From age six, I watched the Star Wars films, anticipating every climax, all the plot twists, and the fantastic visual effects through my six-year-old eyes. Star Wars holds a special place in my heart, even as a teenager and adult. With many more years behind me and more characters and spin-off series created from the initial offering of Star Wars to say it’s not been a big part of my life would be the understatement of the day.

I was hooked from the first encounter with the imperial forces, taking a rebel ship by force and capturing Princess Leia to retrieve the stolen data tapes by the infamous Darth Vader. Everything for me as a young kid was Star Wars. I wanted all the toys, from the Millennium Falcon to the action figures. Did I own a lightsaber? No, but Hot Wheels tracks were just as good. At least for me and my brother they were.

Darth Vader was an iconic voice, ominous and foreboding, creepy, scary, and mesmerizing simultaneously! Did we know that James Earl Jones was the actor voicing the iconic character? No, because we didn’t care. He was that scary-cool bad guy you wanted to be if you couldn’t be Han Solo or Luke Skywalker because your friends already called it.

From Star Wars he would become known as having a powerful on-screen voice and presence. From Coming to America and the Lion King, that deep, booming voice would scare and enthrall audiences of all genders and ages.

I am saddened to learn of his passing and the remarkable legacy he will be forever remembered for, including his role in Field of Dreams as Terance Mann. Even those born today will recognize the man responsible for the demise of the rebels on Hoth in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and the father of Simba, Mufasa, in The Lion King animated film.

James Earl Jones.

Carrie Fisher.

Peter Mayhew.

Alec Guinness.

David Prowse.

Kenny Baker.

Jeremy Bulloch.

RIP James Earl Jones.