James Earl Jones in 2010 – Photo by Stuart Crawford (Cropped by Ubcule) (CC BY 2.0)

Prepare to feel a disturbance in the Force—James Earl Jones, the iconic actor behind two of the most legendary voices in geekdom, has passed away at the age of 93. Whether you knew him as the menacing Darth Vader or the wise Mufasa, Jones’ voice left an indelible mark on the worlds of Star Wars and The Lion King. His powerful presence both on-screen and off made him a legend in his own right, earning him Tony Awards, Emmys, a Grammy, and even an honorary Oscar.

Jones wasn’t just a voice actor though—his career spanned decades of unforgettable performances. His breakout moment came in 1970 when he portrayed Jack Jefferson, the first Black heavyweight champion, in The Great White Hope. That role earned him an Oscar nomination, and from there, Jones’ path to geek royalty was set. He went on to feature in fan-favorite films like Field of Dreams, where he played the reclusive author Terence Mann, and The Sandlot, as Mr. Mertle, the gruff but lovable neighbor.

Born in 1931 in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones overcame an early childhood struggle that would have crushed the ambitions of many—he suffered from a debilitating stutter. But like any great hero, he turned his weakness into his greatest strength. That deep, booming voice that would eventually strike fear into the hearts of the Rebel Alliance was once nearly silenced, but through sheer determination, Jones transformed his speech into a force to be reckoned with.

Jones made his feature film debut in Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove (1964), but it was his Star Wars work as the voice of Darth Vader that truly made him a geek culture icon. From the moment he first uttered “I am your father,” his voice became etched into the minds of millions of fans worldwide. His role as Mufasa in The Lion King cemented his place in Disney fandom as the regal father figure we all wished we had.

Jones’ achievements in acting weren’t limited to the silver screen. He conquered the stage and earned a pair of Tony Awards, and when he wasn’t winning Emmys for his television work, he was picking up a Grammy to round out his legendary career.

James Earl Jones was more than an actor—he was the voice of entire generations of fandoms. His impact on the world of geek culture is immeasurable, and while we mourn his loss, we’ll always have his legacy in the films, shows, and stories that have shaped our imaginations.

Rest in peace, James Earl Jones—may the Force be with you, always.