World-famous voice

US film star James Earl Jones passes away at the age of 93

James Earl Jones became famous worldwide as the voice of Darth Vader and Mufasa from "The Lion King".(Bild: APA/AP)

The film world is mourning the loss of one of its biggest stars: James Earl Jones has died at the age of 93 at his home in New York. Jones achieved international fame primarily with his voice for Darth Vader in the "Star Wars" saga and for Mufasa in "The Lion King".

Jones, who was born on January 17, 1931 in Arkabutla in the US state of Mississippi, had a stellar career after his first film appearance in cult director Stanley Kubrick's "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Love the Bomb".

He was one of the few actors to win an Emmy, Grammy, Honorary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement as well as several Tony Awards.

The voice and the mute extra
Incidentally, Jones owed it to chance that he was allowed to lend his voice to the dark Sith Lord in "Star Wars". Director George Lucas did not like David Prowse's accent.

James Earl Jones became famous worldwide with the voice of Darth Vader and Mufasa from "The Lion King".(Bild: APA/AP)

So in post-production, all of Jones' dialog was re-recorded. Prowse became a mute extra, while Jones created one of the most iconic villains of modern times with his voice.