The legendary actor was confirmed to have passed away by his reps, who confirmed the news to Deadline.
Jones died this morning at his home in New York.
As well as the legendary voice featured in Star Wars and The Lion King, Jones starred in Field of Dreams, Coming to America, and Conan the Barbarian.
A distinguished actor for both film and the stage, he is one of the few to have ever achieved EGOT status.
(Sylvain Gaboury via Getty Images)
This involves winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony, all of which he achieved in his illustrious career.
Despite all this, Jones remained best known for having voiced main characters in two of the most popular films of all time.
The voice of Darth Vader and Mufasa alike, the late 93-year-old's voice was evocative and emotional regardless of the role he played.
Tributes have already begun to flood in from both fans and fellow actors.
One tribute video, posted by DiscussingFilm, has seen numerous fans paying tribute to the late great actor.
The voice behind cinema’s greatest villain. Rest In Peace James Earl Jones (1931 - 2024)
One fan replied saying: "His voice will live on for generations and bring so many people so much happiness. RIP."
Another replied to say: "Rest in Power to the GOAT James Earl Jones.
"Thank you for all of your iconic roles from Darth Vader to Mufasa. His voice will never be forgotten and remain as one of the most memorable voices in the history of cinema."
One viral tweet posted by @jbromovies, accompanied by a video of his performance in The Lion King said:
"Rest in peace, James Earl Jones. One of the most powerful, evocative, emotional voices in cinema history. This is the first scene that came to mind, it’s one of my favorites of all time."
Rest in peace, James Earl Jones. One of the most powerful, evocative, emotional voices in cinema history. This is the first scene that came to mind, it’s one of my favorites of all time.
Levar Burton posted on Twitter to say: "James Earl Jones… there will never be another of his particular combination of graces."
Mark Hamill, who played Jones' son Luke Skywalker in Star Wars quoted a tweet with the news saying: "RIP Dad", with a broken heart emoji.
Popular Star Wars YouTuber MaceAhhWindu posted on Twitter to say: 'Well that ruined my entire day.
"Rest in peace to the legend, and thank you for blessing us with your beautiful voice and spirit, Mr. James Earl Jones."
Jones was born in Mississippi in 1931, and is survived by his only son, Flynn Earl Jones.Featured Image Credit: Jemal Countess via Getty Images / Sylvain Gaboury via Getty Images
Updated 11:30 2 Sep 2024 GMT+1Published 11:13 2 Sep 2024 GMT+1
James Corden shares first look at new Gavin & Stacey as filming finally starts
The new special is almost here
James Corden has shared the first look at the return to Gavin and Stacey.
This involves winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony, all of which he achieved in his illustrious career.
Despite all this, Jones remained best known for having voiced main characters in two of the most popular films of all time.
The voice of Darth Vader and Mufasa alike, the late 93-year-old's voice was evocative and emotional regardless of the role he played.
Tributes have already begun to flood in from both fans and fellow actors.
One tribute video, posted by DiscussingFilm, has seen numerous fans paying tribute to the late great actor.
The voice behind cinema’s greatest villain. Rest In Peace James Earl Jones (1931 - 2024)
One fan replied saying: "His voice will live on for generations and bring so many people so much happiness. RIP."
Another replied to say: "Rest in Power to the GOAT James Earl Jones.
"Thank you for all of your iconic roles from Darth Vader to Mufasa. His voice will never be forgotten and remain as one of the most memorable voices in the history of cinema."
One viral tweet posted by @jbromovies, accompanied by a video of his performance in The Lion King said:
"Rest in peace, James Earl Jones. One of the most powerful, evocative, emotional voices in cinema history. This is the first scene that came to mind, it’s one of my favorites of all time."
Rest in peace, James Earl Jones. One of the most powerful, evocative, emotional voices in cinema history. This is the first scene that came to mind, it’s one of my favorites of all time.
Levar Burton posted on Twitter to say: "James Earl Jones… there will never be another of his particular combination of graces."
Mark Hamill, who played Jones' son Luke Skywalker in Star Wars quoted a tweet with the news saying: "RIP Dad", with a broken heart emoji.
Popular Star Wars YouTuber MaceAhhWindu posted on Twitter to say: 'Well that ruined my entire day.
"Rest in peace to the legend, and thank you for blessing us with your beautiful voice and spirit, Mr. James Earl Jones."
Jones was born in Mississippi in 1931, and is survived by his only son, Flynn Earl Jones.Featured Image Credit: Jemal Countess via Getty Images / Sylvain Gaboury via Getty Images
Updated 11:30 2 Sep 2024 GMT+1Published 11:13 2 Sep 2024 GMT+1
James Corden shares first look at new Gavin & Stacey as filming finally starts
The new special is almost here
James Corden has shared the first look at the return to Gavin and Stacey.
