James Earl Jones is to receive a special Tony Award for lifetime achievement in theatre.
The 86-year-old actor – whose career has spanned over 60 years – is set to be honoured at the 71st Annual Tony Awards in June later this year for his longstanding and successful career.
He said in a statement: "In 1975 when I came to NY to study acting, my father – the actor Robert Earl Jones – took me on a ‘Grand Tour.’ The first night was to the opera ‘Tosca’ starring Leontyne Price. I loved the singing, but I didn’t understand the format of opera.
"The second night was ‘Swan Lake’ starring Margot Fontaine. The movement of the bodies just seemed like magic. The third night was ‘Pal Joey.’ I was captivated by the warmth of the light on stage. I was not inspired to sing and dance, but I knew I wanted to be in the warmth of the stage light.
"The fourth night was Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible.’ By contrast, it created a cold world, coldness between human beings, but the ideas that Arthur Miller was able to evoke onstage were blazing hot. I knew I wanted to be a part of this and to explore the stage."
Jones made his Broadway debut in 1957 and during his illustrious career, he scooped two Tony Awards – both for Best Lead Actor in a Play – one for his role in ‘The Great White Hope’ in 1969 and another in 1987 for his part in ‘Fences’.
More recently, Jones voiced Darth Vader in ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ and lent his vocal abilities to the role of Mufasa in the upcoming Disney live-action remake of ‘The Lion King’.
The 71st Annual Tony Awards will take place at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 11 and will be aired live on CBS.
James Earl Jones to receive lifetime achievement Tony Award
