In Memoriam 2024: James Earl Jones (1931–2024) Tribute List

American actor James Earl Jones — best known for his booming voice — had an extensive career in film, television, and theater, earning him the rare EGOT: (2) Emmys, a Grammy, an Oscar, and (2) Tony awards. It was a childhood stutter that helped him develop his famous voice. Over his seven-decade career he received scores of acting awards including the American Theater Hall of Fame (1985), the Kennedy Center Honor (2002), and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award (2009). Incredibly versatile, he starred in numerous Broadway hits including Othello, Of Mice and Men (his favorite), The Iceman Cometh, and On Golden Pond. Most famous for his film roles as the voice of Darth Vader (Star Wars franchise), the voice of Mufasa (The Lion King), and Terence Mann in Field of Dreams, he also has dozens of other film credits: The Great White Hope (Oscar nomination), Coming to America, and The Hunt for Red October trilogy to name a few. On TV he voiced Alex Haley in Roots and three different Simpsons characters, as well as appearing in many other popular shows. This tribute honors this iconic actor through film and television quotes, and biographical information.
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. basso profundo
    a very deep bass voice
    You can't think of James Earl Jones without hearing his voice. That booming basso profundo, conveying instant dignity or menace, was Jones' signature instrument.
    – CNN
  2. dignity
    the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect
    You can't think of James Earl Jones without hearing his voice. That booming basso profundo, conveying instant dignity or menace, was Jones' signature instrument.
    – CNN
  3. override
    a manually operated device to correct an automatic device
    Manual override negative function. I think the cable link to the override must be sheared away.
    – Dr. Strangelove
  4. redeem
    restore the honor or worth of
    Hey, look, man, I ain't fighting for no race, I ain't redeeming nobody. My mama told me Mr. Lincoln done that. Ain't that why you shot him?
    – The Great White Hope
  5. conflict
    a hostile meeting of opposing military forces
    Luke, you do not yet realize your importance. You have only begun to discover your power. Join me, and I will complete your training. With our combined strength, we can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the galaxy.
    – Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
  6. destiny
    the circumstances or condition to which someone is fated
    You underestimate the power of the Dark Side. If you will not fight, then you will meet your destiny.
    – Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
  7. determine
    shape or influence; give direction to
    Some of you may have had easy lives up until now. Some of you may not. Life this semester won't be easy for any of you. Your grades in your first year of law school can determine your entire future in the law.
    – Soul Man
  8. nausea
    the state that precedes vomiting
    So you see, my son, there is a very fine line between love and nausea.
    – Coming to America
  9. fathom
    come to understand
    Ray, people will come Ray. They'll come to Iowa for reasons they can't even fathom.
    – Field of Dreams
  10. hull
    the frame or body of a ship
    Now, understand, Commander, that torpedo did not self-destruct. You heard it hit the hull. And I...[showing him his identification]...was never here.
    – The Hunt for Red October
  11. absolutely
    totally and definitely; without question
    Excuse me, Jack, tell me one thing in life that is absolutely for certain.
    – Patriot Games
  12. delicate
    difficult to handle; requiring great tact
    Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance. As king, you need to understand that balance and respect all the creatures, from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope.
    – The Lion King
  13. oath
    a solemn promise regarding your future acts or behavior
    You took an oath, if you recall, when you first came to work for me. And I don't mean to the National Security Advisor of the United States, I mean to his boss...and I don't mean the President. You gave your word to his boss: you gave your word to the people of the United States. Your word is who you are.
    – Clear and Present Danger
  14. justice
    the quality of being fair, reasonable, or impartial
    [discussing the idea of Jesus' being born in a stable]
    And yet, I see the justice of it.
    – Jesus of Nazareth
  15. hesitate
    pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness
    Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer…
    – Simpsons
  16. hero
    a person distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility
    "He's my hero," [Denzel] Washington tells Variety. "My college theater career started because of 'The Emperor Jones' and 'Othello' with James Earl Jones."
    – Variety
  17. radiate
    send out real or metaphoric rays
    On Monday, [Kevin] Costner recalled Jones' "booming voice," "quiet strength" and "the kindness that he radiated" in a statement on Instagram. "So much can be said about his legacy, so I'll just say how thankful I am that part of it includes 'Field of Dreams.'"
    – CNN
  18. sincerity
    the quality of being open and truthful
    "For nearly half a century, he was Darth Vader, but the secret to it all is he was a beautiful human being. He gave depth, sincerity and meaning to all his roles, amongst the most important being a devoted husband to the late Ceci and dad to Flynn. James will be missed by so many of us…friends and fans alike."
    – The Hollywood Reporter
  19. honorary
    given as an award without the normal duties
    During his career, Jones won three Tony awards including two Emmys and a Grammy, as well as an honorary Oscar in 2011 for lifetime achievement.
    – BBC
  20. titan
    a person of exceptional importance and reputation
    A larger-than-life titan in film, TV, and theater, Jones was most recognizable for his unmistakable baritone voice, which he used to portray the villainous Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” franchise and King Mufasa in the animated classic "The Lion King."
    – Variety
Created on Wed Sep 11 20:54:10 EDT 2024 (updated Fri Sep 13 12:17:36 EDT 2024)

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