New Gavin and Stacey is on its way. (Instagram/@j_corden)
The writer/actor has posted on Instagram, with the caption: "Day 1. Here we go x".
The episode will be the final one of the series, airing this Christmas.
The picture showed a car with an advert for Smithy’s business which read: “Smithy’s – if your husband won’t do it I will… tillin, roofin, plasterin, and feng shui.”
Fans on Instagram were ecstatic at the update on filming, with one commenting:
“I am SO EXCITED! If he doesn’t marry nessa im going to kick off!”
Viewers have been waiting for the episode after the last episode we saw ended on a huge cliffhanger.
Nessa, played by Ruth Jones who co-writes the show with Corden, proposed to Smithy following the birth of their son, confessing her love for him.
One fan commented: “All these years, you'd have thought smithy would get a new car 😂. Can't wait though, more excited for this than Christmas itself”.
Another said: “Screw the fishing trip, screw the wedding, let's just have the best Christmas special for the ages!! Forget Oasis, THIS IS HISTORY”.
Across Oasis, Gavin and Stacey, and the final hurrah of The Grand Tour, it has been a dramatic week for reunions and fairwells in British media.
The final episode was announced earlier this year by James Corden, who said: “Some news… It’s official!!! We have finished writing the last ever episode of Gavin and Stacey. See you on Christmas Day, BBC One. Love Ruth and James.”
Corden spoke earlier this year on Chris Evans' breakfast show about the final episode, saying: "We finished a script a while back and it was too long… rewrites are harder than any writing.
“Rewriting is really difficult. Writing is really fun, because you can just go ‘anything can happen’.
“But when you rewrite stuff, you’re dealing with a lot of logistics and ‘well look we might not be able to shoot that, or this needs to be in this location, is there any way this can change?’ And frankly, it’s too long.”
The writer/actor has posted on Instagram, with the caption: "Day 1. Here we go x".
The episode will be the final one of the series, airing this Christmas.
The picture showed a car with an advert for Smithy’s business which read: “Smithy’s – if your husband won’t do it I will… tillin, roofin, plasterin, and feng shui.”
Fans on Instagram were ecstatic at the update on filming, with one commenting:
“I am SO EXCITED! If he doesn’t marry nessa im going to kick off!”
Viewers have been waiting for the episode after the last episode we saw ended on a huge cliffhanger.
Nessa, played by Ruth Jones who co-writes the show with Corden, proposed to Smithy following the birth of their son, confessing her love for him.
One fan commented: “All these years, you'd have thought smithy would get a new car 😂. Can't wait though, more excited for this than Christmas itself”.
Another said: “Screw the fishing trip, screw the wedding, let's just have the best Christmas special for the ages!! Forget Oasis, THIS IS HISTORY”.
Across Oasis, Gavin and Stacey, and the final hurrah of The Grand Tour, it has been a dramatic week for reunions and fairwells in British media.
The final episode was announced earlier this year by James Corden, who said: “Some news… It’s official!!! We have finished writing the last ever episode of Gavin and Stacey. See you on Christmas Day, BBC One. Love Ruth and James.”
Corden spoke earlier this year on Chris Evans' breakfast show about the final episode, saying: "We finished a script a while back and it was too long… rewrites are harder than any writing.
“Rewriting is really difficult. Writing is really fun, because you can just go ‘anything can happen’.
“But when you rewrite stuff, you’re dealing with a lot of logistics and ‘well look we might not be able to shoot that, or this needs to be in this location, is there any way this can change?’ And frankly, it’s too long.”
“So really what we have been doing the last few weeks really is just trying to make it as economical as possible. And we finished [the script] yesterday.”
He continued saying: “We’ve finished writing, we will never write anything that Pam (Alison Steadman’s character) says again…
“We will never come up with an interesting thing that Bryn has done and we just looked at each other and we were just like, ‘Ah, isn’t that amazing?’
"To even have the luxury of deciding to end it and to be in a position where people still care.
“It’s inconceivable to us – all of it. I just feel very emotional by all of it. Everything.”Featured Image Credit: BBC / James Corden via instagram
The Shining actress Shelley Duvall dies at the age of 75
She was best known for starring in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 horror film alongside Jack Nicholson
The Shining actress Shelley Duvall has passed away at the age of 75.
She was best known for starring in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 horror film alongside three-time Oscar winner Jack Nicholson, playing his wife.
The most memorable scene was Nicholson’s character tormenting Duvall’s with a baseball bat, which reportedly required 127 takes in a 13-month shoot.
