James Earl Jones: 10 Most Memorable Characters

Known for his acting prowess, phenomenal presence, and a voice deeper than the ocean, James Earl Jones is one of the most prolific actors of the modern era. There are few actors of the guy’s caliber, having quite the decorated career with appearances in film, TV, and stage productions.

Having just celebrated his 90th birthday and with upcoming projects on the horizon, James Earl Jones has had one of the most remarkable careers in the movie industry. He’s a phenomenal talent that has stood out in the entertainment business and deserves recognition for both his unforgettable characters and overlooked appearances.

10 Narrator (Various)

When it comes to voice artists perfect for narration, there are normally two major players Hollywood looks to. Productions go with either Morgan Freeman or James Earl Jones. The number of times Jones has donned the role of narrator is simply astounding.

If there’s one thing he’ll always be known for, it’s his deep mighty voice. Why wouldn’t a movie producer want their opening narration done by this man’s incredible pipes?

9 Himself (The Big Bang Theory)

Although his career is loaded to the brim with powerful roles and serious performances, Jones knows how to cut loose every once in a while. And there is no better example than his guest appearance on The Big Bang Theory.

Consider it an honorable mention, but watching a phenomenal and renowned star like James Earl Jones partying with one of his fans is an absolute delight. Not to mention, this is perhaps one of his funniest TV appearances throughout his filmography.

8 King Jaffe Joffer (Coming to America)

In all honesty, James Earl Jones is just one of those actors meant to play royalty. So why wouldn’t he be perfect as the king of Zumanda?

Despite it being a comedic role in an over-the-top Eddie Murphy film, Jones carries the crown of King Jaffe Joffer with a regal air certainly befitting the character. Even when delivering ridiculous dialogue, he still utters it with a noble and magnificent performance.

7 Terence Mann (Field of Dreams)

Jones has always had a mystical quality to his presence, and that suits his role in Field of Dreams perfectly. A former civil rights activist brought out of his apartment exile, Terence comes with a powerful performance and an uncanny quality to his presence in the film.

Essentially the mystical guide to Ray Kinsella, Jones delivers a magical element that absolutely saturates the film. Especially during the famous “people will come” speech.

6 Lt. Lothar Zogg (Dr. Strangelove)

One of the actor’s first feature film roles, Lt. Lothar Zogg from Dr. Strangelove is often an overlooked appearance in Jones’s tremendous filmography. At first, Zogg comes off with Jones’s calm, collected, and confident demeanor, but when things start going south, his collected nature begins to disassemble.

It’s a small part, but definitely not unworthy of mentioning. He’s certainly an active member of the bomber crew, and his distinctive voice even stands out during the famous bomb run sequence.

5 Hoke (Driving Miss Daisy)

Although Morgan Freeman might have the better-known performance, James Earl Jones portrayed the role of Hoke Colburn in the filmed stage production of Driving Miss Daisy. And it’s no exaggeration that the two actors give distinctly different performances

Performing opposite of fellow legend Angela Lansbury, Jones portrays Hoke with a gentlemanly air and a dash of delightful eccentricity. Where Freeman’s interpretation was cheery yet professional, Jones’s version is as big and friendly as the man himself.

4 Thulsa Doom (Conan the Barbarian)

As wonderful as he is in his starring and supporting roles, something truly has to be said for Jones’s ability to play the villain. Before he stepped behind the mic as a famous Sith Lord, he was the sinister serpentine sorcerer, Thulsa Doom.

Although his wig is a little ridiculous, Thulsa Doom is a powerful enemy for Conan the Barbarian to face. His commanding presence is only rivaled by his command over the mystic arts.

3 Mr. Mertle (The Sandlot)

Yet another mysterious and borderline mystical character in Jones’s repertoire, Mr. Mertle definitely scores a top-tier spot for any fans of the actor’s work. While he does fully appear only in the film’s third act, he certainly fills the role of the reclusive junkyard owner perfectly.

Keeper of the Beast and collector of famous baseballs, Mr. Mertle is a stand-out character in the world of these wide-eyed kids. He certainly was in the eyes of the audience.

2 Mufasa (The Lion King)

The king of the Pridelands was so iconic for James Earl Jones that he was literally the only person in existence that could do the role justice. Powerful, regal, and royal, Mufasa encapsulates all the key features of Jones’s performing chops.

The voice, the presence, the character, all elements behind this animated lion fall perfectly into Jones’s strengths and it shows. On an average actor’s resume this would easily a contender for his best role, but there’s one that truly takes the crown.

1 Darth Vader (Star Wars)

Although his contribution went unnoticed in the original release, James Earl Jones will forever and always be associated with one of the most unforgettable villains in all of fiction, Darth Vader. A powerful character like Vader deserves a voice that commands just as much, so who better than Jones?

Jones has reprised his role as Vader across a multitude of Star Wars media, jumping from films to spinoffs to even animated series. Like Mufasa, there’s only one actor who could do him justice. Anyone else would just be a shallow imitation.

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