Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Lion King’s Mufasa actor dies at 93

The gifted thespian died at his residence in upstate New York on Monday.

• September 10, 2024
American actor James Earl Jones
American actor James Earl Jones

Renowned American actor James Earl Jones, notably known for his roles as Star Wars villain Darth Vader and Disney’s The Lion King’s Mufasa, has died aged 93.

The acclaimed thespian died at his residence in upstate New York on Monday, with his family by his side.

Born on January 17, 1931, in Mississippi, James Earl Jones studied drama at the University of Michigan.

He first gained recognition in the film and television industry with his remarkable performances and distinctive deep voice. In 1968, one of his earliest and most significant breakthroughs came with his role as Jack Jefferson in the film adaptation of the Broadway play The Great White Hope. His portrayal of the boxer earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Jones became a legendary actor with his iconic deep voice, notably as Darth Vader in the original Star Wars film. He is also widely known for his role as Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King, where he added warmth and emotional depth to the character.

Among his other notable roles are Admiral James Greer in The Hunt for Red October (1990) and King Jaffe Joffer in Coming to America (1988), showcasing his versatility in both dramas and comedies.

Throughout his career, Jones received numerous accolades, including Academy Award nominations, Tony Awards for his stage performances, and a Primetime Emmy Award for his work in Roots (1977). He was also honoured with the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2002 and the National Medal of Arts in 2011, reflecting his enduring impact on both stage and screen.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Crowd of patients at hospital

Health

Only 22 million out of 240 million Nigerians on health insurance, says NHIA

The National Health Insurance Authority says the number of Nigerians enrolled in health insurance has risen to more than 22 million.

NDLEA on cannabis farm

States

Delta: NDLEA says 36 hectares of cannabis farm destroyed

NDLEA says it destroyed 36.2 hectares of suspected cannabis plantation and seized N450 million worth of illicit drugs in Delta over the last year.

United States President Donald Trump

World

Trump says ceasefire with Iran over as U.S. launches fresh strikes

IRGC disclosed on Wednesday that it targeted U.S. military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait and that it had shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone.

Economy

Tinubu urges Afreximbank to mobilise resources for Africa’s industrialisation

Mr Tinubu urged the leadership of the African Export-Import Bank to leverage Africa’s human, financial and natural resources to promote economic progress for all Africans.

Armed Cops

States

Bayelsa: Father, son arrested for illegally possessing guns

The Bayelsa police command says it has arrested a 68-year-old man and his 36-year-old son for illegally possessing four single-barrelled firearms.

Plastic bags waste

Africa

Tunisia proposes ban on single-use plastic bags

Members of the Assembly of People’s Representatives in Tunisia have put forward a legislative initiative aimed at a nationwide ban on single-use plastic bags.