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Date of Birth
James Earl Jones was born in Arkabutla Mississippi to Robert Earl Jones and Ruth Connolly on January 17th, 1931&--with Robert leaving before he was born. -
Moving
Jones was moved to Dublin Michigan when he turned five, set to be raised by his maternal grandparents. He developed a stutter and refusal to speak, leaving him traditionally mute for many years. -
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Early Schooling
For much of his school life Jones remained mute, but during highschool he worked with a teacher--Mr. Crouch--to find and explore his voice through poetry, considering it a big breakthrough for himself. -
Highschool Graduation
Jones graduated from Dickson Highschool in Brethren Michigan in 1949. -
Scholarship
In 1949 James Earl Jones earned a scholarship for the University of Michigan, enrolling initially as premed. -
Early Productions
With his interest now turning to theatre, Jones participated in productions at Manistee Summer Theatre. -
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Military Service
Jones was commissioned and trained as an officer in the armed forces for two years, ending up assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 38th regimental combat team. -
B.A degree
After changing his focus to theatre, Jones received his B.A in 1955 after his service in the army. -
NYC
Following his graduation Jones made the move to New York City and began to study at the American Theatre Wing. -
First Speaking Role
In 1958 Jones had his first Broadway speaking role in Sunrise at Campobello as the valet. -
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An age of Acting
Jones was then finding himself in many more roles over the years, performing in shows such as: Henry V, The Pretender, The Blacks, and later Othello. -
Film Debut
In 1963 Jones found success in Film with his debut role was Lt Lothar Zogg in Kubrick's Dr Strangelove. -
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First Marriage
For a while Jones was married to actress Julienne Marie, but they ended up Divorcing in 1972. -
The Great White Hope
In the 1969 stage, and 1970 film production of the Great White Hope Jones was a principal role, with the play winning the 1969 best play Tony Award, and Pulitzer Prize for best drama. -
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Film Acting Over the Years
His found film success in the 1970s include The Man in 1972, Claudine in 1974, The River Niger in 1975 and The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings in 1976. -
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Critical Acclaim
Received critical acclaim for the two character for the two person stage play Paul Robeson (1979) and Othello (1982). -
Second Marriage
In 1982 Jones married his second wife Cecilia Hart with whom he had a son, Flynn. -
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Modern roles
Jones has stayed active in the acting scene, performing between many successes in films. Some of these roles are:
Fences(1987-90), Cat on a hot tin roof with an all black cast(2008), Driving Miss Daisy(2010-11), Best Man(2012), You Can Take it With You(2014-15), the Gin Game(2015-16). -
Death of Cecilia
Unfortunately, Cecilia Hart passed away in 2016 after a battle with Ovarian Cancer. He remain currently unmarried . -
Tony Award
In 2017 Jones received a special Tony award for lifetime achievement in the theatre. -
James Earl Jones Theatre
In September of 2022, The Shubert Organization revealed the newly renamed James Earl Jones Theatre (138 West 48th Street), formerly the Cort Theatre, in honor of the award-winning American actor, who did not himself attend the ceremony but was given a prior tour of the premises.