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The man, the myth, the legend, James Earl Jones is one of the most distinguished and versatile actors in entertainment history. The man with a voice that influenced a generation, Jones voice is iconic with roles like Mufasa and the biggest villain in history, Darth Vader. With a career going well over 60 years, Jones is one of a few actors to obtain the covenant EGOT: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. With such a long career, Jones has played all characters and been in all types of films. Let’s give praise to the legendary actor and the legendary voice. All bow down to Mufasa.
Darth Vader- Star Wars trilogy (1977-2022)
How can we not start with this role? Jones might not be the actor in the suit but he provided the menacing voice. His voice made me love this character and wanted to be a villain. He is such a badass and has so many lines that you could honestly have a top-10 list of Darth Vader quotes. A New Hope was the start but Vader came hard in Empire Strikes Back. You saw how menacing and ruthless. Impressive…Most Impressive
Mufasa- The Lion King (1994)
Mufasa! Say it again! Mufasa! One of the best Disney animation roles of all time. This role is on the same level as Robin Williams Genie in Aladdin. When you think of a powerful lion’s voice, this is what you want to expect and especially one that is a king. Mufasa is such a powerful figure that his knowledge and kind heart makes you want to serve him. One of the few roles that people can’t watch because of Scar.
Jack Jefferson- The Great White Hope (1970)
The film where Jones received his first and only Academy Award nomination. The film follows Jack Jefferson, patterned after real-life boxer Jack Johnson. Jefferson is on a winning streak beating white opponents left and right. When the press wants to see a white person beat him, they announce the search for a “great white hope.” Jones is charming and excellent in this role of a man who has to straddle both sides of the fence while courting a white woman.
King Jaffe Joffer- Coming to America (1988)
In the Eddie Murphy classic comedy, Jones plays King Joffer, the king of the wealthy African nation of Zamunda. This must’ve been the role that convinced Disney to cast Jones as Mufasa. Jones just has a regal presence about himself. His just looks and sounds like a king and it is amazing. You a badass when you have a lion as a shawl.
Thulsa Doom- Conan the Barbarian (1982)
Jones is straight up terrifying as Thulsa Doom. When he first appeared, he had that stare that hypnotized Conan’s mom before beheading her. Jones deserves much praise as the sorcerer who oversees a snake cult who can turn into a giant ass snake and lived for thousands of years. Jones displayed the power and conviction of the character that is stated to remind many of cult leader, Jim Jones.
Lt. Lothar Zogg- Dr. Strangelove (1964)
Dr. Strangelove is one of the most hilarious films and holds up today. The cast is phenomenal and some people take over. Forgotten in the film is Jones as Lt. Lothar Zogg. This was Jones first ever movie role. Jones comedic timing is spot on as he faces a serious decision. I promise that you will chuckle during this movie more than once.
Admiral James Greer- The Hunt for Red October (1990)
Based on the first novel featuring Jack Ryan. In the film, Ryan finds himself trying to prove that a Soviet Union submarine captain is planning on defecting. Jones plays Admiral James Greer, the Deputy Director of the CIA. Greer recruits Ryan to give advice. Jones just has a commanding presence where you believe he can command any fleet that he wants and no one would ask any questions. Tow years later, he would reprise his role.
Mr. Mertle- The Sandlot (1993)
The Sandlot is one of the best coming-of-age baseball movies. Jones had his hand in another classic baseball film. He is briefly in the film but when he comes on screen, he makes every minute count. He really doesn’t show up until the end of the film as the bling owner of Hercules aka the Beast. He was an old friend of Babe Ruth and avid baseball collector.
Gabriel Bird- Gabriel’s Fire (1990-1991)
Jones won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for this role. As Gabriel Bird, he was a former Chicago police officer had been wrongfully sentenced to life for the murder of a fellow police office. It was proven that he was framed as the police wanted to attack members of a militant black nationalist organization. Bird is released after twenty years and works as a private eye for the lawyer that helped him get free.
Troy Maxson- Fences (1987-1988)
Jones won a Tony for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play. If you seen the film starring Denzel Washington, you know that performance was strong. Jones is intense in this film as Troy and when he is talking to his son, his voice resonates with anger and disdain.
