James Earl Jones

Birth Place: Arkabutla, MS, USA

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James Earl Jones BIO

James Earl Jones made his Broadway debut in 1957 and has won Tony Awards for the Broadway productions of The Great White Hope and Fences; a Tony nomination for On Golden Pond; Drama Desk Awards for Othello, Les Blancs, Hamlet, The Cherry Orchard and Fences; Obie Awards for Clandestine on the Morning Line, The Apple, Moon on a Rainbow Shawl and Baal; a Theatre World Award for Moon on a Rainbow Shawl; the Los Angeles Critics Circle Award for Fences; and an Olivier Award nomination for his portrayal of Big Daddy in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in London.
Additional theatre credits include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof on Broadway, Paul Robeson, The Iceman Cometh, Of Mice and Men and most recently the Broadway and London productions of Driving Miss Daisy.
Jones is also an award-winning film and television actor and was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Oscar.

James Earl Jones Photos

James Earl Jones STAGE CREDITS

[Regional (US)]
American Repertory Theater Regional Production, 2017
Nonno

[Off-Broadway]
New York City Center Encores Off-Center Production, 2016
Kilgore Trout

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2015
Weller Martin

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2014
Martin Vanderhof

[US Tour]
National Tour, 2013
Robbins [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2012
Ex-President Arthur Hockstader

[West End]
London Production, 2011
Hoke Colburn

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2010
Hoke Colburn

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2008
Big Daddy

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2005
Norman Thayer, Jr.

[Broadway]
1987
Troy Maxson

[Broadway]
1982
Sam [Replacement]

[Broadway]
1982
Othello

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1980
Steve Daniels

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1978
Paul Robeson

[Broadway]
1974
Lennie

[Broadway]
1973
Theodore Hickman

[Off-Broadway]
1973
Lear

[Off-Broadway]
1972
Lopahin

[Off-Broadway]
1972
Claudius

[Broadway]
1970
Tshembe Matoseh

[Off-Broadway]
1970
Boesman

[Broadway]
1968
Jack Jefferson

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Performer

[Broadway]
1965
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1965
Ajax

[Off-Broadway]
1965
Junius Brutus

[Off-Broadway]
1965
Ekart

[Off-Broadway]
1964
Othello

[Off-Broadway]
1964
Othello

[Off-Broadway]
1964
Zachariah Pieterson

[Off-Broadway]
1963
Rudge

[Off-Broadway]
1963
George Gulp

[Off-Broadway]
1962
Mario Saccone

[Off-Broadway]
1962
Prince of Morocco

[Off-Broadway]
1961
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1961
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1961
Deodatus Village

[Broadway]
1960
Harrison Thurston

[Broadway]
1958
Edward

[Broadway]
Performer

James Earl Jones Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 1972]
Conceiver

James Earl Jones Movies

[1964]Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb Lt. Lothar Zogg

[1967]The Comedians Dr. Magiot

[1970]The Great White Hope Jack Jefferson

[1970]End of the Road Doctor D

[1974]Claudine Roop

[1975]Deadly Hero Rabbit Shazam

[1976]The River Niger Johnny Williams

[1976]The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings Leon Carter, All-Star C

[1976]Swashbuckler Nick Debrett

[1977]The Greatest Malcolm X

[1977]A Piece of the Action Joshua Burke

[1977]The Last Remake of Beau Geste Sheikh

[1977]Exorcist II: The Heretic Older Kokumo

[1981]The Bushido Blade The Prisoner

[1982]Bloodtide Frye

[1982]Conan the Barbarian Thulsa Doom

[1983]Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi Darth Vader

[1984]City Limits Albert

[1986]Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold Umslopoga

[1986]Soul Man Professor Banks

[1986]My Little Girl Ike Bailey

[1987]Gardens of Stone Goody Nelson

[1987]Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night Emperor of the Night

