Hollywood Stars Pay Tribute to James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones accepts the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in New York City on June 11, 2017. Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions

Hollywood luminary James Earl Jones, renowned for voicing Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” franchise, died at his home in Dutchess County, New York, on Monday at the age of 93.

Numerous celebrities have turned to social media to express their condolences and celebrate the actor’s remarkable career.

Mark Hamill, who played Darth Vader’s son, Luke Skywalker, in the popular space trilogy, shared a brief message on Instagram, calling Jones “one of the world’s finest actors whose contributions to Star Wars were immeasurable.”

“He’ll be greatly missed,” Hamill said, concluding his post with the hashtag: “#RIP dad.”

Filmmaker George Lucas, the creator of “Star Wars,” shared a similar sentiment in a statement issued by Lucasfilm—a production company Lucas founded in 1971 and sold to Disney in 2012.

“James was an incredible actor, a most unique voice both in art and spirit,” Lucas wrote. “For nearly half a century he was Darth Vader, but the secret to it all is he was a beautiful human being.”

Beyond infusing “depth, sincerity, and meaning” into all of the characters he portrayed, Lucas emphasized that Jones’s most meaningful role in life was that of being a devoted husband to his late wife, Cecilia Hart—who succumbed to ovarian cancer in 2016 at the age of 68—and a father to the couple’s only child, son Flynn.

“James will be missed by so many of us ... friends and fans alike,” Lucas said.

“Dances With Wolves” star Kevin Costner was among those who responded to the loss.

“That booming voice. That quiet strength. The kindness that he radiated. So much can be said about his legacy,” the actor penned in an Instagram post, adding that he was grateful to work with Jones in the 1989 sports fantasy film “Field of Dreams.”

“If you’ve seen it, you know that this movie wouldn’t be the same with anyone else in his role,” Costner wrote.

“Only he could bring that kind of magic to a movie about baseball and a corn field in Iowa. I’m grateful to have been a witness to him making that magic happen. Rest in peace, friend.”

Colman Domingo, an actor recognized for his performances in “Fear the Walking Dead” and “Selma,” conveyed his appreciation to Jones for his contributions.

“Thank you dear James Earl Jones for everything,” Domingo wrote on X. “A master of our craft. We stand on your shoulders. Rest now. You gave us your best.”

Actor Wendell Pierce, who also starred in “Selma,” called Jones the “living embodiment of artistry, integrity, creativity, and dignity.”

“James Earl Jones is the sole reason I became an actor. He stirred a vocation in me that gave voice to my unsung heart songs,” Pierce wrote.

“By example, he led me on the exploration of my own personal humanity and the study of human behavior in others and the intangible, ever-present soul. He was a once in a generation talent that has left an enormous legacy in American culture.”

Rob Minkoff, a producer and animator who co-directed the 1994 Disney film “The Lion King,” remembered his time working with Jones, who voiced the character Mufasa in the animated musical.

“Just learned of the passing of the great James Earl Jones,” Minkoff wrote on Instagram. “I was blessed to get to work with him. His portrayal of Mufasa was perfection. What a powerful man and actor. Gone but will never be forgotten. Rest in power.”

Octavia Spencer also responded to the news.

“Legendary doesn’t even begin to describe his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever,” the “Hidden Figures” actress posted on Instagram.

“His voice and talent will be remembered always. Sending love to his family, friends and countless fans in all the galaxies, far, far away.”