Lesson #718

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James Earl Jones overcame a stutter on his path to movie greatness

James Earl Jones receiving the Medal of Arts from President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush.

Credit: George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum; Public domain; via Wikimedia Commons

October 14, 2024:

James Earl Jones, the actor known as the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, overcame a childhood stutter and developed one of the most distinctive voices in Hollywood. His booming baritone lent authority to any character he played (including his comedic roles). He died in September 2024 at age 93.

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