[1987]Matewan Few Clothes

[1988]Coming to America King Jaffe Joffer

[1989]Three Fugitives Dugan

[1989]Best of the Best Frank Couzo

[1989]Field of Dreams Terence Mann

[1990]The Ambulance Lt. Spencer

[1990]Grim Prairie Tales Morrison

[1990]Terrorgram Retribution

[1990]The Hunt for Red October Admiral Greer

[1991]True Identity James Earl Jones

[1991]Convicts Ben Johnson

[1991]Scorchers Bear

[1992]Freddie as F.R.O.7. Narrator

[1992]Sneakers Mr. Bernard Abbott

[1992]Patriot Games Admiral Greer

[1993]The Sandlot Mr. Mertle

[1993]Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama Narrator

[1993]Dreamrider William Perry

[1993]Sommersby Judge Issacs

[1993]Excessive Force Jake

[1993]The Meteor Man Earnest Moses

[1994]Clear and Present Danger Admiral Greer

[1994]Clean Slate John Dolby

[1994]The Lion King Mufa

[1995]Cry, the Beloved Country Rev. Stephen Kumalo

[1995]Jefferson in Paris Madison Hemings

[1996]A Family Thing Ray Murdock

[1996]Good Luck James Bing

[1997]Gang Related Arthur Baylor

[1998]Primary Colors CNN Voiceover

[1999]The Annihilation of Fish Fish

[1999]Undercover Angel The Judge

[2001]On the Q.T. Leo

[2001]Finder's Fee Avery Phillips

[2005]Robots Voice Box at Hardware Store

[2006]The Benchwarmers Darth Vader

[2008]Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins Papa Jenkins

[2009]Jack and the Beanstalk The Giant

[2010]Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey Admiral

[2013]Gimme Shelter Frank McCarthy

[2014]The Angriest Man in Brooklyn Ruben Video store owner

[2016]Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Darth Vader

[2018]Warning Shot Pendleton

[2019]Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker Darth Vader

[2021]Coming 2 America King Jaffe Joffer

[2023]Dark Suns Darth Vader


James Earl Jones TV Shows

Everwood Will Cleveland

Gabriel's Fire Gabriel Bird

L.A. Law Lee Atkins

Mathnet Chief Thad Green

Paris Woody Paris

Pros and Cons Gabriel Bird

Square One Television Announcer, Chief Thad Green

Star Wars: Rebels Darth Vader

Tarzan Nerlan, Chief Bella

The Simpsons Narrator, Maggie Simpson, Moving Man

James Earl Jones Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 2010 - Best Actor

James Earl Jones, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof

Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Performance

James Earl Jones, The Cherry Orchard

Drama Desk Awards - 1969 - Outstanding Performance

James Earl Jones, The Great White Hope

Obie Awards - 1965 - Performance

James Earl JonesBeal

Obie Awards - 1962 - Best Actor

James Earl Jones , Clandestine on the Morning Line

Obie Awards - 1962 - Best Actor

James Earl Jones , The Apple

Obie Awards - 1962 - Best Actor

James Earl Jones Moon on a Rainbow Shawl

Theatre World Awards - 1962 - Performance

James Earl JonesMoon on a Rainbow Shawl

James Earl Jones Videos

James Earl Jones News


GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL Will Release a Cast Recording This Spring; Recoups Investment

Gutenberg! The Musical! will release a cast recording! After taking their final bows on the stage of the Jones Theatre, Josh Gad  and Andrew Rannells step into the studio to record the upcoming Original Broadway Cast Album. The album will be released this spring on Center Stage Records and Yellow Sound Label.

Video: COMPANY on Tour Celebrates Star Britney Coleman's Birthday On Stage!

The touring company of Stephen Sondheim's and George Furth's Company, currently running in Greenville, SC, celebrated the actual birthday of the show's star, Britney Coleman, at their most recent performance!

ON GOLDEN POND At Skokie Theatre Promises A Heartwarming Production Of Ernest Thompson's Classic Play

MadKap Productions will present ON GOLDEN POND for 13 live performances at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Downtown Skokie. 

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld January 25, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is January 25, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL! Plays Final Broadway Performance

Gutenberg! The Musical! will play its final performance at on Broadway after 29 previews and 125 regular performances. 

Exclusive: Scott Pask Unpacks That Awesome, Surprise GUTENBERG! Set

Gutenberg! The Muscial is entering its final week of performances on Broadway, and by this point you probably know all about the production's nightly special guests... but unless you've made it to the James Earl Jones Theatre, you likely haven't seen its surprise final set! We have the exclusive details!

12 Broadway Shows Will Close in Coming Months

Check out a full list of which Broadway shows are set to close in 2024.

ON GOLDEN POND Comes to Skokie Theatre in February

MadKap Productions will present ON GOLDEN POND for 13 live performances at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Downtown Skokie. Feb 2 - Feb 25, 2024, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm, with one Wed. matinee on Feb 21 at 1:30 pm.

