Im one of your fans here in the Philippines. Just wanted to know if there was a role in a movie or tv show that you wish youcould have played? What was it? Thank you and "Mabuhay ka, Ginoong Jones!"
How on earth did you become so so good in your acting roles?
I just love that croaky voice.
It's truely a manly person's voice.
Hey, i love your extemporaneous manner of speech all the time you're on set – bravo sir!
I guess you'll love to give your loyal fans tip bits of your endowments. Grasis Senior for accepting in advance.
Regarding your phenomenal success, how much credit do YOU attribute to your voice?
Woody in Alexandria, Egypt
How did you become "the voice of CNN"?
Your character as Roscoe Jenkins (Martin Lawrence) Father was very very serious and strict to your son, would you say it is good or over the daddymanship. You're legend
Your character as Roscoe Jenkins (Martin Lawrence) Father was very very serious and strict to your son, would you say it is good or over the top daddymanship. You're legend
Gaborone, Botswana
What's your favorite character? The Force be with you.
Peter Szucs, Hungary
First and foremost. I am honored that I may have the chance to converse with you. I have followed your films as well as acheivements. With the young and aspiring actors coming to age. I hope they have learned much from all, especially from you. Hoping to see and hear more of you. Be blessed you are awesome in my book.
Thank you once again.
Orchid, United States
With a voice like yours, did you ever made the voice of God on any movie?
I think it would be even stonger and more omnipotent than John Huston's voice.
Thank you for the pleasure of listening a voice like yours, even if it is in commercial like the one you use to do for a telephone company
I luv ur modes of operation.