By Mike Mankiewicz
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The Voice That Changed Everything
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to think of Darth Vader as the ultimate bad guy, and it’s all because of one man: James Earl Jones.
How can I be mad at the Dark Lord of the Sith when his voice belongs to the same man who stood in a cornfield in Field of Dreams as Terence Mann and reminded us of the beauty of baseball, of America, and of second chances? When he said, “People will come, Ray,” it wasn’t just about baseball anymore—it was about hope, nostalgia, and the belief that, no matter what, there’s always something worth fighting for.
This is the same voice that urged us to make love, not war. The same man who, with wisdom and gravitas, helped us believe in the impossible—whether it was building a baseball field in the middle of nowhere or, well, bringing balance to the Force.
How can I possibly view Darth Vader as just a villain when I can’t separate him from the warmth, wisdom, and quiet strength that James Earl Jones brings to every role?
And let’s not forget that this man is also Mufasa, the mighty lion king who teaches us the circle of life and instills timeless lessons about family, responsibility, and legacy. When Mufasa says, “Remember who you are,” it’s not just for Simba—it’s for all of us. He’s the father figure we all wish we had, a ruler with grace and wisdom, and the very heart of The Lion King.
Oh, and while we’re at it, let’s not forget how he helped guide Jack Ryan as Admiral James Greer in Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger.
Every time Ryan found himself deep in international intrigue, there was Greer—a steady hand, a mentor, and a voice of reason, offering guidance and wisdom in the most dangerous situations. With his calm authority and unshakable integrity, Greer was just another example of the power James Earl Jones brings to the screen.
James Earl Jones isn’t just Darth Vader, or Terence Mann, or Mufasa, or Admiral Greer—he’s the embodiment of characters who, no matter their role, always leave us with something bigger than just a story.
He’s the voice of both our childhood fears and our deepest hopes. Because of him, I can never watch Star Wars the same way again. Darth Vader may be the enforcer of the Empire, but now, thanks to James Earl Jones, I see him as more complex, more human.
After all, how can you hate a character when the voice behind him taught you to believe in love, dreams, the wisdom of kings, and the guidance of great mentors?
Thank you, James Earl Jones, for changing the way we see the world—and for reminding us that even the darkest villain can have a little light within.
