As a young, aspiring actor who found his calling in the world of theater, I can wholeheartedly say that James Earl Jones was not just an icon, but a beacon of inspiration. His impact on my journey was immeasurable, as he paved the way for a new generation of Black actors like myself.
Denzel Washington is paying homage to the late actor James Earl Jones, who died this week at 93.
Washington shares, “He’s my idol,” speaking to EbMaster. “My journey in college theater began thanks to ‘The Emperor Jones’ and ‘Othello’, both starring James Earl Jones.
In 1964, Jones portrayed the lead character of “Othello” in a New York Shakespeare Festival production directed by Joseph Papp, which was subsequently staged off-broadway. Then, in 1971, he took on the starring role in a stage adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s play “The Emperor Jones.
A towering figure in both film, television, and stage performances, Jones was particularly distinguished by his deep, distinctive voice. This voice served him well in embodying the ominous character of Darth Vader within the “Star Wars” saga and the noble king Mufasa in the beloved animated movie “The Lion King.
Washington stated, “I didn’t aspire to be as large as him, but rather to mimic his voice. He was my idol as an emerging actor, the one I desired to emulate.
In a 1998 interview, Washington expressed that during his time, there weren’t many significant African American actors to look up to and learn from. He recalled Sidney Poitier and James Earl Jones on the stage as notable exceptions in his memory.
Following Jones’ passing, I’ve found myself reflecting on the loss of two influential artists who significantly inspired the most celebrated Black actor in Oscar history – including myself, as their work has deeply touched me throughout my career.
Despite never collaborating on-screen, the artistic impacts of Jones and Washington were remarkably connected. A significant milestone in Jones’ career was his Tony Award-winning portrayal of Troy Maxson in the 1987 Broadway production of August Wilson’s “Fences.” Later, in 2016, Washington took on multiple roles for the film adaptation of the same play, serving as director, producer, and actor. This project garnered him Oscar nominations in two categories – best picture and best actor – making history as the first Black individual to receive nominations in both categories within the same year.
Currently, Denzel Washington is in Toronto for the Film Festival, where he’s showcasing the newly adapted August Wilson film, “The Piano Lesson,” which he co-produced with Todd Black. This movie will be screened on Tuesday night. The film, penned and directed by Malcolm Washington, has sparked Oscar discussions since its debut at Telluride. It features John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, and Samuel L. Jackson in the leading roles.
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2024-09-10 20:18