The 93-year-old's agent confirmed that he died yesterday morning (9 September) at his home in New York.
The beloved actor passed away at age 93. (Sylvain Gaboury via Getty Images)
He was one of the few performers to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony throughout an illustrious career and is perhaps best known as being the voices of Mufasa in The Lion King and Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise.
It was James Earl Jones who delivered the iconic line, 'I am your father' to Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker, and Hamill posted the perfect two-word tribute on social media in the wake of the sad news of the 93-year-old's death.
Hamill simply wrote 'RIP dad' followed by the broken heart emoji as he quoted the announcement of the death.
James Earl Jones, the prolific film, TV and theater actor whose resonant, unmistakable baritone was most widely known as the voice of “Star Wars” villain Darth Vader, died Monday. He was 93. bit.ly/3TkCdw4
Throughout his time on social media Hamill has often referred to James Earl Jones as 'dad', including in a number of birthday wishes.
It's an honour he gave to the various performers who have also played a part in portraying Darth Vader over the years, including his physical actor David Prowse, his unmasked performer Sebastian Shaw, stunt double Bob Anderson, and, of course, his younger iterations Jake Lloyd and Hayden Christensen.
For a lot of fans, this is the tribute that has been the most heart-wrenching of all, as one much beloved icon of our childhoods paid tribute to another.
It's a sad reminder that none of us are getting any younger, and that as time passes the lights that illuminated our days gone by are starting to go out.
While he was known as the voice of Darth Vader, many will have seen James Earl Jones in front of the camera in the likes of Field of Dreams, Coming to America and Conan the Barbarian.
He was one of the few performers to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony throughout an illustrious career and is perhaps best known as being the voices of Mufasa in The Lion King and Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise.
It was James Earl Jones who delivered the iconic line, 'I am your father' to Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker, and Hamill posted the perfect two-word tribute on social media in the wake of the sad news of the 93-year-old's death.
Hamill simply wrote 'RIP dad' followed by the broken heart emoji as he quoted the announcement of the death.
James Earl Jones, the prolific film, TV and theater actor whose resonant, unmistakable baritone was most widely known as the voice of “Star Wars” villain Darth Vader, died Monday. He was 93. bit.ly/3TkCdw4
Throughout his time on social media Hamill has often referred to James Earl Jones as 'dad', including in a number of birthday wishes.
It's an honour he gave to the various performers who have also played a part in portraying Darth Vader over the years, including his physical actor David Prowse, his unmasked performer Sebastian Shaw, stunt double Bob Anderson, and, of course, his younger iterations Jake Lloyd and Hayden Christensen.
For a lot of fans, this is the tribute that has been the most heart-wrenching of all, as one much beloved icon of our childhoods paid tribute to another.
It's a sad reminder that none of us are getting any younger, and that as time passes the lights that illuminated our days gone by are starting to go out.
While he was known as the voice of Darth Vader, many will have seen James Earl Jones in front of the camera in the likes of Field of Dreams, Coming to America and Conan the Barbarian.
It's by no means the first time Hamill has called James Earl Jones 'dad'. (Twitter/@MarkHamill)
In later years, viewers of The Big Bang Theory got to see him make a guest appearance as himself, putting his sonorous voice to good use by declaring he liked Star Wars and playing a prank on co-star Carrie Fisher, who had played Princess Leia.
Hamill has also appeared in the show, where he appeared to officiate a wedding between two of the main characters.
As news of James Earl Jones' was announced last night there will be many more waking up to the sad news of his passing, and one can expect many more tributes to come in to a man who put his talents to such good use.Featured Image Credit: Emma McIntyre/EveryStory2024/WireImage/LucasFilm
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Updated 10:51 3 Sep 2024 GMT+1Published 10:20 17 Jun 2024 GMT+1
Couple's gender reveal goes horrifically wrong on doorbell cam video
The unfortunate gender reveal blunder was caught on camera
This article contains affiliate links and LADbible Group might make a commission on anything purchased.
Smart doorbells come with a number of handy uses — from being able to answer the door from any room in your home to dealing with parcel deliveries when you’re not in.
But there's one particular model that's captured unexpected moments time and time again - and it recently captured a rather unexpected family moment.