Duvall's portrayal of distinctive and eccentric characters made her a famous movie star in the late 70s and 80s, going on to win the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress for 1977 drama 3 Women.
He continued saying: “We’ve finished writing, we will never write anything that Pam (Alison Steadman’s character) says again…
“We will never come up with an interesting thing that Bryn has done and we just looked at each other and we were just like, ‘Ah, isn’t that amazing?’
"To even have the luxury of deciding to end it and to be in a position where people still care.
“It’s inconceivable to us – all of it. I just feel very emotional by all of it. Everything.”Featured Image Credit: BBC / James Corden via instagram
The Shining actress Shelley Duvall dies at the age of 75
She was best known for starring in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 horror film alongside Jack Nicholson
The Shining actress Shelley Duvall has passed away at the age of 75.
She was best known for starring in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 horror film alongside three-time Oscar winner Jack Nicholson, playing his wife.
The most memorable scene was Nicholson’s character tormenting Duvall’s with a baseball bat, which reportedly required 127 takes in a 13-month shoot.
Duvall's portrayal of distinctive and eccentric characters made her a famous movie star in the late 70s and 80s, going on to win the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress for 1977 drama 3 Women.
Shelley Duvall alongside Jack Nicholson. (Robin Platzer/IMAGES/Getty Images)
Dan Gilroy, her life partner since 1989, told The Hollywood Reporter that the actress died in her sleep of complications from diabetes in her Texas home.
“My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley,” Gilroy said.
In 2016, Duvall told Dr. Phil: “I am very sick. I need help.”
Her fans have taken to social media to pay tribute, as one person tweeted: "So long Shelley Duvall.
"What made her special was not just how versatile she was, but she was unlike any of her contemporaries.
"She simply made you fall in love with Olive Oyl."
A second wrote: "Shelley Duvall lit up the screen – every film she was in was brighter for her presence, and yet the industry (and life) were frequently so cruel to her.
"I'm sad she's died, but glad she was living a good life in her final years by all accounts. "There won't be another like her."
Dan Gilroy, her life partner since 1989, told The Hollywood Reporter that the actress died in her sleep of complications from diabetes in her Texas home.
“My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley,” Gilroy said.
In 2016, Duvall told Dr. Phil: “I am very sick. I need help.”
Her fans have taken to social media to pay tribute, as one person tweeted: "So long Shelley Duvall.
"What made her special was not just how versatile she was, but she was unlike any of her contemporaries.
"She simply made you fall in love with Olive Oyl."
A second wrote: "Shelley Duvall lit up the screen – every film she was in was brighter for her presence, and yet the industry (and life) were frequently so cruel to her.
"I'm sad she's died, but glad she was living a good life in her final years by all accounts. "There won't be another like her."
Shelley Duvall in The Shining. (Warner Brothers/Getty Images)
"I honestly feel so heartbroken. Shelley Duvall made me fall in love with watching actors transform on screen. Truly no one like her, we lost an icon," penned a third.
Another thanked her for 'making cinema a better place', adding: "What terrible news to wake up to.
"Shelley Duvall, you were one of a kind. A bold and original talent who gave countless iconic performances in a variety of movies, particularly Three Women and The Shining."
"Farewell to the one & only Shelley Duvall, a girlishly bug-eyed, wise, neurotic, sylph-like presence in motion pictures," someone else said.
"Her work with Robert Altman, particularly 3 Women, is some of the defining stuff of that weird and glorious era where women like her got to be movie stars."
Duvall worked with director Robert Altman seven times in the likes of McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971), Thieves Like Us (1974) and Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull’s History Lesson (1976).
"I honestly feel so heartbroken. Shelley Duvall made me fall in love with watching actors transform on screen. Truly no one like her, we lost an icon," penned a third.
Another thanked her for 'making cinema a better place', adding: "What terrible news to wake up to.
"Shelley Duvall, you were one of a kind. A bold and original talent who gave countless iconic performances in a variety of movies, particularly Three Women and The Shining."
"Farewell to the one & only Shelley Duvall, a girlishly bug-eyed, wise, neurotic, sylph-like presence in motion pictures," someone else said.
"Her work with Robert Altman, particularly 3 Women, is some of the defining stuff of that weird and glorious era where women like her got to be movie stars."
Duvall worked with director Robert Altman seven times in the likes of McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971), Thieves Like Us (1974) and Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull’s History Lesson (1976).
