Not only a legend, but a kind, generous man.
Added 2024-09-10 00:32:21 +0000 UTCWhen I was doing voice-over and working a lot, I got to run into (and sometimes work with some really famous people (JK Simmons and Isaac Hayes are among my favorites). Back in NY, around 2002-2003, I was doing a job at some studio somewhere, don't remember where. When I was finished recording, JEJ was waiting in the greenroom - he was doing a session next.
As I gathered my stuff, of course, I gushed over him. He was as kind and as sweet as you would imagine. It took all my courage to ask, but I finally did, and he said yes. For about a year, my voicemail message was:
"You have reached AJ's phone. He cannot answer because I have turned him to the dark side. Leave a message after the beep if you wish, but know that the man you once knew as AJ is gone, and all that remains is a vessel of evil."
I was furious when I had to change phones and couldn't keep the message. I didn't remember to record it: one of my few showbiz regrets - and one of my most cherished memories. (You know I sent every message to voicemail during that year)
I'm sure he's been bothered to do that bit a million times, but he treated me with warmth and kindness and acted flattered to be asked. They say, "Don't meet your heroes," because they'll disappoint you. In this case, Mr. Jones exceeded all expectations. I am sure there are a million stories about this man similar to mine.
Rest in peace, Mr. Jones. You will be missed, but you will not be forgotten.
--AJ
Comments
A magnificent actor, a wonderful human being, and a man who had a searching soul and a wonderful sense of humor. Cheers Mr. Jones! An actor's actor and a real mensch...good journeys.
Danette Sills
2024-10-07 21:42:39 +0000 UTCYou will be missed Mufasa! He was great!
Shadow Rose
2024-10-05 00:30:37 +0000 UTCA little late, but ran across this. https://m.facebook.com/groups/1023001197830799/permalink/3291722940958602/?
Patrick Thomas
2024-09-18 03:23:17 +0000 UTCYa know..... Not a bad idea!
Zach Jacobs
2024-09-18 02:22:51 +0000 UTCSorry Christo didn’t even see you. Yes!
Alright Alright Alright
2024-09-16 20:59:25 +0000 UTCI’m sure someone has already mentioned it but what about him in the Sandlot? One of my favorite movies.
Alright Alright Alright
2024-09-16 20:58:18 +0000 UTCMan, well said. 👏👏👏👏 We will carry him in our hearts and memories, he’ll never truly be gone.
ok Michelle!
2024-09-13 00:41:53 +0000 UTCHe also played Barney Hill in the TV movie “ The UFO Incident “ ( 1975 ). Worth a watch !
Nate Osborne
2024-09-13 00:41:34 +0000 UTC“ contemplate this on the Tree of Woe … “
Nate Osborne
2024-09-13 00:23:56 +0000 UTCSandlot!!!
Christo
2024-09-12 23:43:11 +0000 UTCGreat tribute. I loved this. I would also send every call to voicemail
Logan
2024-09-12 21:35:54 +0000 UTCif you've still got the phone I'm sure you can record it onto something and reuse it.
MrPdub247
2024-09-12 06:11:57 +0000 UTCI remember him from the 7Up commercials in the early 70s, and the animated (though not quite as animated as Jim Carry) Grinch That Stole Christmas. The voice of Darth Vader, Conan the Barbarian, Field of Dreams, etc. Such a majestic voice! I would like to have been able to meet him in person. He always came across as a wise and soulful man - a one of a kind classic. He will be missed.
indridChill
2024-09-11 23:19:48 +0000 UTCIncredible voice and thank you Mr jones for ur dedication in the arts
Henry Hidalgo
2024-09-11 22:13:09 +0000 UTCThis hit hard.. he had the most incredible voice ever.. Field of Dreams was my favourite.. A beautiful soul that has now gone, leaving us with only the memories that will never be forgotten. Good-bye James...
Sigma 1-969
2024-09-11 17:26:56 +0000 UTCAn excellent candidate for cloning!
Deirdre a greene
2024-09-11 16:01:36 +0000 UTCI have never heard a bad story about this wonderful man. One of our greats has moved on to his next great adventure and we are but poorer for his loss and greater for his gifts left behind.
