Before his death, James Earl Jones and his late wife Cecilia Hart defied the odds to be together. The interracial couple remained married for over three decades until her tragic demise due to ovarian cancer.
Late legendary actor James Earl Jones was particularly distinguishable for his voice that several generations were able to recognize. Many knew him as the voice of Darth Vader in the hit movie franchise “Star Wars,” while others recognized him for starring in “The Great White Hope.”
James Earl Jones speaking into a mic during a studio recording session in Hollywood, California on July 10, 1991 | Source: Getty Images
Regardless of which character he was associated with, there is no denying that Jones was an exceptional and talented entertainer. Like his career, Jones’ personal life was filled with success, especially after he married his second wife, Cecilia Hart.
James Earl Jones at the 2016 Tony Awards in New York City on June 12, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Sadly, decades after marrying Hart, Jones passed away at 93 years old. His Independent Artist Group representatives confirmed that the Broadway icon and EGOT winner died on Monday morning, September 9, at his home in Dutchess County, New York.
James Earl Jones during a portrait session in New York on September 16, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
While the legendary entertainer, who amassed nearly 200 screen credits over the span of his 60-year-long career, is no longer alive, his incredible legacy will not be forgotten. Let’s take a look back at some of the most noteworthy highlights of his career and life, especially as it pertains to the 34 years he shared with Hart.
James Earl Jones at the opening night of the “On Golden Pond” afterparty in New York City on April 7, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
Humble Beginnings
Born in Arkabutla, Mississippi, on January 17, 1931, Jones was raised by his maternal grandparents before relocating to Michigan. As a child, he developed a speech problem and would severely stutter, which damaged his self-esteem around others. Fortunately, a teacher helped him find his way to speak without interruptions.
As a young adult, Jones first tried his luck with several career avenues — military, medicine, and more — before pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.
James Earl Jones in the daytime drama “As the World Turns” in New York on December 2, 1965 | Source: Getty Images
He took up medicine at the University of Michigan and served in the military during the war. When Jones moved to New York City and studied at the American Theatre, it paved the way for him to land stage roles. Interestingly, acting was the path his largely absent father, Robert, took as well.
Previously sharing some words about not having a relationship with his father, Jones once recalled, “I didn’t know him, and he didn’t raise me, but in high school, I would see his picture in national magazines.”
James Earl Jones in “Looking Through Super Plastic Elastic Goggles at Color” in 1970. | Source: Getty Images
In the late ’50s, Jones made his Broadway debut in the play “Sunrise at Campobello” and appeared in the first productions of Shakespeare in the Park. From there, he made his way onto both the small and big screen.
When 1963 rolled around, he scored his first Emmy nomination for his performance in “East Side/West Side,” followed by “Dr. Strangelove” in 1964. In the same decade, he also starred in the soaps “Guiding Light” and “As the World Turns.”
A Remarkable Career
Since the beginning of his career, Jones left an indelible mark on Hollywood. He remained a prime fixture throughout his years, which was further bolstered by his versatility and talent.
Besides his role in “The Great White Hope,” his portfolio of great works also includes “Fences,” “Heat Wave,” “Gabriel’s Fire,” and lending his voice to the beloved character of Mufasa in the 1994 Disney animation “The Lion King.” He also reprised this role in the 2019 remake of the hit film.
Cecelia Hart and James Earl Jones at the 10th Anniversary Performance of “The Lion King” in 2009. | Source: Getty Images
He brought forth some exceptional projects in his life, winning Tony Awards for “The Great White Hope” and “Fences.” Jones, who was a two-time Emmy Award winner, also won an honorary Academy Award in 2011.
James Earl Jones posing with his Lifetime Achievement award in London, England on November 12, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
The late “Coming to America” talent remained a prominent and accomplished figure both on stage and on-screen. In the 2010s, he starred in the productions “The Best Man,” “You Can’t Take It With You,” and “The Gin Game,” and received his fourth Tony nomination for the revival of “The Best Man.”
James Earl Jones posing with his honorary Oscar during the 84th Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California on February 26, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
At the age of 91, Jones was still active in the industry. Aside from “The Lion King,” he also reprised his role as the voice of Darth Vader on “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.” Additionally, in 2021, he garnered credit for his return as King Jaffe Joffer in “Coming 2 America.”
Finding Love
As fate would have it, Jones’ decision to become an actor led him to the love of his life. Seven years after parting ways with his first wife, actress Julienne Marie, Jones met Hart on the set of Steven Bochco’s TV series “Paris,” which debuted in 1979.
James Earl Jones and Cecelia Hart in an episode of “Paris” on September 29, 1979. | Source: Getty Images
Hart was also an accomplished actress who appeared in “Law & Order,” “MacGyver,” “Three’s Company,” and “Dirty Linen,” for which she received a Drama Desk Award nomination.
Cecelia Hart at the 66th Annual Tony Awards in New York City on June 10, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
In 1982, Jones and Hart tied the knot after co-starring in a Broadway production of William Shakespeare’s “Othello.” Like Jones, it was the second marriage for the actress as well, who was previously married to another actor named Bruce Weitz.
James Earl Jones and Cecelia Hart at a party for the 43rd Annual Tony Awards in New York City on June 4, 1989 | Source: Getty Images
An Interracial Marriage
At the time they got together, their relationship was at best a novelty and, at worst, a taboo in society. Jones, a Black man, fell in love with Hart, a white woman. Interracial relationships back then did not have the same level of acceptance they do today, making it much harder for them both.
James Earl Jones and Cecelia Hart at the premiere of “My Little Girl” in New York City on July 27, 1987 | Source: Getty Images
Although there were no confirmed reports of Jones’ family being against the union, his grandmother, who he once described as “racist,” may not have been too happy with her late grandson’s choice of a life partner.
Nonetheless, the late couple went ahead and forged a life together. They went on to welcome their son, Flynn, during their marriage. Their only kid grew up to take after his late father in a similar fashion to how Jones followed his own father’s footsteps.
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Seemingly having inherited his late dad’s voice talents, Flynn recorded the audiobook of a steamy romance novel called “Heartthrob” by Ahren Sanders.
Flynn and James Earl Jones with Cecilia Hart at the RAC Club in London, England on October 5, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Besides his voice work, Flynn also reportedly served as his father’s personal assistant and maintained a close relationship with him.
Still, he prefers to stay out of the spotlight. His late famous parents, who, unlike him, were constantly in the spotlight, remained true to their vows and only parted ways as a result of Hart’s untimely death in 2016, 34 years after their union.
James and Flynn Earl Jones with Cecilia Hart at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 19, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Cecilia Hart’s Death
On October 16, 2016, Hart died at age 68 after battling ovarian cancer. Just four months before her death, she and Jones were able to pose on the red carpet at the Tony Awards for the last time.
After she passed, she and Jones’ family reportedly asked for donations to be made to The Actors Fund or Hudson Valley Hospice.
Following the loss of his beloved wife, James Earl Jones continued to be active in the entertainment industry and was still highly praised for his work. Neither time nor age made him irrelevant in Hollywood and amongst television and movie viewers who still hold the late icon in high regard even after his demise.