James Earl Jones: Mark Hamill mourns Darth Vader

James Earl Jones, a great of the film business, left the earthly stage on Monday (September 9). His death at the age of 93 triggered an avalanche of honorable statements in the film world – full of sadness, but also full of appreciation and gratitude for the work they did together. Matthew Broderick (62), Jones’ son Simba in the Disney global hit “The Lion King”, honored him as “my father, my king!” Superstars such as Kevin Costner (69) and Mark Hamill (72) also remembered the deceased.

“My father, my king!”

For actor Matthew Broderick, Jones was more than just a colleague. Both of them made the 1993 animated film “The Lion King” what it is: one of the most successful films in history worldwide, with box office revenues of $968.5 million. Looking back, the film can be seen as the resurrection of the Disney animation studio – and Broderick and Jones were right in the middle of it. Broderick voiced the little lion king Simba, Jones his father Mufasa. The relationship between the two was correspondingly emotional: “I’m so happy that I had the chance to work with James Earl Jones. That he played my father, my king! And that I got to know him a little,” says Broderick.

“Showing a whole generation what fatherhood means”

Jones was “so open”, equipped with a “big grin, lots of laughter and genuine curiosity about others”, said Broderick. “He was a great listener, completely different to what you might imagine with that stern, regal, beautiful voice. He is one of the best of all time, a great American actor”, said Broderick in honour of his former colleague. And Rob Minkoff (62), director of the blockbuster “The Lion King”, added: “Jones’ portrayal of Mufasa was absolutely perfect. He showed a whole generation what fatherhood means. I am sure that his powerful voice will continue to boom through our living rooms and keep his spirit alive for years to come. He lives in all of us.”

Mark Hamill: #RIPdad

Jones was at home in all film genres during his career. “From the gentle wisdom of Mufasa to the menacing presence of Darth Vader, James Earl Jones gave his voice to some of the greatest characters in film history,” said Bob Iger (73), Chairman of the Board of the Walt Disney Company, in a statement. And so all “Star Wars” fans worldwide mourn the loss of Darth Vader’s inimitable voice, which Jones lent to the super villain of the original films. It is understandable that Darth Vader’s film son Mark Hamill, aka Luke Skywalker, also spontaneously paid his last respects to Jones. After learning of Jones’ death, Hamill tweeted briefly and succinctly, with a mixture of heartbreak and humor that reflects the iconic connection between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker: “#RIP dad”

Costner: “That booming voice, that quiet strength”

Kevin Costner’s tribute to his former film partner Jones is more detailed. Both appeared in front of the camera in 1989 for the touching film drama “Field of Dreams”. Costner writes: “That booming voice. That quiet strength. The kindness that he radiated. There is so much to be said about his legacy, so I will just say how grateful I am that ‘Field of Dreams’ is a part of it.” And Costner continues emotionally: “If you’ve seen the film, you know that it would not have been the same with any other actor. Only he could bring that kind of magic to a film about baseball and a cornfield in Iowa. I am grateful that I was able to witness how he created that magic. Rest in peace, friend.”