Kathleen Kaufmann
2024-09-11 06:06:33 +0000 UTC❤️
nannanom nanna
2024-09-11 01:31:38 +0000 UTCThat is a wonderful story.
AndreaV
2024-09-11 01:27:40 +0000 UTCSo miss to hear such a nice story. He is an icon and will be missed.
Sindy Simms
2024-09-11 01:16:25 +0000 UTCAJ You're so upright, thanks for being here.
JulieGee
2024-09-10 23:42:42 +0000 UTCThat’s sooo awesome! A beautiful memory
Aurie
2024-09-10 22:47:06 +0000 UTCAmazing!
Brad Beatty
2024-09-10 21:12:11 +0000 UTCCool story.
Don Stewart
2024-09-10 21:02:42 +0000 UTC❤️😭
Sibyle
2024-09-10 20:48:07 +0000 UTCGreat story! RIP James Ear Jones 🙏
Gunnar Bjarki
2024-09-10 19:29:31 +0000 UTCAnother Hero gone. It sucks getting to an age where everyone you admired as a child, has left this world. He taught me not to judge a man by others' opinions in the Sandlot. He taught me redemption and forgiveness as he turned back to the light as Darth Vader. And he taught be honor, strength and courage as Mufasa. The world is less without this great man on it. May the force be with you. " I am what you made me!" Darth Vader, Obi-wan S1E3
Erich Burch
2024-09-10 18:47:24 +0000 UTCWish I could say I coined it .. but I'm just keeping it alive
Shane R. Monroe
2024-09-10 17:27:12 +0000 UTC“Lost to the sands of time”. One of my favorite all time lines
Bosco Lemonzit
2024-09-10 17:22:55 +0000 UTCHe was always a wonderful, thoughtful and generous man. Keeping him alive with stories like your is a beautiful way to thank him. Thank you for sharing.
Nikcole Merrell
2024-09-10 16:54:36 +0000 UTC"There is no death. There is only the Force." Jedi Code
Keith Haussel
2024-09-10 16:21:19 +0000 UTCI would have been gutted to lose that message! Great story :)
cassandra staples
2024-09-10 16:16:03 +0000 UTCThanks for this.
Rick Herron
2024-09-10 15:12:13 +0000 UTCGreat story, for a GREAT man, thanks for sharing.
Jigsaw
2024-09-10 14:59:07 +0000 UTCI was working on celebrity websites back in the day (James Hong was appearing on MILLENIUM that season - and we were shooting pics and vids for his new website) and Lance Henriksen is a big favorite of mine. I was really star struck to meet him and had a similar situation where I was embarrassed to even approach him. Turns out this is the coolest guy you've ever met. I got up the courage to ask him if anyone approached him to "Do that thing with the knife" and he was happy to chat about it - and how many tickets police let him out of when they realized who he was. Back in the day, we shot on a Sony camera that used floppy disks. A picture was taken of Lance and I with our arms around each other. It was ... legendary. That photo is no longer anywhere to be found. I am crushed I don't have it anymore ... lost to the sands of time. I feel your pain, my friend.
Shane R. Monroe
2024-09-10 14:39:32 +0000 UTCWhat a beautiful story and a cherished memory. Feel better soon, AJ.
Amy Dryden
2024-09-10 13:25:50 +0000 UTCHe will be greatly missed. Thank you for sharing this. What a wonderful story.
Christi Scott-Wester
2024-09-10 11:55:11 +0000 UTCFew actors do anything for ne. Infact I see "talent" as a failure to co tribute to society Lime these youtubera who stand all their Tim researching some bs conspiracy theory. However I agree with you here. He was a us in life as is hecklefish. Maybe someday heckle fish can drop that darn human and do the real work.🤣🤣🤣🤣🥰love ya AJ. Wish I didn't have to down grad my pateeon form 50, but it's been a rough year.
Kevin Via
2024-09-10 11:48:03 +0000 UTCThat’s a bummer sure tugs my heart. That’s the voice you can probably never forget
Jason Clouse
2024-09-10 11:45:45 +0000 UTCThanks for that, A.J. He will be appreciated...
