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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

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
[ 1964 ] Lt. Lothar Zogg
The Comedians
[ 1967 ] Dr. Magiot
The Great White Hope
[ 1970 ] Jack Jefferson
End of the Road
[ 1970 ] Doctor D
Claudine
[ 1974 ] Roop
Deadly Hero
[ 1975 ] Rabbit Shazam
The River Niger
[ 1976 ] Johnny Williams
The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings
[ 1976 ] Leon Carter, All-Star C
Swashbuckler
[ 1976 ] Nick Debrett
The Greatest
[ 1977 ] Malcolm X
A Piece of the Action
[ 1977 ] Joshua Burke
The Last Remake of Beau Geste
[ 1977 ] Sheikh
Exorcist II: The Heretic
[ 1977 ] Older Kokumo
The Bushido Blade
[ 1981 ] The Prisoner
Bloodtide
[ 1982 ] Frye
Conan the Barbarian
[ 1982 ] Thulsa Doom
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
[ 1983 ] Darth Vader
City Limits
[ 1984 ] Albert
Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold
[ 1986 ] Umslopoga
Soul Man
[ 1986 ] Professor Banks
My Little Girl
[ 1986 ] Ike Bailey
Gardens of Stone
[ 1987 ] Goody Nelson
Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night
[ 1987 ] Emperor of the Night
Matewan
[ 1987 ] Few Clothes
Coming to America
[ 1988 ] King Jaffe Joffer
Three Fugitives
[ 1989 ] Dugan
Best of the Best
[ 1989 ] Frank Couzo
Field of Dreams
[ 1989 ] Terence Mann
The Ambulance
[ 1990 ] Lt. Spencer
Grim Prairie Tales
[ 1990 ] Morrison
Terrorgram
[ 1990 ] Retribution
The Hunt for Red October
[ 1990 ] Admiral Greer
True Identity
[ 1991 ] James Earl Jones
Convicts
[ 1991 ] Ben Johnson
Scorchers
[ 1991 ] Bear
Freddie as F.R.O.7.
[ 1992 ] Narrator
Sneakers
[ 1992 ] Mr. Bernard Abbott
Patriot Games
[ 1992 ] Admiral Greer
The Sandlot
[ 1993 ] Mr. Mertle
Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama
[ 1993 ] Narrator
Dreamrider
[ 1993 ] William Perry
Sommersby
[ 1993 ] Judge Issacs
Excessive Force
[ 1993 ] Jake
The Meteor Man
[ 1993 ] Earnest Moses
Clear and Present Danger
[ 1994 ] Admiral Greer
Clean Slate
[ 1994 ] John Dolby
The Lion King
[ 1994 ] Mufa
Cry, the Beloved Country
[ 1995 ] Rev. Stephen Kumalo
Jefferson in Paris
[ 1995 ] Madison Hemings
A Family Thing
[ 1996 ] Ray Murdock
Good Luck
[ 1996 ] James Bing
Gang Related
[ 1997 ] Arthur Baylor
Primary Colors
[ 1998 ] CNN Voiceover
The Annihilation of Fish
[ 1999 ] Fish
Undercover Angel
[ 1999 ] The Judge
On the Q.T.
[ 2001 ] Leo
Finder's Fee
[ 2001 ] Avery Phillips
Robots
[ 2005 ] Voice Box at Hardware Store
The Benchwarmers
[ 2006 ] Darth Vader
Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins
[ 2008 ] Papa Jenkins
Jack and the Beanstalk
[ 2009 ] The Giant
Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey
[ 2010 ] Admiral
Gimme Shelter
[ 2013 ] Frank McCarthy
The Angriest Man in Brooklyn
[ 2014 ] Ruben Video store owner
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
[ 2016 ] Darth Vader
Warning Shot
[ 2018 ] Pendleton
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker
[ 2019 ] Darth Vader
Coming 2 America
[ 2021 ] King Jaffe Joffer
Dark Suns
[ 2023 ] 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


winner
Tony Awards - 2017 - Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement

James Earl Jones


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

James Earl Jones, The Best Man

Tony Awards - 2012 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

James Earl Jones, Gore Vidal's The Best Man

Olivier Awards - 2010 - Best Actor

James Earl Jones, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

James Earl Jones, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Helen Hayes Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production

James Earl JonesOn Golden Pond

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

James Earl Jones, On Golden Pond

Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

James Earl Jones, On Golden Pond


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1987 - Outstanding Actor - Play

James Earl Jones, Fences


winner
Drama League Awards - 1987 - Distinguished Performance Award

James Earl Jones, Fences


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1987 - The American Express Tribute

James Earl Jones


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1987 - Best Actor

James Earl Jones, Fences


winner
Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

James Earl Jones, Fences

Drama Desk Awards - 1978 - Outstanding Actor - Play

James Earl Jones, Paul Robeson


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Performance

James Earl Jones, The Cherry Orchard


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Performance

James Earl Jones, Hamlet


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Performance

James Earl Jones, Les Blancs


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1969 - Outstanding Performance

James Earl Jones, The Great White Hope


winner
Tony Awards - 1969 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

James Earl Jones, The Great White Hope


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1965 - Best Performance

James Earl Jones, Othello


winner
Obie Awards - 1965 - Performance

James Earl JonesBeal


winner
Obie Awards - 1962 - Best Actor

James Earl Jones , Clandestine on the Morning Line


winner
Obie Awards - 1962 - Best Actor

James Earl Jones , The Apple


winner
Obie Awards - 1962 - Best Actor

James Earl Jones Moon on a Rainbow Shawl


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1962 - Performance

James Earl JonesMoon on a Rainbow Shawl

James Earl Jones Videos

James Earl Jones News


MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, CABARET & More Lead in Nominations for 2024 Drama League Awards


Read the full list of 2024 Drama League Nominations! Nominations include Cabaret, Merrily We Roll Along and more.

