The Why Files
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Not only a legend, but a kind, generous man.
🕑 Added 2024-09-10 00:32:21 +0000 UTCWhen I was doing voice-over and working a lot, I got to run into (and sometimes work with some really famous people (JK Simmons and Isaac Hayes are among my favorites). Back in NY, around 2002-2003, I was doing a job at some studio somewhere, don't remember where. When I was finished recording, JEJ was waiting in the greenroom - he was doing a session next.
As I gathered my stuff, of course, I gushed over him. He was as kind and as sweet as you would imagine. It took all my courage to ask, but I finally did, and he said yes. For about a year, my voicemail message was:
"You have reached AJ's phone. He cannot answer because I have turned him to the dark side. Leave a message after the beep if you wish, but know that the man you once knew as AJ is gone, and all that remains is a vessel of evil."
I was furious when I had to change phones and couldn't keep the message. I didn't remember to record it: one of my few showbiz regrets - and one of my most cherished memories. (You know I sent every message to voicemail during that year)
I'm sure he's been bothered to do that bit a million times, but he treated me with warmth and kindness and acted flattered to be asked. They say, "Don't meet your heroes," because they'll disappoint you. In this case, Mr. Jones exceeded all expectations. I am sure there are a million stories about this man similar to mine.
Rest in peace, Mr. Jones. You will be missed, but you will not be forgotten.
--AJ
Comments
Danette Sills
A magnificent actor, a wonderful human being, and a man who had a searching soul and a wonderful sense of humor. Cheers Mr. Jones! An actor's actor and a real mensch...good journeys.
Shadow Rose
You will be missed Mufasa! He was great!
Patrick Thomas
A little late, but ran across this. https://m.facebook.com/groups/1023001197830799/permalink/3291722940958602/?
Zach Jacobs
Ya know..... Not a bad idea!
Alright Alright Alright
Sorry Christo didn’t even see you. Yes!
Alright Alright Alright
I’m sure someone has already mentioned it but what about him in the Sandlot? One of my favorite movies.
ok Michelle!
Man, well said. 👏👏👏👏 We will carry him in our hearts and memories, he’ll never truly be gone.
Nate Osborne
He also played Barney Hill in the TV movie “ The UFO Incident “ ( 1975 ). Worth a watch !
Nate Osborne
“ contemplate this on the Tree of Woe … “
Christo
Sandlot!!!
Logan
Great tribute. I loved this. I would also send every call to voicemail
MrPdub247
if you've still got the phone I'm sure you can record it onto something and reuse it.
indridChill
I remember him from the 7Up commercials in the early 70s, and the animated (though not quite as animated as Jim Carry) Grinch That Stole Christmas. The voice of Darth Vader, Conan the Barbarian, Field of Dreams, etc. Such a majestic voice! I would like to have been able to meet him in person. He always came across as a wise and soulful man - a one of a kind classic. He will be missed.
Henry Hidalgo
Incredible voice and thank you Mr jones for ur dedication in the arts
Sigma 1-969
This hit hard.. he had the most incredible voice ever.. Field of Dreams was my favourite.. A beautiful soul that has now gone, leaving us with only the memories that will never be forgotten. Good-bye James...
Deirdre a greene
An excellent candidate for cloning!
Kathleen Kaufmann
I have never heard a bad story about this wonderful man. One of our greats has moved on to his next great adventure and we are but poorer for his loss and greater for his gifts left behind.
nannanom nanna
❤️
AndreaV
That is a wonderful story.
Sindy Simms
So miss to hear such a nice story. He is an icon and will be missed.
JulieGee
AJ You're so upright, thanks for being here.
Aurie
That’s sooo awesome! A beautiful memory
Brad Beatty
Amazing!
Don Stewart
Cool story.
