Legendary actor James Earl Jones passed away at the age of 93 on Monday. Earl Jones is best known for his role as Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” film franchise.
However, the sports world knows him as much for his role as Terence Mann in the blockbuster hit “Field of Dreams.”
Co-starring alongside Kevin Costner, Earl Jones’ role in that movie is among the most popular when it comes to sports flicks. His quotes have become a thing of legend.
“Ray, people will come Ray. They’ll come to Iowa for reasons they can’t even fathom. They’ll turn up your driveway not knowing for sure why they’re doing it. They’ll arrive at your door as innocent as children, longing for the past. Of course, we won’t mind if you look around, you’ll say. It’s only $20 per person. They’ll pass over the money without even thinking about it: for it is money they have and peace they lack. And they’ll walk out to the bleachers; sit in shirtsleeves on a perfect afternoon,” quote from James Earl Jones on Field of Dreams.
“They’ll find they have reserved seats somewhere along one of the baselines, where they sat when they were children and cheered their heroes. And they’ll watch the game and it’ll be as if they dipped themselves in magic waters.
The memories will be so thick they’ll have to brush them away from their faces. People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it’s a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again. Oh… people will come Ray. People will most definitely come.”
Earl Jones’ acting career spanned more than 70 years. It started on the soap opera “Guiding Light” all the way back in 1952.
In addition to “Field of Dreams” and “Star Wars,” he’s also known for roles on hit movies such as “Dr. Strangelove,” “Roots” and “The Hunt for Red October. We’re talking about one of the most-accomplished actors in history.
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Social Media Reacts To The Passing Of James Earl Jones
Earl Jones transcended generations. Children know him for his voice overs. Young adults adore him for his role as Darth Vader. Sports fans view his portrayal of Terence Mann as one of the best ever.
Obviously, people had their reactions and paid tribute to Earl Jones after news of his passing made its way to social media. It started with Walt Disney Co. making a statement.
“From the gentle wisdom of Mufasa to the menacing threat of Darth Vader, James Earl Jones gave voice to some of the greatest characters in cinema history,” said Bob Iger, chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, in a statement. “A celebrated stage actor with nearly 200 film and television credits to his name, the stories he brought to life with a uniquely commanding presence and a true richness of spirit have left an indelible mark on generations of audiences.”
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