On May 4th, Republican Rep. Mike Lawler introduced legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal to James Earl Jones, best known for his iconic voice as Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” movies. Lawler praised Jones for breaking racial barriers, his service in the US Army, and his numerous roles on stage and screen. Despite joking about disagreements over Jones’ portrayal of Darth Vader, Lawler expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent him in Congress and present him with the prestigious honor.
Jones, 93, responded to the award by expressing his deep honor to receive a distinction that dates back to America’s founding. He emphasized the importance of the performing arts to culture and the nation’s future, while thanking Congressman Lawler and his staff for the initiative to honor him. Jones, an Academy Award nominee, began his career in the 1950s at the University of Michigan and went on to achieve success on Broadway, in films, and on television.
Despite early struggles with a stutter, Jones found his powerful voice with the help of a high school teacher, Donald Crouch. His distinctive baritone voice became an essential part of his acting career, leading him to various roles and accolades in the entertainment industry. Fans of the “Star Wars” franchise in Congress, such as Rep. Marc Molinaro and Rep. Ritchie Torres, supported the bill to award Jones the Congressional Gold Medal. Molinaro praised Jones as an iconic actor who deserves recognition for his contributions to breaking racial barriers and his stellar performances.
Jones’ career includes roles in films like “Dr. Strangelove,” “Field of Dreams,” “Coming to America,” and “The Hunt for Red October.” He also received a Tony Award for his performance in August Wilson’s “Fences” on Broadway. Known for his portrayal of characters like Darth Vader and Mufasa in “The Lion King,” Jones is considered a pioneer of Black American excellence in Hollywood. The bill to award him the Congressional Gold Medal was met with bipartisan support in recognition of his achievements and contributions to the performing arts.
As a passionate fan of history, James Earl Jones expressed gratitude for the award and its significance in honoring individuals who have made valuable contributions to society. He credited his career success to his powerful voice and the support of mentors who helped him overcome early challenges. The introduction of the bill to award Jones the Congressional Gold Medal highlighted his impact on American culture and his dedication to his craft as an actor. Recognizing Jones as an icon in the entertainment industry, Congress united to honor his legacy and lifelong commitment to excellence in the performing arts.
