James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones is an American actor who in a career spanning more than 60 years has become known as one of Americas most distinguished and versatile actors and one of the greatest actors in American history. Since his Broadway debut in 1957, Jones has won many awards, including a Tony Award and Golden Globe Award for his role in The Great White Hope. Jones has won three Emmy Awards, including two in the same year in 1991, and he also earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role in the film version of The Great White Hope. He is also known for his voice roles as Darth Vader in the Star Wars film series and Mufasa in Disneys The Lion King as well as many other film, stage, and television roles.

James Earl Jones was born in Arkabutla, Mississippi on January 17, 1931, son of Robert Earl Jones , an actor, boxer, butler, and chauffeur who left the family shortly after James Earls birth, and his wife Ruth Jones, a teacher and maid. Jones and his father reconciled many years later. Jones was raised by his maternal grandparents, farmers John Henry and Maggie Connolly. His parents were both AfricanAmerican, and he has said that he also has Irish and Native American ancestry.

Source: Wikipedia