The doorbell, from Ring, is one of the most popular models on the market and has currently got a whopping £30 off.
Let’s just say, the gender reveal in question didn’t exactly go to plan and it was all recorded on their doorbell for our viewing pleasure.
When Simon and Bronagh Laverty from Craigavon, Northern Ireland were getting ready to host their friends and family at their home to share whether they were expecting a baby girl or a baby boy, they enlisted the help of a balloon packed full of either pink or blue confetti to do so.
But, as the clip captured by their doorbell showcased, their balloon burst suddenly just as the father-to-be was walking out the front door of their home. And the telltale blue confetti that escaped from it spoiled the surprise for them prematurely.
Ring
Not only did Simon now know that he and his wife were expecting a baby boy but Bronagh also found out the gender in real time after receiving a motion detector alert from Ring on her phone.
Simon explained that his wife immediately called out to him, “What just happened?! Have we literally just found out what we’re having?”
He recalled that even though he was going through a number of different emotions after seeing the balloon pop, he was both happy and relieved to find out that his wife had seen the reveal as well.
Simon shared: “We look back at the video all the time, it gives us a laugh about what happened and how we found out. Catching it on camera was even more special than doing it in front of friends and family as we can keep and cherish it.”
Ring
He did, however, rush out to get a new balloon so as not to spoil the surprise for their closest friends and family.
“To be honest we had to play along with the whole thing and make sure no one else knew that we found out before the new balloon had popped, as we didn’t want to ruin the surprise for everyone else,” he affirmed.
The couple’s loved ones also found it incredibly funny after they eventually saw the clip.
As Simon and Bronagh were subscribed to one of Ring’s subscription plans, this meant that they could download, save and rewatch the footage for up to 180 days after the unexpected incident.
And the happy parents can’t wait to show their son Theo – who will be three in November – the video one day.
“It will be good for the wee man when he’s older to show him and say ‘This is how we found out what you were going to be'!” Simon told Ring.
Published 22:32 30 Oct 2023 GMT
Co-stars share heartbreaking tribute to Matthew Perry as he dies aged 54
Friends star Matthew Perry died yesterday at the age of 54
Matthew Perry's co-stars have shared a heartbreaking tribute following the actor's death.
The star, best-known for playing Chandler Bing in the hit sitcom Friends, died yesterday (28 October).
Reportedly found in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home, Perry was aged just 54.
The actor's death has been treated as a ‘water rescue’, according to a Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson.
NBC (the network which aired Friends) confirmed the sad news in a statement: "We are incredibly saddened by the too soon passing of Matthew Perry.
"He brought so much joy to hundreds of millions of people around the world with his pitch-perfect comedic timing and wry wit. His legacy will live on through countless generations."
Perry starred in the 10 season-long series alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt Leblanc and David Schwimmer.
Reisig & Taylor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images
Perry's costars shared a heartbreaking tribute to him, writing: "We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates.
"We are a family.
"There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.
"In time we will say more, as and when we are able.
"For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."
Maggie Wheeler, who played Janice Hosenstein in Friends shared a photo of the pair to Instagram, writing in the caption: "What a loss. The world will miss you Mathew Perry. The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on.
"I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared."
Paget Brewster, who played Chandler’s girlfriend Kathy in season four, also wrote on X: “He was lovely to me on Friends and every time I saw him in the decades after.
"Please read his book. It was his legacy to help. He won’t rest in peace though. He’s already too busy making everyone laugh up there."
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In later years, viewers of The Big Bang Theory got to see him make a guest appearance as himself, putting his sonorous voice to good use by declaring he liked Star Wars and playing a prank on co-star Carrie Fisher, who had played Princess Leia.
Hamill has also appeared in the show, where he appeared to officiate a wedding between two of the main characters.
As news of James Earl Jones' was announced last night there will be many more waking up to the sad news of his passing, and one can expect many more tributes to come in to a man who put his talents to such good use.Featured Image Credit: Emma McIntyre/EveryStory2024/WireImage/LucasFilm
Updated 10:51 3 Sep 2024 GMT+1Published 10:20 17 Jun 2024 GMT+1
Couple's gender reveal goes horrifically wrong on doorbell cam video
The unfortunate gender reveal blunder was caught on camera
This article contains affiliate links and LADbible Group might make a commission on anything purchased.
