What was James Earl Jones’ cause of death?

James Earl Jones, the legendary actor whose commanding presence and unforgettable voice left a permanent mark on both the stage and screen, has passed away today at the age of 93.

Jones died on Monday at his home in Dutchess County, New York, as confirmed by his agent’s office. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed, leaving fans and colleagues curious as they reflect on the remarkable life and career of this towering figure in American entertainment.

Jones’ journey to stardom was as compelling as any role he played. Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, he overcame a debilitating stutter in his youth, a challenge that would later inform his approach to language and performance. His ability to transform this early obstacle into a source of strength became a hallmark of his career.

How did James Earl Jones die?

While Jones’ cause of death has not yet been revealed to the public, Reuters reports that the actor was a longtime sufferer of diabetes. He spoke about his struggle with the disease in a 2016 interview with AOL, during which he revealed that he had been “accidentally” diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 20 years ago.

“I fell asleep on the bench in the middle of the gymnasium,” Jones told AOL. “The doctor who happened to be there told me, ‘That’s not normal.’ I took the test, and there it was. Type 2 diabetes, and it hit me like a thunderbolt.”

Jones said that despite the “shock” diagnosis, he still felt as though he was able to “live a full life,” and a look back on his legacy proves he did so with illustrious results.

Rising from humble beginnings, Jones carved out a place for himself in American theater and cinema. He made his Broadway debut in 1958 and went on to conquer both stage and screen, earning critical acclaim and a devoted following. His breakthrough came with his powerful, Oscar-nominated performance as boxer Jack Jefferson in The Great White Hope (1970), a role that showcased his formidable talent and opened doors to a wide array of challenging parts.

Throughout his career, Jones demonstrated remarkable versatility. He brought gravitas to Shakespearean kings and depth to everyday working men with equal skill. His performances in August Wilson’s Fences and as the voice of Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King stands as testaments to his range.

But it was perhaps his voice work as Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise that cemented his place in popular culture. Jones’ sonorous tones gave life to one of cinema’s most iconic villains, a role he initially took on for a modest fee of $7,000.

Jones’ accolades were as impressive as his body of work. He was one of the few performers to achieve the coveted “EGOT” status, winning Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards. In 2011, he received an honorary Oscar, and in 2017, he was given a special Tony Award for lifetime achievement.

Despite his fame, Jones remained committed to his craft, continuing to perform well into the twilight years of his life. In 2015, at the age of 84, he appeared alongside Cicely Tyson in a Broadway revival of The Gin Game, demonstrating that his passion for acting remained undiminished.

As news of Jones’ passing spreads, the world mourns the loss of a true giant. His legacy lives on not just in his performances, but in the generations of actors he inspired and the barriers he helped break down for Black performers in American theater and film.

Jones’ death marks the end of an era, but his influence on American culture will undoubtedly endure for generations to come. His life story, from a stuttering farm boy to one of the most respected actors of his time, serves as an inspiration for the transformative power of art and perseverance.