Updated 08:51 3 May 2024 GMT+1Published 08:26 3 May 2024 GMT+1
Gavin & Stacey return officially confirmed by James Corden and Ruth Jones
Ruth Jones previously denied there would be a 2024 Gavin and Stacey Christmas special, but that must have been smoke and mirrors
A Gavin and Stacey return has officially been confirmed by James Corden and Ruth Jones.
Rumours have been circulating that the iconic British sitcom would soon be making a return and it seems like they were actually true.
The Gavin and Stacey creators took to Instagram this morning (3 May) to confirm they will finally be coming back - despite previously denying it.
Corden, who obviously plays Smithy, shared a snap with Jones (Nessa, of course) holding up a script.
And it might be bittersweet news for fans, as it reads: "Gavin and Stacey: the finale."
Yep, looks like this new episode could actually be the final ever episode of the popular sitcom.
The actor wrote in the caption: "Some news… It’s official!!! We have finished writing the last ever episode of Gavin and Stacey.
"See you on Christmas Day, BBC One. Love Ruth and James."
Gavin & Stacey return officially confirmed by James Corden and Ruth Jones
Ruth Jones previously denied there would be a 2024 Gavin and Stacey Christmas special, but that must have been smoke and mirrors
A Gavin and Stacey return has officially been confirmed by James Corden and Ruth Jones.
Rumours have been circulating that the iconic British sitcom would soon be making a return and it seems like they were actually true.
The Gavin and Stacey creators took to Instagram this morning (3 May) to confirm they will finally be coming back - despite previously denying it.
Corden, who obviously plays Smithy, shared a snap with Jones (Nessa, of course) holding up a script.
And it might be bittersweet news for fans, as it reads: "Gavin and Stacey: the finale."
Yep, looks like this new episode could actually be the final ever episode of the popular sitcom.
The actor wrote in the caption: "Some news… It’s official!!! We have finished writing the last ever episode of Gavin and Stacey.
"See you on Christmas Day, BBC One. Love Ruth and James."
New Gavin and Stacey is on its way. (Instagram/@j_corden)
The BBC press office also confirmed the news, sharing: "We’ll have: A chicken bhuna, lamb bhuna, prawn bhuna, mushroom rice, bag of chips, keema naan, nine poppadoms and the last ever episode of Gavin and Stacey!!!
"Coming this Christmas Day on BBC One and iPlayer."
It's been quite some time since the sitcom was properly on our tellies, with three series of the show originally broadcast from 13 May 2007 to 1 January 2010.
Back in 2019, we were treated to another Christmas Day special and the BBC racked in 18.49 million viewers for it. That meant at the time the last Gavin and Stacey Christmas special was the most-viewed non-sporting event in a decade and the most-watched comedy in 17 years.
The BBC press office also confirmed the news, sharing: "We’ll have: A chicken bhuna, lamb bhuna, prawn bhuna, mushroom rice, bag of chips, keema naan, nine poppadoms and the last ever episode of Gavin and Stacey!!!
"Coming this Christmas Day on BBC One and iPlayer."
It's been quite some time since the sitcom was properly on our tellies, with three series of the show originally broadcast from 13 May 2007 to 1 January 2010.
Back in 2019, we were treated to another Christmas Day special and the BBC racked in 18.49 million viewers for it. That meant at the time the last Gavin and Stacey Christmas special was the most-viewed non-sporting event in a decade and the most-watched comedy in 17 years.
It's been a long time since Gavin and Stacey was on our screens. (BBC)
So it's fair to say people (not naming any names, but I am people) are going to be pretty excited about this morning's news.
And some fans still seem to have hope that this 'last ever' episode could finally reveal what happened on that fishing trip.
Plus, who could forget that the 2019 special ended with Nessa down on one knee proposing to Smithy? Surely we'll finally get to find out just what he said in response.
Fans commented on Corden's Instagram post joking: "Well it’s about fffing time James. She’s been on one knee for what? 2 or 3 years?"
Others simply said in excitement: "SHUT THE FRONT F**KING DOOR."
And many, of course, said: "OH MY CHRIST!!!"
Even Gordon Ramsay left a string of love heart emojis as Rio Ferdinand said he's 'clearing the diary'.
Fans said they 'cannot wait' as they now plan to 'stay home on Christmas day'.
So it's fair to say people (not naming any names, but I am people) are going to be pretty excited about this morning's news.
And some fans still seem to have hope that this 'last ever' episode could finally reveal what happened on that fishing trip.
Plus, who could forget that the 2019 special ended with Nessa down on one knee proposing to Smithy? Surely we'll finally get to find out just what he said in response.
Fans commented on Corden's Instagram post joking: "Well it’s about fffing time James. She’s been on one knee for what? 2 or 3 years?"
