Mufasa; Lion King voice actor James Earl Jones passes on

Mufasa from Lion King voice actor James Earl Jones, has passed on at the age of 93.

He passed away early Monday morning American time, surrounded by his family, according to his agent Barry McPherson.

The Mufasa from Lion King Voice actor was known for the iconic roles he picked up in the stretch of his career.

The news of his passing has been met with messages of condolences as the world relives some of his best moments on screen.

Many around the globe are familiar with his voice as Mufasa, Simba’s father in the Lion King animated movie from 1994.

Jones featured as Simba’s father for Lion King I in 1994 and Lion King II: Simba’s Pride which followed in 1998.

Fans were treated to a delight in nostalgia when Jones was featured in a star-studded lineup during the remake of The Lion King where he reprised his role as Mufasa alongside musical icon Beyonce as Simba’s love interest Nala.

Earl Jones and his film career

Jones’s illustrious career spanned decades, with notable roles in films such as *Field of Dreams*, *Coming to America*, and *Conan the Barbarian*.

However, he was best known in America and among sci-fi movie fans and enthusiasts for lending his deep, resonant voice to the Star Wars supervillain Darth Vader.

Jones lending his voice to the Star Wars supervillain Darth Vader’s role left an indelible mark on popular culture.

Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader’s son in Star Wars, honored Jones with a touching tribute on social media, posting “RIP Dad” along with a broken heart emoji.

#RIP dad 💔 https://t.co/YXpFoBb2Ua
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) September 9, 2024

Throughout his career, Jones won three Tony Awards, two Emmys, and a Grammy, and in 2011, he received an honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement.

In 1971, he made history as only the second Black man nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor, following Sidney Poitier.

Tributes poured in from the entertainment world, with Star Trek actor LeVar Burton saying, “There will never be another of his particular combinations of graces.”

US actor Colman Domingo also paid homage, stating: “Thank you dear James Earl Jones for everything. A master of our craft. We stand on your shoulders. Rest now. You gave us your best.”