Smart doorbells come with a number of handy uses — from being able to answer the door from any room in your home to dealing with parcel deliveries when you’re not in.
But there's one particular model that's captured unexpected moments time and time again - and it recently captured a rather unexpected family moment.
The doorbell, from Ring, is one of the most popular models on the market and has currently got a whopping £30 off.
Let’s just say, the gender reveal in question didn’t exactly go to plan and it was all recorded on their doorbell for our viewing pleasure.
When Simon and Bronagh Laverty from Craigavon, Northern Ireland were getting ready to host their friends and family at their home to share whether they were expecting a baby girl or a baby boy, they enlisted the help of a balloon packed full of either pink or blue confetti to do so.
But, as the clip captured by their doorbell showcased, their balloon burst suddenly just as the father-to-be was walking out the front door of their home. And the telltale blue confetti that escaped from it spoiled the surprise for them prematurely.
RingNot only did Simon now know that he and his wife were expecting a baby boy but Bronagh also found out the gender in real time after receiving a motion detector alert from Ring on her phone.
Simon explained that his wife immediately called out to him, “What just happened?! Have we literally just found out what we’re having?”
He recalled that even though he was going through a number of different emotions after seeing the balloon pop, he was both happy and relieved to find out that his wife had seen the reveal as well.
Simon shared: “We look back at the video all the time, it gives us a laugh about what happened and how we found out. Catching it on camera was even more special than doing it in front of friends and family as we can keep and cherish it.”
RingHe did, however, rush out to get a new balloon so as not to spoil the surprise for their closest friends and family.
“To be honest we had to play along with the whole thing and make sure no one else knew that we found out before the new balloon had popped, as we didn’t want to ruin the surprise for everyone else,” he affirmed.
The couple’s loved ones also found it incredibly funny after they eventually saw the clip.
As Simon and Bronagh were subscribed to one of Ring’s subscription plans, this meant that they could download, save and rewatch the footage for up to 180 days after the unexpected incident.
And the happy parents can’t wait to show their son Theo – who will be three in November – the video one day.
“It will be good for the wee man when he’s older to show him and say ‘This is how we found out what you were going to be'!” Simon told Ring.
Published 22:32 30 Oct 2023 GMT
Co-stars share heartbreaking tribute to Matthew Perry as he dies aged 54
Friends star Matthew Perry died yesterday at the age of 54
Matthew Perry's co-stars have shared a heartbreaking tribute following the actor's death.
The star, best-known for playing Chandler Bing in the hit sitcom Friends, died yesterday (28 October).
Reportedly found in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home, Perry was aged just 54.
The actor's death has been treated as a ‘water rescue’, according to a Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson.
NBC (the network which aired Friends) confirmed the sad news in a statement: "We are incredibly saddened by the too soon passing of Matthew Perry.
"He brought so much joy to hundreds of millions of people around the world with his pitch-perfect comedic timing and wry wit. His legacy will live on through countless generations."
Perry starred in the 10 season-long series alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt Leblanc and David Schwimmer.
Reisig & Taylor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty ImagesPerry's costars shared a heartbreaking tribute to him, writing: "We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates.
"We are a family.
"There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.
"In time we will say more, as and when we are able.
"For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."
Maggie Wheeler, who played Janice Hosenstein in Friends shared a photo of the pair to Instagram, writing in the caption: "What a loss. The world will miss you Mathew Perry. The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on.
"I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared."
Paget Brewster, who played Chandler’s girlfriend Kathy in season four, also wrote on X: “He was lovely to me on Friends and every time I saw him in the decades after.
"Please read his book. It was his legacy to help. He won’t rest in peace though. He’s already too busy making everyone laugh up there."
Fans flocked to the star's final Instagram post to pay tribute and praise the actor.
Many wrote: “Rest in peace Chandler,” as others put: “Thanks for the laughs.”
Another commented: “Watching Friends will never be the same.
“He was a legend idk what to say I am about to cry.”
“Thank you and I hope you know how much you were and will be loved.”
