As a lifelong fan of the silver screen and small, I find myself deeply moved by the remarkable journey of the esteemed actor, Mr. James Earl Jones. From his iconic portrayal of Mufasa, King of the Pride Lands, to his chilling performance as Darth Vader, his work has left an indelible mark on generations of film enthusiasts like myself.
The great James Earl Jones has left an amazing legacy behind in movies but some may be overlooking his fun TV work!
Known for his distinctive, resonant voice, James Earl Jones was undeniably one of the most influential and admired actors across all generations. He will forever be recognized for portraying Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, among numerous other films that are too numerous to list. He is a recipient of an EGOT (a lifetime achievement Oscar) as well as numerous other accolades. His recent passing at the age of 93 has brought renewed attention to his remarkable career, as many have grown up with his work on screen. Consequently, his loss feels profound, as generations have come to appreciate and identify with Jones and his film legacy.
Yet it can be overlooked how Jones had a surprising number of TV appearances. Most were in guest star turns for one episode like Everwood, but others could be more notable. To mark his passing, here’s a quick look at the highlights of Jones’ TV career that add to his remarkable acting legacy.
Roots: The Next Generations
By the time he joined the sequel of the critically acclaimed, Emmy-winning TV show, Jones was already a renowned figure, having been nominated for an Oscar. His character was Alex Haley, the author of the book, and his portrayal focused on Haley’s journey into his family history. Haley himself expressed gratitude at being brought to life by such a respected actor, and Jones seamlessly fit in with the talented ensemble cast in this extraordinary series.
Paris
1979 marked the beginning of Jones’ recurrent appearances on television, with his debut role in a CBS series produced by future renowned producer Steven Boccho. In this show, he embodied Captain Woody Paris, a character leading a group of young detectives. The series followed standard police procedural patterns. However, it seemed that Jones was overqualified for the part, making it difficult to imagine him as an ordinary family man. Despite this, the series was commended for Paris’ use of his commanding voice to keep his subordinates in check. Regrettably, it ran for only 13 episodes; yet, it demonstrated that Jones had equal talent for TV roles as he did for film.
Heat Wave
1990’s television film, titled “The Watts Riots”, delves into the significant 1965 event that marked a turning point for the Civil Rights movement. The movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring Blair Underwood as a novice journalist, accompanied by Cicely Tyson, Margaret Avery, David Strathairn, and others. Jones stands out in his role as an elderly neighbor struggling to manage the turmoil unfolding around him. Jones’s portrayal earned him an Emmy award, highlighting this lesser-known yet powerful depiction of a dramatic historical moment.
Gabriel’s Fire/Pros and Cons
In the 1990s, TV series on ABC saw the comeback of Jones. His role was that of a Chicago police officer who served 20 years in prison for a shooting incident where he protected a woman and child. Now out of jail, he collaborates with a lawyer to assist those falsely accused or harmed by the justice system. Jones’ performance earned him another Emmy in a compelling portrayal of a man rediscovering life. The second season shifted the setting to Los Angeles, renamed Pros and Cons, and took on a more conventional crime drama tone. However, it only ran for one additional season following this change, but the first year showcased Jones at his finest.
Homicide: Life on the Street
In the sixth season of the long-running NBC drama, a memorable impact was made with Jones appearing as the guest star for a three-part opening storyline. The detectives are tasked with solving the murder of a Haitian maid at a Baltimore hotel hosting an event honoring wealthy philanthropist Felix Wilson (Jones). At first, they don’t suspect Wilson, but later discover some intriguing connections. This presents a challenge because Wilson is well-respected in Baltimore and Frank Pembleton (Andre Braugher) admires the man. The scene where Jones and Braugher act together is considered one of the greatest acting confrontations in the series’ history, and it’s no surprise that this episode remains popular among fans.
Everwood
In a turn of events, Jones received an Emmy nomination for his recurring character in the WB drama. This character was named Will Cleveland, a mine worker and pianist who spent his leisure time playing the piano. Initially portrayed as needing rescue, Will returned multiple times, offering guidance to the younger characters and maximizing the impact of this minor role. It’s remarkable that within only three episodes, Jones managed to create such a significant character that the audience felt deeply when he passed away, making it a poignant moment in the series.
The Big Bang Theory
As a gamer, it’s no secret that I’m also a fan of sci-fi, so it was cool to see my favorite stars like Jones pop up on the hit CBS comedy show. But what took me by surprise was how Jones hilariously poked fun at himself. When Sheldon meets Jones at a convention, he expects the stern, kind-hearted Darth Vader actor. Instead, Jones turned out to be a trickster with a love for ice cream, karaoke, and even spa visits! The best part was when Jones convinced Sheldon to play a prank on Carrie Fisher, something I never thought I’d see – the first time Vader and Leia ever met in person. Jones proved he had some serious comedic talent with that cameo on TBBT.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
It was perfectly appropriate that Jones delivered his final acting role as his most memorable character, Darth Vader. Although Hayden Christensen donned the Vader suit, it was Jones who provided the voice and reminded us all of the true terror behind the character. From his confrontations with Obi-Wan to intimidating subordinates and fierce battles, hearing Vader once more was exhilarating. The clever blending of Jones’ voice with Hayden’s through a damaged helmet in the finale, showcasing Vader’s internal struggles, was masterfully done. With Jones’ powerful voice absent in future appearances of Vader, it is difficult to envision him being as effective.
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2024-09-11 19:53