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| 1931-2024 |
Speech is a very important aspect of being human. A whisper doesn't cut it.
--James Earl Jones
The Great White Hope (1970, based on a 1968 Broadway play, also starring Jones, for which he won a Tony--Kirk)
Claudine (1974. No great shakes as a movie, but I've always liked Jones in it--Kirk)
The Empire Strikes Back (1980. Yes, I know he voiced the same character in a movie before and a movie after, but you only get one clip out of me as I refuse to hand this blog over to the Force, no matter how tempting--Kirk)
Fences (1987 Broadway play for which Jones won his second Tony--Kirk)
CNN promo (1994. Made me want to watch the news--Kirk)
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And I cant imagine a person NOT knowing that voice. I actually enjoyed his funny side.
ReplyDeleteMaddie, the main reason I included the Claudine clip is because it was one of the few comedies Jones was in. I thought he handled it well, but he was obviously more in demand as a dramatic actor. Ironically, Jones first movie was a comedy, Dr. Strangelove. He played one of the crewmembers of the B-whatever bomber that against all odds manages to drop a nuke on Russia (unknowingly setting off a doomsday device in the process) but he and the rest of the crewmembers basically played straight man to Slim Pickins gung-ho cowboy commander.
DeleteAnd he was so much more than that incredible voice.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, Mitchell, and I hope I found a balance between the voice and the acting chops in my selection of clips.
DeleteYou definitely did!
DeleteA big deal about his death is being made here. I had only heard his name and I knew nothing about him. I just knew this post from you would soon arrive. I am a little more educated now.
ReplyDeleteHappy to contribute to your education, Andrew.
DeleteThe Voice is stilled. RIP
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debra
DeleteRIP James
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ananka
DeleteI had forgotten how much stuff he was in!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, Mike, I barely scratched the surface.
Delete