One said: “I did survive very stressful times thanks to him and the rest of the gang. Feels like losing a friend, doesn’t it?”
Many also agreed: “We all lost a Friend today.”
Someone else commented: “Thank you for all of the laughter and joy you brought to the world. I hope you are at peace, and know how much you were beloved - truly beloved - by the world. Rest peacefully, F.R.I.E.N.D.”
An investigation into Perry's death is ongoing and there is currently no cause of death.
There was no apparent foul play.Featured Image Credit: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Reisig & Taylor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images
Published 20:49 19 Dec 2023 GMT
Original Star Wars scene before Darth Vader's voice was dubbed is really weird to hear
Darth Vader sounded pretty silly before James Earl Jones did his voice
When Star Wars hit cinemas in 1977 it blew people's minds with what cinema could accomplish, and few characters could match the menacing presence of Darth Vader.
By now you probably know that it was two people who brought Vader to life, with Dave Prowse being the physical actor for the terrifying Sith Lord while James Earl Jones gave Vader his voice.
That deep, authoritative voice helped give Vader some gravitas as he bossed everybody about and was generally a very menacing and evil guy.
However, Earl Jones only added in his vocal performance in post-production, when they were actually acting out the scenes on set the lines were delivered by Prowse.
His strong West Country accent doesn't really sound like the right voice for a Dark Lord of the Sith though, and if you listen to it you'll understand why.
THIERRY ZOCCOLAN/AFP via Getty ImagesAll in all it's probably better for everyone involved that Vader got a new voice, though every legend has to retire at some point.
If we are to see Darth Vader again it'll be with the voice of James Earl Jones, but produced by an artificial intelligence with his consent.
Earl Jones has allowed Disney to use old recordings of his vocal work as Vader and let an AI recreate the iconic voice from here on out.
When he most recently gave his voice to Vader, in last year's TV series Obi-Wan Kenobi, he was credited as providing the vocal work but what he heard was actually generated by an AI.
The actor provided guidance on how to do it properly, because of course who else could better suggest how Vader would speak than James Earl Jones?
Jim Spellman/WireImage
Prowse and Earl Jones weren't the only actors to portray Vader on the big screen either, as at the end of Return of the Jedi when his helmet is removed and he can speak to Luke he's played by Sebastian Shaw.
How much Vader will feature in Star Wars projects going forward is anyone's guess, he's one of the franchise's most iconic characters but we've seen plenty of his story and there might not be all that many opportunities to see him again.
Hayden Christensen has floated the idea of a Vader series on Disney+ and he thinks there's 'more to explore' so there might still be some mileage in the iconic baddie yet.
Vader's appearance was briefly shown in recent Star Wars series Ahsoka, though for the most part Christensen stayed out of the costume and kept his Anakin look going.Featured Image Credit: Lucasfilm
Updated 09:45 10 Sep 2024 GMT+1Published 13:20 7 Sep 2024 GMT+1
Selena Gomez becomes a billionaire aged 32 after clever business idea
Selena Gomez is filthy rich
Selena Gomez is 'slaying' her way to billionaire status after achieving the incredible milestone aged just 32.
The Only Murders in the Building actor who rose to fame on the Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place is now worth a whopping $1.3 billion (£990 million).
As well as being a successful singer and the most followed woman in the world on Instagram, Selena has got involved in a number of business ventures on the way.
Prowse and Earl Jones weren't the only actors to portray Vader on the big screen either, as at the end of Return of the Jedi when his helmet is removed and he can speak to Luke he's played by Sebastian Shaw.
How much Vader will feature in Star Wars projects going forward is anyone's guess, he's one of the franchise's most iconic characters but we've seen plenty of his story and there might not be all that many opportunities to see him again.
Hayden Christensen has floated the idea of a Vader series on Disney+ and he thinks there's 'more to explore' so there might still be some mileage in the iconic baddie yet.
Vader's appearance was briefly shown in recent Star Wars series Ahsoka, though for the most part Christensen stayed out of the costume and kept his Anakin look going.Featured Image Credit: Lucasfilm
Updated 09:45 10 Sep 2024 GMT+1Published 13:20 7 Sep 2024 GMT+1
Selena Gomez becomes a billionaire aged 32 after clever business idea
Selena Gomez is filthy rich
Selena Gomez is 'slaying' her way to billionaire status after achieving the incredible milestone aged just 32.
