James Earl Jones passed away on Monday, Sept. 9, at his home in Dutchess County, New York. He was 93. While his cause of death is unclear, his career left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Known for iconic roles in Field of Dreams, The Great White Hope, and as the voice of Darth Vader and Mufasa in The Lion King, Jones became an EGOT winner, with multiple Emmys, a Grammy, a Golden Globe, and Tony Awards. He also received the National Medal of the Arts, an honorary Oscar, and was honored by the Kennedy Center.

In 2022, the Colt Theatre was renamed in his honor, marking a full-circle moment from when he made his Broadway debut in 1958. Reflecting on his journey, Jones expressed hope that his story would inspire future actors.