Gus Viera
2024-09-10 09:14:55 +0000 UTCGreat Story! Would it be disrespectful to have an AI-generated voice (in his voice in the tone and cadence of Darth Vader) recreate your answering machine message?
InSyder
2024-09-10 08:31:31 +0000 UTCI think that the first time that I remember seeing JEJ was in the film Conan The Barbarian, with Arnie as Conan.
Bob Trevena
2024-09-10 08:18:42 +0000 UTCWhat a great memory and tribute. I'm sure that a lot of celebrities tend to forget that it is their adoring fans who put them where they are.
Bob Trevena
2024-09-10 08:15:40 +0000 UTCBeautiful tribute. Rest in peace.
Janet Thomson
2024-09-10 07:44:37 +0000 UTCAn Amazing Actor who justly deserves the accolades. He will be sorely missed.
John DAVID Wynn Roberts
2024-09-10 07:10:56 +0000 UTCAnother great who is now one with the force. Farewell to a legend. 💖
Paul Nurse
2024-09-10 06:33:37 +0000 UTCBeautiful tribute AJ! Perhaps someone who got your voicemail all those years ago saved it. The universe might be kind and get that recording back for you.
Kathy Berken
2024-09-10 06:24:51 +0000 UTCA beautiful tribute Aj, what a star JEJ is. Shine brightly in Heaven, Sir🌟.
Julia Fox
2024-09-10 06:04:38 +0000 UTCA true loss to the world 🌎 Rest in peace, Mr. Jones.
The InBetween - Tales of the True & Unexplained
2024-09-10 05:10:47 +0000 UTCGreat story. I always figured James Earl Jones could call up any restaurant to make a reservation, but would never have to say who he was. His voice would immediately be recognized. Yes, Mr. Jones, we'll see you at 8:00. Sam Elliott is probably in that same category.
MikeD
2024-09-10 05:08:00 +0000 UTCWhat a lovely tribute AJ. He will be missed. The end of an era.
passenger4
2024-09-10 03:59:16 +0000 UTCRemember
Andrew Ellis
2024-09-10 03:47:02 +0000 UTCGreat Actor Great Soul May he rest in peace.
Krashwill
2024-09-10 03:30:50 +0000 UTCRIP Mr Jones with a amazing voice and beautiful man <3
Angela Fowles
2024-09-10 03:16:06 +0000 UTCCool story AJ, appreciate you sharing - the world loses another movie legend, RIP Mr Jones
Raithe77
2024-09-10 02:54:27 +0000 UTCOh WOW!!!!! I LOVE this story AJ. And when I was reading the voicemail you wrote for him I swear it was his voice I heard! Sad to loose a legend!
GrannyLovesToDance
2024-09-10 02:49:55 +0000 UTCSuch a great moment of your personal history. Thanks for sharing, AJ. When reading your post, not only could I hear your voice, I heard James Earl Jones' too! Make note of this: His soul definitely did not go to the "dark side."
Michael Carver
2024-09-10 02:45:55 +0000 UTCWhat a voice! Rest in peace Mr. Jones.
Ron the frozen shoulder guy Monroe
2024-09-10 02:42:00 +0000 UTCBig fan of James Earl Jones. Sandlot and Field of dreams wouldn't have been the same without him.
Billy Pugh
2024-09-10 02:33:45 +0000 UTCStat Wars has always been my favorite movie, and Darth Vader, my favorite character. JEJ will live on in his fans, especially me.
John Thoman
2024-09-10 02:29:01 +0000 UTCI'll always remember his voice.
Paul D Berkebile
2024-09-10 02:26:14 +0000 UTCI was giving a plaque at a first call of a cruise ship and he was the ships godfather. Had a snowball fight with him (and a bunch of other guys in tuxedos) on the deck. Brush with greatness
John
2024-09-10 02:25:09 +0000 UTCGreat loss. Wonderful man and actor.
John Caron
2024-09-10 02:15:05 +0000 UTCMy cousin babysat his kids and he treated her like family !Such a lovely man! So talented. Thank you for sharing your memory. I’ll have to share that with her.♥️
Bronwyn Allen-Kaeser
2024-09-10 02:02:13 +0000 UTCThanks for sharing this great story!
