Coming to America

James Earl Jones

Jones overcame problems with stuttering and shyness to become world-renowned for his voice and his presence. He made an indelible impact on pop culture as the voice of Darth Vader in the original "Star Wars" trilogy. His low, powerful and authoritative tone ... morehelped supply the character with the gravitas and menace to become one of cinema's greatest villains.

He also portrayed the regal Mufasa in the animated film "The Lion King" and for years announced in a clip "This is CNN." He often played a supporting role in films ranging from "Dr. Strangelove" to "Field of Dreams" to "Coming to America." Jones won an Emmy for his role in the television show "Gabriel's Fire." Jones played Gabriel Bird, a cop who served time in prison and became a private eye on his release.

In addition, Jones has been a prominent stage actor. He won Tonys for "The Great White Hope" and "Fences," and distinguished himself with such Shakespearean roles as Othello and King Lear. (Allen Clark/Retna Ltd.)