James Earl Jones, the beloved stage and screen actor who lent his iconic, deep voice to Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, has died at 93.
Regarded as one of the best actors of his generation, Jones’ career spanned Shakespeare to Hollywood hits. He is one of the few actors to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony Award.
The actor’s death was reported by Deadline, via his representatives at Independent Artist Group.
James Earl Jones was born January 17, 1931 in Arkabutla, Mississippi and raised by his grandparents in Dublin, Michigan. While he would later become one of the most famous voices in the world, he says he suffered from a stutter in his youth.
“I was a stutterer. I couldn’t talk,” Jones recalled in a 1996 interview. “So my first year of school was my first mute year, and then those mute years continued until I got to high school.” A teacher encouraged him to overcome his stutter by reading poetry aloud.
Jones served in the US Army during the Korean War, and after decided to pursue a career in acting. He studied at the American Theatre Wing, working as a janitor to support himself. By the 1960s, Jones was establishing himself as one of his generation’s great Shakespearean actors, playing roles like Othello and King Lear. He also made his film debut in Stanley Kubrick’s classic 1964 comedy Dr. Strangelove, as bombadier Lt. Lothar Zogg.
In 1967, he played a boxer in The Great White Hope, winning the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. He reprised the role in the 1970 film version, receiving his first Academy Award nomination.
Amidst all his acclaimed acting work, Jones soon landed his most well-known and iconic role — one where he didn’t even have to appear on set: voicing the villainous Darth Vader in Star Wars. While Vader was played in costume by David Prowse, Jones dubbed over the lines with his own deep bass voice, helping to create one of the most famous characters in movie history.
While Jones originally opted to go uncredited for the role, it has become perhaps his most famous performance. He continued to voice Vader for decades, in the two sequels The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the prequel Revenge of the Sith and the spin-off Rogue One. In 2022, Jones retired from the role, but signed an agreement for his voice to be used in future projects using artificial intelligence and archive recordings.
Jones also provided the voice of another beloved movie character, Mufasa in the 1994 Disney film The Lion King. Jones later reprised the role in the 2019 remake.
Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, Jones appeared in many Hollywood films, including Conan the Barbarian, Coming to America, Field of Dreams, and The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games and The Sandlot. He also won his second Tony Award, starring in the original production of August Wilson’s Fences.
He received eight Emmy Award nominations for his television work, winning twice in 1991: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for Heat Wave and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Gabriel’s Fire.
Jones also continued to perform on Broadway: over the past 20 years he starred in revivals of On Golden Pond, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Driving Miss Daisy, The Best Man and You Can’t Take it With You.
Jones was the recipient of many awards and honors throughout his acclaimed career. He received an Honorary Academy Award in 2011, making him one of the only people to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award, known as “EGOT.” Broadway’s Cort Theatre was renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre in his honor in 2022.
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How Vintage Lipstick Cases Became Collectible Art
AuthorAvokadoReading3 minViews679Published by13.04.2024
Within the realm of vintage cosmetics, the lipstick case is a shining example of sophistication, glitz, and individual flair. Vintage lipstick cases, as works of art in a woman’s handbag, were made to make a statement, in contrast to the disposable packaging of today. These cases were created between the early and middle of the 20th century, and because they captured the style, materials, and workmanship of the era, collectors today prize them highly.
Antique lipstick cases, crafted from a variety of materials such as brass, enamel, semi-precious stones, sterling silver, gold plating, and elaborate etchings, served as a tribute to the artistic sensibilities of their time. They reflected the Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 1930s with geometric shapes, simple lines, and opulent metallic decorations. Following World War II, cases were increasingly elaborate, including romantic themes such as flowers and birds, frequently embellished with pearls or colored stones.
These enclosures were technical and functional miracles in addition to being stunning. Many had built-in mirrors for applying lipstick on-the-go, and some even had pockets for powder or little perfume vials, capturing the efficient portability of accessories from that era. Reputable companies like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Tiffany & Co. produced exquisitely crafted pieces that served as both useful accessories and status symbols, demonstrating the exceptional craftsmanship involved in their creation.
Vintage lipstick cases are nostalgic and provide insight into the lives and fashion preferences of ladies from bygone eras. They serve as a reminder of a bygone era when beauty routines were elaborate and ceremonial, in sharp contrast to the hurried, efficiency-focused approach of today. Many people have developed a passion for collecting these items because of their artistry and beauty as well as the histories and tales they represent.
Particularly for metal cases, maintaining the luster and avoiding corrosion on vintage lipstick cases requires routine polishing and mild cleaning. The excitement of the pursuit adds to the attractiveness of these treasure hunts, which lead fans to estate sales, antique shops, and online auctions. A vintage lipstick case is more than just a container, whether it is kept on a vanity or stashed away in a purse. It is a tiny piece of history and an item that captures the commitment to style and beauty of a bygone era.
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