Zombies On Chainsaws - A 2 Guys and a Chainsaw Review Podcast

A Voice Echoing Through Eternity: Remembering James Earl Jones

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    James Earl Jones, the man who lent his iconic baritone voice to Darth Vader and Mufasa, sadly passed away on September 9, 2024, at the age of 93. The horror movie review podcast, 2 Guys and a Chainsaw, dedicated a recent tribute episode to this legendary actor, reviewing the 1981 film Blood Tide as a showcase of a younger Jones in one of his more obscure roles.

    We reviewed their heartfelt tribute episode and discussed a little bit about what made this icon of the silver screen a man (and a voice) cemented in film history:

    • Jones’ voice was a defining feature of his career, instantly recognizable and deeply authoritative. He was the voice of CNN and Verizon, proving his range extended beyond memorable film characters.
    • He famously did not take screen credit for the first two Star Wars films, believing his contribution to be too minor. Only in the third film did he finally agree to have his name listed.
    • Jones was known for his humility and willingness to work on diverse projects, big or small. This is evidenced by his participation in low-budget films like Blood Tide, alongside major productions.
      • Early Life and Career

      Born in Mississippi in 1931, Jones’ early life was marked by a severe stutter that rendered him practically mute. Ironically, the man who would become known for his voice did not speak for a significant period of his childhood.

      • It was his high school English teacher who recognized Jones’s talent for poetry and encouraged him to speak, helping him overcome his shyness and stutter.
      • Acting classes further aided Jones in his journey toward fluency.
      • His father, Robert Earl Jones, was also an actor, but he had a complicated relationship with his son – abandoning the family when James Earl Jones was young. The two eventually reconciled and even performed together in some plays.
      • Jones’s journey from a mute child to a celebrated voice actor is a testament to his resilience and the transformative power of the arts.
        • Beyond Darth Vader and Mufasa

        While Darth Vader and Mufasa are arguably his most famous roles, Jones’s career spanned decades and encompassed a remarkable variety of characters. He was a true EGOT winner, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.

        • He starred in films like Dr. Strangelove, Field of Dreams, and The Hunt for Red October.
        • Jones also appeared on stage in classic plays like Macbeth, Othello, and The Iceman Cometh.
        • The man didn’t mind poking fun at himself, through numerous cameo appearances in TV shows such as The Simpsons, referencing his fame and diverse filmography.
        • The 2 Guys and a Chainsaw hosts also mentioned a previous episode covering The Exorcist Part II, another film featuring Jones.

        • To hear the full discussion on James Earl Jones’s life and career, and their review of Blood Tide, check out Episode #408 of 2 Guys and a Chainsaw.

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          Zombies On Chainsaws - A 2 Guys and a Chainsaw Review PodcastBy Rotten Roy & Brainy Brenda