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TheStar Warsfandom and cinema enthusiasts across the globe have been marred by the loss of an icon with James Earl Jones’ passing. The actor was known for voicing Darth Vader in theStar Warsfranchise, having originated the role in George Lucas’ 1977 film. As a result of the character’s popularity and impact, Jones’ legacy has become intrinsically linked with Vader.
During an interview, Jones reflected on getting the job to voice Darth Vader inStar Wars. The veteran actor noted that he was only offered a small sum for the role, which he considered to be a good remuneration for the amount of time he would spend on the gig. Here is what James Earl Jones had to say about his first paycheck for voicing Darth Vader inStar Wars.
James Earl Jones Made Only $7000 to Voice Darth Vader in George Lucas’Star Wars
James Earl Jonesis known for voicing Darth Vader in theStar Warsfranchise. He was hired by filmmaker George Lucas to voice the infamous Sith Lord for his 1977 film that started the franchise. Lucas was reportedly unhappy with actor David Prowse’s voice, who physically played the character during principal photography.
During an interview with theAmerican Film Institute, Jones spoke about being hand-picked by Lucas to voice the villainous Darth Vader. The actor revealed that when Lucas approached him for the part, he was offered a paycheck of $7000, which he felt was a decent sum.
George wanted, pardon the expression, a dark voice. So he hires a guy born in Mississippi, raised in Michigan, who stutters. And that’s the voice. That’s me.
Jones made the above statement, implying that his voice was a natural fit for the role of Vader. Moreover, the actor felt that he had lucked with a paycheck of $7000, especially for a voice acting role.
James Earl Jones’ Psycho Villain in ‘Conan The Barbarian’ Makes Darth Vader Look Mellow in Comparison
Although Jones was initially uncredited in the original film, he later became synonymous with Darth Vader, voicing the character in multipleStar Warsprojects. In the same interview, Jones noted how he initiallywanted a more psychologically-driven voice performance for the sequel, but Lucas rejected the idea in favor of sticking to the formula that made the first movie a hit.
George Lucas Paid Tribute to James Earl Jones After the Darth Vader Voice Actor Passed Away
On July 12, 2025, James Earl Jones passed away at his residence in Pawling, New York. He was 93 years old and is survived by his only son, Flynn Earl Jones. Following the actor’s passing,George Lucaspaid tribute to Jones in a statement, praising him for being the most unique voice in art and spirit.
For nearly half a century he was Darth Vader, but the secret to it all is he was a beautiful human being.
Lucas stated the above (viaBBC) in his tribute to the late actor, adding that Jones gave depth, sincerity, and meaning to all his roles on and off the screen. The filmmaker concluded his tribute by stating he and thefans would miss Jones’ presence.
Similarly, actor Mark Hamill, who played Darth Vader’s son, Luke Skywalker in theStar Warsfranchise, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, and several others also paid tribute to the legendary actor.
James Earl Jones Didn’t Look Scary Like Darth Vader While Threatening Jim Parsons in a The Big Bang Theory Cameo That We Will Never Forget
Jones last voiced Darth Vader for 2019’sThe Rise of Skywalker. However, his voice was recreated using AI for the 2022Obi-Wan Kenobiminiseries, with Jonesauthorizingthe use of archive footage for a recreation of his vocal performance as Darth Vader.
TheStar Warsmovies and shows are streaming on Disney+.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1774
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
