So it came as a shock, sometime near the end of the 70s, getting ready for the new SW sequel, that we discovered Darth Vader wasn't entirely Prowse at all, but also someone named James Earl Jones. Perhaps once or twice I glanced the name, purely by accident, but my young mind likely didn't process it. But by Empire, I was heading into middle school. A little smarter and more aware.
When he did Conan the Barbarian, for many I know that was our first glance at him. And what a glance. I know today his hairpiece gets quite a ribbing by folks. But back then, I don't believe I had ever seen him before. We had nothing to go by. I was sure it wasn't his real hair, but for all I knew, it wasn't far off. Not that I saw the movie - too young - but I saw plenty of articles and photos.
It would be over the subsequent years, as I grew up, that I was introduced to Mr. Jones's impressive body of work. And his impressive presence. George Lucas stupidly apologized for saying Jones was chosen for Vader's voice because Lucas was looking for a darker, more sinister voice. Because darker, black, you know. It's today.
But sane people in a sane age get what he meant. With a voice that would make George Sanders green with envy, he couldn't help but play parts of authority and commanding respect. Wise, sage like, solid, dependable - these became the stock of characteristics he always seemed to convey. Even in comedy, you could count on him to the solid as a rock person in a room full of crazy. Just look at him.
I know little about his private life, and to be honest, I'm happy with that. All too often disappointment can follow when you pry into the lives of those you know on screen. As it is, the gist I had was that he commanded the same respect off screen that his characters did on screen. Which isn't bad.
He remains a major part of my cultural awareness. He was that solid character that perhaps Peck or Gable filled for generations before. You knew when you saw him that he would bring at least a full letter grade improvement to any film or project. Despite it all, he will still be Vader with that voice that sent chills down my elementary school spine all those years ago. RIP Mr. Jones. And thanks for the lifetime of memories.
UPDATE: I wasn't aware of this, but apparently in the original theatrical releases, his name wasn't in the credits. That came later. And it was at his initial request. In a later interview, he explained that he believed he wasn't really 'acting', but was more part of the special effects. He compared it to the controversy over Mercedes McCambridge and her role in the Exorcist as the dubbed over voice for Linda Blair. It wasn't until later that, due to a growing awareness of his role in voicing Vader, that he acquiesced and Lucas then added his name, and retroactively added it to future releasees of the original. Hence why I wouldn't have known in those early years, Star Wars mania though it was. Fun stuff sometimes, the internet.
A nice tribute.
ReplyDeleteI heard that on the set of Conan, he and Arnold became friends. He would give tips to Arnold on acting, and Arnold would give him advice on fitness and weight lifting.
One of those stories you hope is true, as men of great talent come together and recognizing the gift in each other, freely trade them to lift each other up.
By all accounts JEJ was a real deal. It will be a long time before we see his like again.
I can believe that. It makes me think of an old joke that said Paul Newman spent time on the set of The Color of Money giving Tom Cruise racing lessons when he should have given him desperately needed acting lessons.
DeleteBut from what I can tell, JEJ was the real thing. Didn't realize he was Catholic most of his life, but I can believe it. It's been something to watch so many tributes from so many areas: the military, NASA, sports and baseball, you name it. A life well lived.