JD
2024-09-10 01:55:50 +0000 UTCNever met the guy. Never met anyone who has. His voice will continue on with each new generation watching Star Wars for the first time. Sad day...
Mustangman
2024-09-10 01:51:48 +0000 UTCRest in Peace JEJ. You will be missed.
Siani Reece
2024-09-10 01:50:12 +0000 UTCThat you so much for sharing AJ!! Such a great experience to have!!❤️❤️
Bob Jonas
2024-09-10 01:49:11 +0000 UTCWhat a legend
John Sheridan
2024-09-10 01:46:32 +0000 UTCTo this day, I remember his lines from Conan because they stuck with me. Even though they were from an evil man, he delivered them in such a way that they seemed like a father's harsh lesson to me. I have kept them with me since then: Thulsa Doom: Ah. It must have been when I was younger. There was a time, boy, when I searched for steel when steel meant more to me than gold or jewels. Conan : The riddle... of steel. Thulsa Doom : Yes! You know what it is, don't you boy? Shall I tell you? It's the least I can do. Steel isn't strong, boy, flesh is stronger! Look around you. There, on the rocks; a beautiful girl. Come to me, my child... [coaxes the girl to jump to her death] Thulsa Doom : That is strength, boy! That is power! What is steel compared to the hand that wields it? Look at the strength in your body, the desire in your heart, I gave you this! Such a waste.
Juan Navarro
2024-09-10 01:43:41 +0000 UTCThis is amazing and beautiful. I'm 51, Star Wars was and still is a huge part of my life. My 2 favourite characters are Boba Fett and of course, Darth Vader. I recently purchased a 6ft tall animatronic Stormtrooper from Home Depot. He had a name of another customer on the box, Gary Cook, so we have affectionally called our Storm Trooper Gary. Today of all days, a 7ft animatronic Darth Vader is due to arrive on my doorstep. My 9 year old son and I have decided we'll call him James Vader. RIP JEJ.
Swanky
2024-09-10 01:39:58 +0000 UTCGreat story! Thank you for sharing. R.I.P. JEJ
Bad-Haggis
2024-09-10 01:36:07 +0000 UTCJEJ was THE voice. When you heard his voice, you knew his voice was what royalty sounded like. From King Jaffe Joffer and Mufasa, to Thulsa Doom and Darth Vader, and back to Mr. Mertle. He was the narrator of every project that I did for broadcasting school and in radio. Or, at least, what I imagined I sounded like. Rest In Power, Legend.
SGTquig
2024-09-10 01:35:24 +0000 UTCWonderful memory!
Phyllis Henderson
2024-09-10 01:28:51 +0000 UTCBest story of the month and Mr Jones is a icon
Dagger Hagger
2024-09-10 01:21:45 +0000 UTCAmazing story AJ. What an honor. RIP James Earl Jones. His portrayal of Thulsa Doom in the first Conan always stuck with me. With that performance you got the ironic voice plus his mesmerizing physical presence. He was a legend
Luke Shannon
2024-09-10 01:17:39 +0000 UTCSuch a wonderful, heart-felt tribute.
RileyRoo
2024-09-10 01:14:51 +0000 UTCI'm with you, Melissa. His voice, his command of presence with gentle tones... He influenced me as kid and my sons as they were kids. Guess I found my words for him
Daniel Buckley
2024-09-10 01:13:41 +0000 UTCWhat a great story, thanks for sharing. You’re so lucky to have met him. We all feel we lost a friend today. - R.I.P. Mr Jones
Sonia Flores
2024-09-10 01:10:21 +0000 UTCThat's an amazing story. I miss him so much!
Sunshyne_8
2024-09-10 01:09:16 +0000 UTCLong live lord Vader!
Uncle Scooby
2024-09-10 01:07:56 +0000 UTCWhat a great memory, thanks for sharing. 💚
Helle
2024-09-10 01:07:22 +0000 UTCRIP
Margie Willis
2024-09-10 01:06:58 +0000 UTCClass act for posting this. Would make JEJ proud. RIP, 'Darth' ✌️
Tony K
2024-09-10 01:05:32 +0000 UTCGreat story of a great Man!
