James Earl Jones 1931 - 2024

The acting world lost a giant on Monday as James Earl Jones died at the age of 93. The actor most famous for being the voice of Darth Vader throughout the character's appearances from the movies to the cartoon for nearly 50 years. He was also just famous for his voice. He voiced Mufasa in The Lion King, performed voices in all kinds of animated cartoons, performed voice overs, called the voice of CNN for their ads and more.

Jones was born on January 17, 1931 in Arkabutla, Mississippi during the Great Depression. While his parents looked for work, he moved to Michigan to live with his grandparents. He attended the University of Michigan where he discovered his love acting. When he graduated in 1955 he began on stage, often in Shakespearean roles. Eventually he moved to New York, working a a janitor to support himself while he studied at the American Theatre Wing. This lead to occasional TV roles and in 1964 he was cast in the acclaimed movie Dr. Strangelove. 

His return to stage in 1967 to star in The Great White Hope earned him many fans and a Tony Award for Best Actor In A Play. He continued to work on Broadway with starring roles in The Iceman Cometh, Of Mice and Men and others. Then in 1977 he was cast as the voice of Darth Vader. During the 80s and 90s when not voicing Darth, he would guest on many TV series and work on bunch of movies including Coming To America, The Hunt for Red October, Field of Dreams and more. 

“Denzel Washington, Sidney Poitier, Robert Redford, Tom Cruise: those guys have well-planned careers,” Jones told The Guardian in 2009. “I’m just on a journey. Wherever I run across a job, I say, ‘OK, I’ll do that.'” To call him an acting legend is underselling his contributions to the arts and pop culture over his long career.

R.I.P. David Prowse 1935 - 2020

David Prowse died Saturday at the age of 85. The actor is most famous for playing the iconic role of Darth Vader in original Star Wars trilogy. While James Earl Jones has long voiced the character, his physical prescence is all thanks to the the former bodybuilder from Bristol, England who wore the costume for all three films and did voice the role for filming purposes but his voice was not considered menancing enough.

The actor was chosen by George Lucas to audition for Star Wars after seeing him in his bodyguard role in A Clockwork Orange. He could have auditioned for Chewbacca but instead he chose Darth Vader saying he chose to audition for that role because ”you always remember the bad guys."

If from the UK, perhaps you might know him for a different reason, as the Green Cross Code Man that was used to promote road safety that led to his induction in the "Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire" (MBE). The actor's career never took off as he often had minor roles in other films and TV but he will always be remembered for bringing one of the most iconic cinematic characters of all time to life.

R.I.P. Peter Mayhew

The greatest, original Wookiee has died. Peter Mayhew, world famous for his role as Chewbacca in the Star Wars films, died at the age of 74. The news was announced via tweet on his twitter account that said "The family of Peter Mayhew, with deep love and sadness, regrets to share the news that Peter has passed away. He left us the evening of April 30, 2019 with his family by his side in his North Texas home." The actor played Chewbacca in Star Wars: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Revenge of the Sith and for the last time with The Force Awakens before handing off the role to his stunt double Joonas Suotamo.

His long time co-star Harrison Ford wrote:

"Peter Mayhew was a kind and gentle man, possessed of great dignity and noble character," said the actor. "These aspects of his own personality, plus his wit and grace, he brought to Chewbacca. We were partners in film and friends in life for over 30 years and I loved him. He invested his soul in the character and brought great pleasure to the Star Wars audience."

"Chewbacca was an important part of the success of the films we made together. He knew how important the fans of the franchise were to its continued success and he was devoted to them. I and millions of others will never forget Peter and what he gave us all. My thoughts are with his dear wife Angie and his children. Rest easy, my dear friend…. "

Mark Hamill tweeted:

He was the gentlest of giants-A big man with an even bigger heart who never failed to make me smile & a loyal friend who I loved dearly-I'm grateful for the memories we shared & I'm a better man for just having known him. Thanks Pete

Billy Dee Williams wrote:

Much more than Chewie to me...My heart hurts…I will miss you my dear friend…thanks for the great memories! #RIPPeterMayhew #StarWars

From Kathleen Kennedy:

"We are deeply saddened today by the news of Peter Mayhew’s passing. Since 1976, Peter’s iconic portrayal of the loyal, lovable Chewbacca has been absolutely integral to the character’s success, and to the Star Wars saga itself."

However, I think Alan Tudyk summed it up best:

Peter Mayhew created one of the greatest film characters of all time. Chewbacca was funny, courageous, and caring. He did it all without the benefit of speech, just that vocal growly cry that 1 in 100 fans can do real well when they're drunk. #RIP

Star Wars Video Tribute To Carrie Fisher

With the start of Star Wars Celebration this weekend, the official Star Wars account posted the below touching tribute to the late great Carrie Fisher. The video shows behind the scenes footage, interviews and more that shows her wonderful personality that fans loved. She is missed. Thanks to Feris O. for the link.

Carrie Fisher 1956-2016

When the news first broke that Carrie Fisher suffered a massive heart attack on December 23, it was hoped that after several days the news would get better. Sadly it was not meant to be. The actress and author died this morning at the age of 60. She is most famous for the role of Princess Leia, cast at the ripe age of 19. A role she later reprises in The Force Awakens and will play one last time next year in Episode VIII. A character that remains beloved and powerful all these years later.

She didn't just do Star Wars though. She had roles in The Blue Brothers, The Burbs, Marry Met Sally, Catastrophe and more. She wrote many books, her most recent being "The Princess Diarist" which she was out promoting for the last several months. The sad fact is her career was once again on an upswing, with old and new fans getting to enjoy her unique but wise perspective. She was taken too young. Condolences to her family and friends.

Additional links: Reactions | Videos | @carriefisher