Legendary Hollywood star James Earl Jones faced a health challenge that he wasn’t aware of until later in life. In his final years, his once-robust appearance noticeably shifted, with many remarking on how frail he had become.
James Earl Jones earned global recognition as one of the finest stage and screen actors, both in the U.S. and around the world. He had a remarkable career spanning over 40 years and countless memorable film roles. His recent passing has shed light on his final years, showing both the health challenges he faced and the physical changes brought on by a medical condition.
James Earl Jones attends the 70th Annual Tony Awards on June 12, 2016, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
In a January 2018 interview, Jones disclosed for the first time in two decades that he had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The movie star explained that he discovered the condition by accident. “I didnt notice any symptoms,” Jones divulged.
James Earl Jones performs in the New York debut of “Letters Live” on May 19, 2018, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on the moment, he shared, “I had gone to a diet and exercise program hoping to lose some weight and ended up falling asleep sitting on a bench in the gymnasium.” His doctor, who happened to be there, pointed out that his behavior was abnormal and advised him to get tested. “And there it was: type 2 diabetes. It hit me like a thunderbolt,” Jones revealed.
James Earl Jones attends the after-party of the opening night of “On Golden Pond” on April 7, 2005, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Following the diagnosis, Jones became more vigilant about his health, learning to recognize when his body was signaling changes, particularly with blood sugar levels. While low blood sugar is easier to detect, Jones explained that high blood sugar can be harder to notice, which he acknowledged as one of the most dangerous aspects of the condition.
James Earl Jones at the Drama Leagues 31st Annual “Musical Celebration of Broadway” honoring James Earl Jones on February 2, 2015, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
But he was determined not to let the condition prevent him from pursuing his passion. “I can live to the extent that I can do all the work I used to do 10 years ago,” he said.
James Earl Jones and Cicely Tyson during the curtain call for the Broadway opening night of “The Gin Game” on October 14, 2015, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Jones expressed his deep passion for work, noting that even at his age, he still enjoyed performing in eight shows a week for a play or managing long schedules for film and television. He was determined not to let that stop, so he took responsibility for managing his condition.
James Earl Jones at The Drama Leagues 31st Annual “Musical Celebration of Broadway” on February 2, 2015, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
This was largely due to the strong support system he had at home. Jones acknowledged that his wife, Cecilia Hart, his manager, and his assistant — who was also his son — were always there to ensure he stayed healthy and ate well. He added, “I dont leave home without my son.”
James Earl Jones, Cecilia Hart, and Flynn Earl Jones during the closing night of “Driving Miss Daisy” on Broadway on April 9, 2011, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
To prepare himself physically, mentally, and emotionally for demanding 10-hour rehearsal days and performances, Jones prioritized rest, though he admitted it was difficult with such a schedule.
James Earl Jones attends the Broadway opening night after party for “The Gin Game” on October 14, 2015, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Living with his wife in Dutchess County, New York, he aimed for eight hours of sleep each night, despite being used to staying up late. Hart, who died in 2016, ensured he ate well, and he incorporated moderate exercise, such as using a treadmill or step-up, to keep his heart active.
Cecilia Hart and James Earl Jones at the event honoring him, hosted by the American Theatre Wing on September 28, 2015, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
In recent years, he also brought an oxygen tank backstage to use before shows and between scenes. Jones revealed that he occasionally forgot his lines, once so severely during “Cat On a Hot Tin Roof” that the stage manager feared he was having a stroke.
James Earl Jones on the set of “Cat On A Hot Tin Roof,” 2008 | Source: Getty Images
The issue was due to low blood oxygen, which he continued to monitor and manage with a portable generator to prevent it from affecting his memory. Jones admitted he struggled to “find” his character Martin Vanderhof, whom he described as “Mr. Mellow,” because, unlike his previous roles, Vanderhof is completely at peace with himself.
Terrence Howard and James Earl Jones on the set of “Cat On A Hot Tin Roof,” 2008 | Source: Getty Images
He explained that Vanderhof was the first nonaggressive character hed played in a long time, one who has accepted his mortality and helps others do the same. In an April 2016 interview, Jones reflected on some of his favorite movie roles, while online users expressed their reactions to his appearance at the time.
James Earl Jones during an interview | Source: YouTube/UsWeekly
One YouTube user wrote, “He is so painfully FRAGILE here.” Another observed, “Oh my gosh, he looks so old. Thats not an insult.”
James Earl Jones during an interview | Source: YouTube/UsWeekly
Someone suggested, “We must protect him at all costs,” while one person expressed, “My heart will literally break into pieces the day he leaves this planet, its going to be another Mufasa moment.”
In July 2019, the veteran was honored in a special ceremony, where he cast his handprints and signature in cement as part of his induction into the Disney Legends Hall of Fame.
James Earl Jones shown casting his hand in cement for Disney during a special event on July 10, 2019, in Pawling, New York. | Source: Getty Images
Although unable to attend the expo in Anaheim, California, he was celebrated in a smaller ceremony near his home in Pawling, New York.
James Earl Jones shown casting his hand in cement for Disney during a special event on July 10, 2019, in Pawling, New York. | Source: Getty Images
Jones induction was scheduled to coincide with Disneys annual D23 Expo, a comic-con-style event. However, he was unable to attend the D23 ceremony where he was honored, so he pre-recorded a video message instead.
James Earl Jones in a pre-recorded video message | Source: YouTube/LaughingPlace
Fans were pleased to see and hear from Jones, unaware that it would be one of the last times they would see him publicly. One social media user , “A legend with a remarkable God-like voice.”
James Earl Jones in a pre-recorded video message | Source: YouTube/LaughingPlace
“Amazing legendary actor!!!” exclaimed another. One noted, “Jones voice is like liquid gold,” while someone else mentioned “One of my favorite actors of all time.” Another stated, “He has looked the same for the [last] 30 years.”
Jones continued working well into his later years. In 2021, he reprised his role as King Jaffe Joffer in “Coming 2 America,” and his final role was voicing Darth Vader in the 2022 Disney+ mini-series “Obi-Wan Kenobi.”
He officially retired in 2022 and signed over the rights to Lucasfilm that same year, allowing them to recreate his voice using artificial intelligence, thanks to the innovation of Ukrainian tech start-up Respeecher.
James Earl Jones shown recording an audio segment for Disney during a special event on July 10, 2019 in Pawling, New York. | Source: Getty Images
That same year, the newly restored Cort Theatre on Broadway was renamed in honor of Jones, making it the second Broadway theater named after a Black artist.
The EGOT winner sadly died on September 9, 2024 in his home in Dutchess County, New York. He was 93. James Earl Jones extraordinary career and lasting legacy continue to inspire, cementing his place as one of the greatest talents in entertainment history.