COMPANY is Coming to BroadwaySF's Orpheum Theatre This Summer


The Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim’s and George Furth’s COMPANY will perform a limited engagement at BroadwaySF’s Orpheum Theatre. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Jason Alexander to Star in Lonny Price-Helmed FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at La Mirada


Jason Alexander and more will be starring in Fiddler on the Roof at La Mirada Theatre. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Video: Corey Cott Talks Playing Bobby in THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL on LIVE WITH KELLY AND MARK


Corey Cott joined Live with Kelly and Mark on Thursday to discuss his role in the new musical The Heart of Rock and Roll. Describing the show, Cott explained: 'This show is just this unfettered vibe of optimism and positivity. We've been using this phrase: 'It's a John Hughes rom-com; a love letter to the '80s with Huey Lewis and The News music.'' Watch the interview here!

Video: Huey Lewis Talks The HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL on THE VIEW


Huey Lewis joined The View on Wednesday to discuss his new musical The Heart of Rock and Roll. With both this show and Back to the Future currently on Broadway, the hosts asked if this move to musical theatre was a goal of his. 'It's not something that I ever aspired to...but it's been kind of a late life gift,' the artist said. Watch the full interview here!

Photos/Video: First Look at THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL on Broadway


Get a first look at the new Broadway musical The Heart of Rock and Roll, as new photos and video have been released ahead of the show's April 22nd Opening Night.

Video: Watch THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL Cast Perform Title Number on GMA


Huey Lewis and the cast of the new musical The Heart of Rock and Roll joined Good Morning America on Tuesday to perform a number from the show. Even though he can no longer perform himself due to hearing loss, Lewis talked about the experience working on the show. See the special performance here!

Josh Gad to Make Directorial Debut with Chris Farley Biopic Starring Paul Walter Hauser


According to reports, Tony Award-nominated actor Josh Gad is set to mark his directorial debut with a biopic centering on legendary comic Chris Farley. Gad, known for his role as Elder Cunningham in The Book of Mormon and as the voice of Olaf in the Frozen franchise, will be directing the film with Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels producing.

Tennessee Williams St. Louis Returns With 9th Annual Festival This August


Tennessee Williams St. Louis will return to year-round programming with its 9th Annual Festival, running August 8-18.

Photos: In Rehearsal for A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD At Children's Theatre Company


Children’s Theatre Company has released sneak peek photos inside rehearsals for its upcoming production of A Year With Frog and Toad.

Video: THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL Starts Previews on Broadway


The Heart of Rock & Roll is beating on Broadway! Watch highlights from the first preview, with a special appearance by Huey Lewis himself!

Broadway Buying Guide: April 1, 2024- MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Rolls to the Top


Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, April 1, 2024.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 1, 2024


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THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL Launches Digital Lottery and Rush Policies


Ahead of its first preview this Friday, The Heart of Rock and Roll has announced its digital lottery and rush policies. Learn how to get discounted tickets for The Heart of Rock and Roll here!

Petition Launched to Rename Broadway Theatre for Chita Rivera


A petition has been launched to rename a Broadway theatre for the late stage icon Chita Rivera. Learn more bout the petition!

Meet the Cast of THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway


The Heart of Rock and Roll, the new musical inspired by the iconic songs written and performed by Huey Lewis and The News, officially begins previews tonight, March 29. The musical  will open at The James Earl Jones Theatre on Monday, April 22. Meet the cast of The Heart of Rock and Roll here!

Broadway Buying Guide: March 25, 2024- HADESTOWN Is (Livin' it Up) on Top


Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, March 25, 2024.

Video: Watch McKenzie Kurtz Perform 'It Hit Me Like a Hammer' From THE HEART OF ROCK & ROLL


McKenzie Kurtz appeared on Late Night With Jimmy Kimmel to perform 'It Hit Me Like A Hammer' from The Heart of Rock & Roll. Kimmel sat down with Huey Lewis to discuss how the musical is 'significantly' different from it's pre-Broadway run. The televised Broadway performance is a rarity for Kimmel's LA-based talk show. Watch the video now!

Video: THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL Moves Into the James Earl Jones Theatre


Check out the latest video as THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL takes center stage at the James Earl Jones Theatre.

24 Theater Books for Your Spring 2024 Reading List


Need a great book to spring into the new season? This spring, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 24 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's spring reading list.

James Earl Jones FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has James Earl Jones been in?

James Earl Jones has appeared on Broadway in 20 shows.

How many West End shows has James Earl Jones been in?

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

What was James Earl Jones's first West End show?

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

What awards has James Earl Jones been nominated for?

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

What awards has James Earl Jones won?

James Earl Jones has won several awards throughout his illustrious career, including the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "The Best Man" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," Outstanding Actor - Play from the Drama Desk Awards for "Fences," Distinguished Performance Award from the Drama League Awards for "Fences," the American Express Tribute from the Helen Hayes Awards, Best Actor from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Fences," Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "Fences," and Outstanding Performance from the Drama Desk Awards for "Hamlet," "The Cherry Orchard," "Les Blancs," and "The Great White Hope." He also received the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "The Great White Hope," Best Performance from the Drama Desk Awards for "Othello," Performance from the Obie Awards for "Beal," Best Actor from the Obie Awards for "Clandestine on the Morning Line," "The Apple," and "Moon on a Rainbow Shawl," as well as a Performance award from the Theatre World Awards for "Moon on a Rainbow Shawl."

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