The Only Murders in the Building actor who rose to fame on the Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place is now worth a whopping $1.3 billion (£990 million).
As well as being a successful singer and the most followed woman in the world on Instagram, Selena has got involved in a number of business ventures on the way.
Selena Gomez is now a billionaire (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
In 2020, she launched Rare Beauty and has now become one of the 'youngest female self-made billionaires', according to Bloomberg.
The brand emphasises mental health awareness and inclusivity, as well as cosmetics.
Her stake in the company, which is known for their liquid blush and lip products, is estimated to be over a billion dollars.
And over 80 percent of her wealth is reportedly from Rare Beauty.
Speaking about the company in 2023 on KIIS-FM, she said: “I really tried my hardest to create a product that were beyond just me putting my name on something.
Selena is now worth $1.3 (£990 million) (Christopher Polk/NBC/NBC via Getty Images)
“I wanted the products to be great, and I also wanted the message to be that makeup is meant to be fun.”
However, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in August, she claims that acting will always be her main priority.
“Acting has, and will always be, my heart,” the Emmy-nominated star - who features in Only Murders In The Building alongside Steve Martin and Martin Short - said.
“There’s so much that I want to do and that I haven’t even scratched the surface of, and it’s exciting to me.”
On season four of the show, which dropped earlier this month, she added: "I think this is our most exciting season yet.
In 2020, she launched Rare Beauty and has now become one of the 'youngest female self-made billionaires', according to Bloomberg.
The brand emphasises mental health awareness and inclusivity, as well as cosmetics.
Her stake in the company, which is known for their liquid blush and lip products, is estimated to be over a billion dollars.
And over 80 percent of her wealth is reportedly from Rare Beauty.
Speaking about the company in 2023 on KIIS-FM, she said: “I really tried my hardest to create a product that were beyond just me putting my name on something.
Selena is now worth $1.3 (£990 million) (Christopher Polk/NBC/NBC via Getty Images)“I wanted the products to be great, and I also wanted the message to be that makeup is meant to be fun.”
However, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in August, she claims that acting will always be her main priority.
“Acting has, and will always be, my heart,” the Emmy-nominated star - who features in Only Murders In The Building alongside Steve Martin and Martin Short - said.
“There’s so much that I want to do and that I haven’t even scratched the surface of, and it’s exciting to me.”
On season four of the show, which dropped earlier this month, she added: "I think this is our most exciting season yet.
She is the most followed woman in the world on Instagram (@selenagomez/Instagram)
"That’s what I would definitely say with confidence, because it was far too fun. How it came together was so magical.
"Everyone had a blast. And people are in for a ride, you know. Taking us to L.A. and then doing all the other stuff is exciting.
"It’s going to be, to date, probably my favourite season."
Season four follows the aftermath of Sazz's murder, Charles' (Steve Martin) former stunt double played by Jane Lynch.
We get to find out whether Sazz was the intended target or if the true aim was Charles.
This comes after the trio heads to Hollywood, where a movie adaptation of their podcast is in production.
The likes of Eugene Levy, Eva Longoria, and Zach Galifianakis all feature, as well as Meryl Streep, who appeared in season three.
Only Murders in the Building is available to watch on Disney Plus now.
"That’s what I would definitely say with confidence, because it was far too fun. How it came together was so magical.
"Everyone had a blast. And people are in for a ride, you know. Taking us to L.A. and then doing all the other stuff is exciting.
"It’s going to be, to date, probably my favourite season."
Season four follows the aftermath of Sazz's murder, Charles' (Steve Martin) former stunt double played by Jane Lynch.
We get to find out whether Sazz was the intended target or if the true aim was Charles.
This comes after the trio heads to Hollywood, where a movie adaptation of their podcast is in production.
The likes of Eugene Levy, Eva Longoria, and Zach Galifianakis all feature, as well as Meryl Streep, who appeared in season three.
Only Murders in the Building is available to watch on Disney Plus now.