Tony Ripley
2024-09-10 01:04:53 +0000 UTCGreat story. I have a similar one with Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers band. I never met James Earl Jones but I respected the man because of his canter and because he was one of the few actors in Hollywood that didn't let their fame and fortune jade them. He never forgot where he came from
Eric Naman
2024-09-10 01:03:48 +0000 UTCR.I.P. Darth Vader . I wonder if there is any other Star Wars if A.I.will be used for any voices of Darth Vader. James was a legend but lived a very full life . All any if us can ask 93 years .
Adam (Pappy) Koehler
2024-09-10 01:03:26 +0000 UTCRIP He was a legend/icon to me.....of course I'm Generation X
Tyler Sadler
2024-09-10 01:02:15 +0000 UTCMr Jones was a personal hero of mine. What an actor, and what a voice! I sat right down at the stage once for a performance of a Shakespeare play on Broadway. James Earl Jones was Othello, Christopher Plummer was Iago. I was spellbound, so much so that I'd completely forgot it was a play. Here's an interesting little tidbit (at least to me): When I first heard the news of Mr Jones's passing, of all the productions I'd seen (or heard) him in, the first one that came to mind was his portrayal of Barney Hill, something I'd almost forgotten about. Anyway, he was always brilliant, and I heard he was always kind and generous to everyone. Truly one of a kind. RIP, James Earl Jones.
thormusique
2024-09-10 01:00:45 +0000 UTCAn icon
Tash & Andy
2024-09-10 01:00:04 +0000 UTCI will miss him, Mufasa is one of my fave characters ever and I'm glad his voice lives on.
CaspianByDefault
2024-09-10 01:00:02 +0000 UTCToday was my birthday and up until this it was a great day. This broke my heart and brought me to tears. There’s no one’s childhood he didn’t touch. The only thing equal to his legacy will always be his voice. I envy the angels. RIP
Just Felice
2024-09-10 00:59:39 +0000 UTCI have no words. 😢
Melissa
2024-09-10 00:59:35 +0000 UTCAn Iconic voice to a realistic person. He will be missed and always remembered for generations to come.
Jeffrey P. Kitchin
2024-09-10 00:58:17 +0000 UTCAmen, AJ. REST IN PEACE, LEGEND. 🫡🙏💙
JIM CASTRO
2024-09-10 00:55:11 +0000 UTC😢
Smiley Scheel
2024-09-10 00:54:28 +0000 UTCGreat story and tribute!
David Parisi
2024-09-10 00:53:32 +0000 UTCGrew up with the Lion King as well as Star Wars. This hits deep. He had an iconic voice that everyone should have known (hopefully everyone did!). R.I.P JEJ. 😢
Thomas Roberts
2024-09-10 00:53:24 +0000 UTCHis work and impact on pop culture can be summed up simply as “Impressive. Most impressive.. “
Gabriel Grise
2024-09-10 00:52:35 +0000 UTCThanks for sharing, A.J.
Jessica Gearhart
2024-09-10 00:52:04 +0000 UTCThat’s awesome. I would have cherished a voicemail like that. Maybe you can get AI to redo it for you?
Mike Gutierrez
2024-09-10 00:51:35 +0000 UTCWhat a wonderful memory, AJ! I'm so sad we lost a legend today.
Lori M
2024-09-10 00:50:26 +0000 UTCSuch a loss. He was a local to me. I used to pump his gas, in the 80s.He lived in my hometown, of Pawling NY. He was very involved with the community and was loved by everyone. RIP
Bill Alexander
2024-09-10 00:48:57 +0000 UTCThat said, you’ll see em again!
Mark william lane
2024-09-10 00:48:29 +0000 UTCJEJ… RIP and may the force be with you
Gavin Evans
2024-09-10 00:48:29 +0000 UTCDefinitely one of the great ones that will be remembered for generations to come. RIP
Lisa Holtzclaw
2024-09-10 00:48:03 +0000 UTCI'm heart broken he is and will ALWAYS be a legend I'm glad and forever grateful he graced us all with his amazing talent Personality and gifts!!!!