Sibyle
❤️😭
Gunnar Bjarki
Great story! RIP James Ear Jones 🙏
Erich Burch
Another Hero gone. It sucks getting to an age where everyone you admired as a child, has left this world. He taught me not to judge a man by others' opinions in the Sandlot. He taught me redemption and forgiveness as he turned back to the light as Darth Vader. And he taught be honor, strength and courage as Mufasa. The world is less without this great man on it. May the force be with you. " I am what you made me!" Darth Vader, Obi-wan S1E3
Shane R. Monroe
Wish I could say I coined it .. but I'm just keeping it alive
Bosco Lemonzit
“Lost to the sands of time”. One of my favorite all time lines
Nikcole Merrell
He was always a wonderful, thoughtful and generous man. Keeping him alive with stories like your is a beautiful way to thank him. Thank you for sharing.
Keith Haussel
"There is no death. There is only the Force." Jedi Code
cassandra staples
I would have been gutted to lose that message! Great story :)
Rick Herron
Thanks for this.
Jigsaw
Great story, for a GREAT man, thanks for sharing.
Shane R. Monroe
I was working on celebrity websites back in the day (James Hong was appearing on MILLENIUM that season - and we were shooting pics and vids for his new website) and Lance Henriksen is a big favorite of mine. I was really star struck to meet him and had a similar situation where I was embarrassed to even approach him. Turns out this is the coolest guy you've ever met. I got up the courage to ask him if anyone approached him to "Do that thing with the knife" and he was happy to chat about it - and how many tickets police let him out of when they realized who he was. Back in the day, we shot on a Sony camera that used floppy disks. A picture was taken of Lance and I with our arms around each other. It was ... legendary. That photo is no longer anywhere to be found. I am crushed I don't have it anymore ... lost to the sands of time. I feel your pain, my friend.
Amy Dryden
What a beautiful story and a cherished memory. Feel better soon, AJ.
Christi Scott-Wester
He will be greatly missed. Thank you for sharing this. What a wonderful story.
Kevin Via
Few actors do anything for ne. Infact I see "talent" as a failure to co tribute to society Lime these youtubera who stand all their Tim researching some bs conspiracy theory. However I agree with you here. He was a us in life as is hecklefish. Maybe someday heckle fish can drop that darn human and do the real work.🤣🤣🤣🤣🥰love ya AJ. Wish I didn't have to down grad my pateeon form 50, but it's been a rough year.
Jason Clouse
That’s a bummer sure tugs my heart. That’s the voice you can probably never forget
Gus Viera
Thanks for that, A.J. He will be appreciated...
InSyder
Great Story! Would it be disrespectful to have an AI-generated voice (in his voice in the tone and cadence of Darth Vader) recreate your answering machine message?
Bob Trevena
I think that the first time that I remember seeing JEJ was in the film Conan The Barbarian, with Arnie as Conan.
Bob Trevena
What a great memory and tribute. I'm sure that a lot of celebrities tend to forget that it is their adoring fans who put them where they are.
Janet Thomson
Beautiful tribute. Rest in peace.
John DAVID Wynn Roberts
An Amazing Actor who justly deserves the accolades. He will be sorely missed.
Paul Nurse
Another great who is now one with the force. Farewell to a legend. 💖
Kathy Berken
Beautiful tribute AJ! Perhaps someone who got your voicemail all those years ago saved it. The universe might be kind and get that recording back for you.
Julia Fox
A beautiful tribute Aj, what a star JEJ is. Shine brightly in Heaven, Sir🌟.
The InBetween - Tales of the True & Unexplained
A true loss to the world 🌎 Rest in peace, Mr. Jones.
MikeD
Great story. I always figured James Earl Jones could call up any restaurant to make a reservation, but would never have to say who he was. His voice would immediately be recognized. Yes, Mr. Jones, we'll see you at 8:00. Sam Elliott is probably in that same category.
passenger4
What a lovely tribute AJ. He will be missed. The end of an era.
Andrew Ellis
Remember
Krashwill
Great Actor Great Soul May he rest in peace.