Others simply said in excitement: "SHUT THE FRONT F**KING DOOR."
And many, of course, said: "OH MY CHRIST!!!"
Even Gordon Ramsay left a string of love heart emojis as Rio Ferdinand said he's 'clearing the diary'.
Fans said they 'cannot wait' as they now plan to 'stay home on Christmas day'.
Man who voiced Simba in Lion King turned down $2 million cheque and accepted royalties instead
While his Lion King character couldn't wait to be king, Jason Weaver wanted to make smart business decisions
While you might not recognise his name, you'll certainly recognise Jason Weaver's voice.
Having sung as young Simba in The Lion King, the actor starred in one of Disney's highest grossing films ever.
Despite this, he would eventually risk everything by turning down a $2 million (£1.6m) payday and accept royalties instead.
Disney
Unlike Timon and Pumbaa, Weaver definitely worried about turning down the insane payday.
Having come from a middle-class family in Chicago, the sum was life-changing and the singer was eager to sign the contract.
"I remember it was like $2 million," he told Vlad TV back in 2019, adding: "You gotta remember, they're coming off of Beauty and the Beast. They're coming off of Aladdin. Disney had bread."
Not knowing that the film would be a success, he was about to agree when his mum ultimately intervened.
“Immediately my mom goes, 'Wait a minute, OK, if they're willing to do that... that's it, that's all he'll ever get, for the remainder of his life?” Weaver explained.
"They were like, 'That's it, he takes the money, that's it,' she was like, 'No, let's negotiate royalties.'"
The now-43-year-old even revealed that Disney knew the film would do well at the box office and had predicted they would make a ‘s**t tonne' of money from it.
Thankfully, his gamble would pay off.
Not only would The Lion King win an Oscar for the soundtrack, it became a best seller - with fans buying 18 million copies in the US alone.
Vlad TV
Despite this, Weaver was paid just $100,000 (£80,400) upfront for his part in the 1994 film.
He added: "Disney had a reputation for re-releasing stuff. I think at that time they had put out Sleeping Beauty and some of their old catalogue from when Walt Disney was alive.
"They were releasing that stuff when they were releasing the new Disney stuff, so she [his mum] was able to see the playing field and go, 'Wait a minute, this is going to make a lot of money over time, so what happens when my son turns 40? Is he going to be able to get a cheque for this when they eventually re-release this.'"
However, Weaver would eventually be relieved he made the decision as the royalties more than made up for turning down the initial offer.
While he wouldn't reveal what he’d earned from the movie, its seems Weaver can always count on his mum.
While his Lion King character couldn't wait to be king, Jason Weaver wanted to make smart business decisions
While you might not recognise his name, you'll certainly recognise Jason Weaver's voice.
Having sung as young Simba in The Lion King, the actor starred in one of Disney's highest grossing films ever.
Despite this, he would eventually risk everything by turning down a $2 million (£1.6m) payday and accept royalties instead.
DisneyUnlike Timon and Pumbaa, Weaver definitely worried about turning down the insane payday.
Having come from a middle-class family in Chicago, the sum was life-changing and the singer was eager to sign the contract.
"I remember it was like $2 million," he told Vlad TV back in 2019, adding: "You gotta remember, they're coming off of Beauty and the Beast. They're coming off of Aladdin. Disney had bread."
Not knowing that the film would be a success, he was about to agree when his mum ultimately intervened.
“Immediately my mom goes, 'Wait a minute, OK, if they're willing to do that... that's it, that's all he'll ever get, for the remainder of his life?” Weaver explained.
"They were like, 'That's it, he takes the money, that's it,' she was like, 'No, let's negotiate royalties.'"
The now-43-year-old even revealed that Disney knew the film would do well at the box office and had predicted they would make a ‘s**t tonne' of money from it.
Thankfully, his gamble would pay off.
Not only would The Lion King win an Oscar for the soundtrack, it became a best seller - with fans buying 18 million copies in the US alone.
Vlad TVDespite this, Weaver was paid just $100,000 (£80,400) upfront for his part in the 1994 film.
He added: "Disney had a reputation for re-releasing stuff. I think at that time they had put out Sleeping Beauty and some of their old catalogue from when Walt Disney was alive.
"They were releasing that stuff when they were releasing the new Disney stuff, so she [his mum] was able to see the playing field and go, 'Wait a minute, this is going to make a lot of money over time, so what happens when my son turns 40? Is he going to be able to get a cheque for this when they eventually re-release this.'"
However, Weaver would eventually be relieved he made the decision as the royalties more than made up for turning down the initial offer.
While he wouldn't reveal what he’d earned from the movie, its seems Weaver can always count on his mum.
