Recognisable from his voice alone, the distinguished actor James Earl Jones has passed away today at the age of 93. A storied legacy in the theatre and performing arts like his cannot be capped off in a couple roles, but rather, is best remembered in word.

Over the course of his career, Jones received three Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards and a Grammy. Jones was one of the first African American actors in an ongoing role on a daytime drama for his role in As the World Turns. He also lent his voice to the roles of Darth Vader and Mufasa respectively in Star Wars and Disney's Lion King.

Jones' legacy is all the more poignant when we consider his candour in discussing his own speech impediment. As a young man, his stuttering had been a thorn at his side. He chose to communicate through handwritten notes to his teachers and peers. Through poetry, Jones rediscovered normal speech under the tutelage of his English teacher Donald Crouch. To this day, his command of the English language is one that overcomes prejudice and immense hardship. To that end, we cannot touch on his legacy without shining light on his own gift through the recorded word. Below, we have collated our favourite quotes from the visionary. Find our favourite kernels of wisdom from James Earl Jones, underneath.

 

"If you expect someone else to guide you, you'll be lost."

 

"When I read great literature, great drama, speeches, or sermons, I feel that the human mind has not achieved anything greater than the ability to share feelings and thoughts through language."

 

"If an actor's nightmare is being onstage buck naked and not knowing his lines, what the heck do you call this?"

 

"My voice is for hire. My endorsement is not for hire. I will do a voice-over, but I cannot endorse without making a different kind of commitment. My politics are very personal and subjective."

 

"And it was the idea that you can do a play - like a Shakespeare play, or any well-written play, Arthur Miller, whatever - and say things you could never imagine saying, never imagine thinking in your own life."

 

"One of the hardest things in your life is having words you cannot utter."

 

"You don't build a bond without being present."

 

"Speech is a very important aspect of being human. A whisper doesn't cut it."

 

"When you are mute, you become a good listener. It's all one-way. You appreciate written word. You appreciate the sound."