James Earl Jones Is Retiring From Voicing Darth Vader

James Earl Jones, one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors has retired from Star War’s Darth Vader, a role he has held for over 45 years. 

James Earl Jones first appeared as the iconic villain in the original Star Wars film in 1977 with David Prowse portraying the character physically. Jones continued to voice Darth Vader in the two sequels, Revenge of The Sith, Star Wars: Rebels, Rogue One and The Rise of Skywalker. 

According to Vanity Fair, James Earl Jones has signed off the rights of the Star Wars’ Darth Vader to Lucasfilm and Ukrainian A.I audio company Respeecher officially retiring from the role. Despite his retirement from the role, Lucasfilm will continue to consult the veteran actor with their plans for Vader and with the use of technology from Respeecher Darth Vader’s voice will continue to live on after Jones retirement. 

Despite only having spoken a handful of times, Darth Vader remains one of Jones most iconic movie appearances. The actor also famously provided the voice of Mufasa in Disney animation The Lion King (1994) and its 2019 live action remake.

During his career, Earl Jones has been the recipient of three Tony Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Grammy Award.