Where Broadway's Newest Shows Got Their Start

Check out where this spring's Broadway shows had their out-of-town tryouts at theatres all over the country.

Video: How Andrew Rannells Gets Josh Gad to Break Character in GUTENBERG!

Andrew Rannells sat down with Gayle King on CBS Mornings to discuss her recent 'Broadway debut' as the producer in the show. Rannells also opened up about his friendship with his co-star, Josh Gad, revealing that he tries to get him to break character on stage now after they starred in Book of Mormon together. Watch the video!

Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's COMPANY Makes St. Louis Debut At Fabulous Fox Theatre In February

COMPANY will make its St. Louis debut at the Fabulous Fox Theatre from February 27 to March 10. Get all the details and casting information on our website.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld January 17, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is January 17, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Corey Cott and McKenzie Kurtz Will Lead THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL; Full Cast Revealed!

The full cast has been revealed for the upcoming Broadway production of The Heart of Rock and Roll, the new musical inspired by the iconic songs written and performed by Huey Lewis and The News. Find out who is starring in the musical here!

Interview: Andrea Gordon of MIRIAM AND ESTHER GO TO THE DIAMOND DISTRICT at Magic Theatre Excavates Her Own Family History to Create a Music-Filled Tale of Forgiveness

BroadwayWorld talks to director/playwright/producer Andrea Gordon about her new play 'Miriam and Esther Go to the Diamond District' running at San Francisco's Magic Theatre January 18-28. The play tells a story of 2 sisters (daughters of an opera singer & concert pianist) meeting to go through their mother's belongings 45 years after she's died.

Review: A Dazzling, Inventive Adaptation Of Sondheim's COMPANY Lights Up The Room And Our Hearts At Straz Center For The Performing Arts

What did our critic think of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's COMPANY at Straz Center For The Performing Arts?

ON GOLDEN POND Comes to Skokie Theatre

MadKap Productions will present ON GOLDEN POND for 13 live performances at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Downtown Skokie.

OUR BORN-THIS-MONTH FEATURE FOR JANUARY SALUTES... GUESS WHO!

Every month, we take a moment to honor someone among those having a birthday that month who has made a real mark in the entertainment world .  January's birthday salute goes to a sensation on the stages of theatres and cabaret. With a click, you can see who it is and then see how much you know about their by taking our multiple-choice quiz.

ACW-TV's JAY WATCH Returns For A Second Season

ACW-TV’s JAY WATCH returns for a second season, celebrating the Golden Age of Television with classic episodes of iconic shows like The Lucy Show, Burns & Allen, and Dick Van Dyke.

Best Broadway Shows in 2024; What's Coming!

Check out a full list of what's to come on Broadway in 2024 and be sure to check back as more engagements are added to the list!

James Earl Jones FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

James Earl Jones has appeared on Broadway in 20 shows.

James Earl Jones has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

James Earl Jones's first West End show was Driving Miss Daisy which opened in 2011

James Earl Jones has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of the notable nominations include the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for "The Best Man," Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for "Gore Vidal's The Best Man," Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof," and Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." He has also been nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for "On Golden Pond," Outstanding Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for "On Golden Pond," Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for "On Golden Pond," Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for "Fences," Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for "Fences," and Best Actor (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for "Fences." Additionally, James Earl Jones has received nominations for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for "Fences," Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for "Paul Robeson," Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for "The Cherry Orchard," "Hamlet," "Les Blancs," and "The Great White Hope," and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for "The Great White Hope." Other nominations include Best Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for "Othello," Performance (Obie Awards) for "Beal," Best Actor (Obie Awards) for "Clandestine on the Morning Line," "The Apple," and "Moon on a Rainbow Shawl," as well as Performance (Theatre World Awards) for "Moon on a Rainbow Shawl."

James Earl Jones has won several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable awards include the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement, the Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "The Best Man" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," the Outstanding Actor - Play award from the Drama Desk Awards for "Fences," and the Distinguished Performance Award from the Drama League Awards for "Fences." He has also received recognition from the Helen Hayes Awards, Outer Critics Circle Awards, Drama Desk Awards, Tony Awards, Obie Awards, and Theatre World Awards for his outstanding performances in various plays such as "Hamlet," "The Cherry Orchard," "Les Blancs," "The Great White Hope," "Othello," "Beal," "Clandestine on the Morning Line," "The Apple," and "Moon on a Rainbow Shawl."

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