James Earl Jones

Acting

Born January 17, 1931 · Arkabutla, Mississippi, USA

Died September 9, 2024

Also known as James Earl Boggins Jones · Todd Jones

Biography

James Earl Jones (January 17, 1931 – September 9, 2024) was an American actor. He was described as "one of America's most distinguished and versatile" actors for his performances on stage and screen, and "one of the greatest actors in American history". Over his career, he received three Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, and a Grammy Award. He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1985. He was honored with the National Medal of Arts in 1992, the Kennedy Center Honor in 2002, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2009 and the Honorary Academy Award in 2011. His deep voice has been praised as a "stirring basso profondo that has lent gravel and gravitas" to his projects.

Awards & recognition

honorary doctor of Harvard University · 2017
Outer Critics Circle Award · 2012
Academy Honorary Award · 2011
Paul Robeson Award · 2011
Outer Critics Circle Award · 2008

Show all 35 awards →

Humanitarian of the Year · 2004
Daytime Emmy Award — Outstanding Children's Special · 2000
Horatio Alger Award · 1997
Kansas City Film Critics Circle Award · 1995
NAACP Image Award — Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series · 1993
CableACE Award · 1991
Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie · 1991
Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series · 1991
Outer Critics Circle Award · 1987
Tony Award — Best Actor in a Play · 1987
NAACP Image Award — Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture · 1975
Golden Globe Award — New Star of the Year – Actor · 1970
Tony Award — Best Actor in a Play · 1969
Theatre World Award · 1962
Daytime Emmy Award
Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Kennedy Center Honors
National Medal of Arts
Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award
Tony Award — Best Actor in a Play · 2012 · nominated
Grammy Award — Best Spoken Word Album for Children · 2007 · nominated
Tony Award — Best Actor in a Play · 2005 · nominated
Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series · 2004 · nominated
Black Reel Award — Best Supporting Actor · 2000 · nominated
Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series · 1997 · nominated
Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series · 1995 · nominated
Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role · 1995 · nominated
Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series · 1994 · nominated
Daytime Emmy Award — Outstanding Children's Special · 1988 · nominated
Academy Award — Best Actor · 1971 · nominated