Jessica Craig
2024-09-10 00:47:48 +0000 UTCDevastating news. I enjoyed his work very much. You are lucky to have met him! Doubt that there will ever be another just like him. Rest well James.
D. Cummins
2024-09-10 00:47:24 +0000 UTCSo many great stories AJ has
Steel Driving Crew
2024-09-10 00:46:58 +0000 UTC"Our lives change like the weather, but a legend never dies..." Rest In Peace, Mr. Jones. 💔
MK NIGHTMARE
2024-09-10 00:46:27 +0000 UTCThis story about him makes me happy
Shane Murphy
2024-09-10 00:46:21 +0000 UTCHe was an amazing soul who loved his work and was loved for his work for sure… may his soul rest in peace and find its way to the force🤟🏼🦀🐱
Chris
2024-09-10 00:46:16 +0000 UTCLoved seeing Thulsa Doom on Big Nang Theory.
Patrick Thomas
2024-09-10 00:45:50 +0000 UTCThat is a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing AJ.
Randy Sharp
2024-09-10 00:45:49 +0000 UTCOne of a kind.
Robert Baker
2024-09-10 00:45:47 +0000 UTCHe was truly one of the greats. The just watched the episode of his appearance in The Big Bang Theory and forgot how much i laughed at this episode. Rest in Power
Brian Espy aka Squad 51
2024-09-10 00:45:38 +0000 UTCWhat a sweet thing for him to do. He will be missed. ❤️
Sunflower
2024-09-10 00:45:36 +0000 UTCAwww😭😭😭
Wilma Titzgreaux
2024-09-10 00:45:35 +0000 UTCI wish I could have met him. RIP JEJ.
NikkiBubblesMom
2024-09-10 00:45:33 +0000 UTCThank you for sharing, this is an amazing story...and memory. 💔
Amy_OnlyForHecklefish
2024-09-10 00:45:33 +0000 UTCMr AJ - would you be willing to record my outgoing message?
Mike Robinson
2024-09-10 00:45:27 +0000 UTCI posted a picture of him and his passing on my Facebook page. He was an incredible actor. A legend. And may he RIP. ❤️
StephFal
2024-09-10 00:45:12 +0000 UTCOh AJ… you made me cry while I’m at work, dang it ❤️
Chel
2024-09-10 00:44:58 +0000 UTCNice story AJ. He will be missed. ❤️
JimmyJames
2024-09-10 00:44:55 +0000 UTCWhat a beautiful memory and tribute to a legend 🙏💔
Kathleen Dorney
2024-09-10 00:44:43 +0000 UTCA class act with a classy POWERFUL voice. 🎶🙏🎶
jay3dfxs
2024-09-10 00:44:18 +0000 UTCWhat an awesome story/memory!
Richard Bramlett (H Y B R I D)
2024-09-10 00:44:02 +0000 UTCRIP James you will be missed💜
Ayla Allyson
2024-09-10 00:43:48 +0000 UTCHe will be missed. :(
MiseriesChild
2024-09-10 00:43:39 +0000 UTCIndeed
Pfa1981
2024-09-10 00:43:28 +0000 UTCOne of the best of the best. The world will miss him dearly.
ChaosBubble
2024-09-10 00:43:09 +0000 UTCLet us all hope that we are not so evil and unrighteous that we will not be allowed to meet Mr. Jones in the Great Hereafter!!
STEPHEN MORRIS
2024-09-10 00:42:05 +0000 UTCThat's super awesome to hear. I was a fan of JEJ ever since I saw him as a kid in the 80s, riding that black horse in Conan the Barbarian, as Thulsa Doom. Truly a loss for the industry, and of the art in general. He'll be sorely missed.
Joshua Stubbles
2024-09-10 00:40:38 +0000 UTC"If you build it they will come". One of my favorite actors of all time a truly class act. Darth Vader will never be the same..
Mark Rizzo
2024-09-10 00:36:42 +0000 UTC