Angela Fowles
RIP Mr Jones with a amazing voice and beautiful man <3
Raithe77
Cool story AJ, appreciate you sharing - the world loses another movie legend, RIP Mr Jones
GrannyLovesToDance
Oh WOW!!!!! I LOVE this story AJ. And when I was reading the voicemail you wrote for him I swear it was his voice I heard! Sad to loose a legend!
Michael Carver
Such a great moment of your personal history. Thanks for sharing, AJ. When reading your post, not only could I hear your voice, I heard James Earl Jones' too! Make note of this: His soul definitely did not go to the "dark side."
Ron the frozen shoulder guy Monroe
What a voice! Rest in peace Mr. Jones.
Billy Pugh
Big fan of James Earl Jones. Sandlot and Field of dreams wouldn't have been the same without him.
John Thoman
Stat Wars has always been my favorite movie, and Darth Vader, my favorite character. JEJ will live on in his fans, especially me.
Paul D Berkebile
I'll always remember his voice.
John
I was giving a plaque at a first call of a cruise ship and he was the ships godfather. Had a snowball fight with him (and a bunch of other guys in tuxedos) on the deck. Brush with greatness
John Caron
Great loss. Wonderful man and actor.
Bronwyn Allen-Kaeser
My cousin babysat his kids and he treated her like family !Such a lovely man! So talented. Thank you for sharing your memory. I’ll have to share that with her.♥️
JD
Thanks for sharing this great story!
Mustangman
Never met the guy. Never met anyone who has. His voice will continue on with each new generation watching Star Wars for the first time. Sad day...
Siani Reece
Rest in Peace JEJ. You will be missed.
Bob Jonas
That you so much for sharing AJ!! Such a great experience to have!!❤️❤️
John Sheridan
What a legend
Juan Navarro
To this day, I remember his lines from Conan because they stuck with me. Even though they were from an evil man, he delivered them in such a way that they seemed like a father's harsh lesson to me. I have kept them with me since then: Thulsa Doom: Ah. It must have been when I was younger. There was a time, boy, when I searched for steel when steel meant more to me than gold or jewels. Conan : The riddle... of steel. Thulsa Doom : Yes! You know what it is, don't you boy? Shall I tell you? It's the least I can do. Steel isn't strong, boy, flesh is stronger! Look around you. There, on the rocks; a beautiful girl. Come to me, my child... [coaxes the girl to jump to her death] Thulsa Doom : That is strength, boy! That is power! What is steel compared to the hand that wields it? Look at the strength in your body, the desire in your heart, I gave you this! Such a waste.
Swanky
This is amazing and beautiful. I'm 51, Star Wars was and still is a huge part of my life. My 2 favourite characters are Boba Fett and of course, Darth Vader. I recently purchased a 6ft tall animatronic Stormtrooper from Home Depot. He had a name of another customer on the box, Gary Cook, so we have affectionally called our Storm Trooper Gary. Today of all days, a 7ft animatronic Darth Vader is due to arrive on my doorstep. My 9 year old son and I have decided we'll call him James Vader. RIP JEJ.
Bad-Haggis
Great story! Thank you for sharing. R.I.P. JEJ
SGTquig
JEJ was THE voice. When you heard his voice, you knew his voice was what royalty sounded like. From King Jaffe Joffer and Mufasa, to Thulsa Doom and Darth Vader, and back to Mr. Mertle. He was the narrator of every project that I did for broadcasting school and in radio. Or, at least, what I imagined I sounded like. Rest In Power, Legend.
Phyllis Henderson
Wonderful memory!
Dagger Hagger
Best story of the month and Mr Jones is a icon
Luke Shannon
Amazing story AJ. What an honor. RIP James Earl Jones. His portrayal of Thulsa Doom in the first Conan always stuck with me. With that performance you got the ironic voice plus his mesmerizing physical presence. He was a legend
RileyRoo
Such a wonderful, heart-felt tribute.
Daniel Buckley
I'm with you, Melissa. His voice, his command of presence with gentle tones... He influenced me as kid and my sons as they were kids. Guess I found my words for him
Sonia Flores
What a great story, thanks for sharing. You’re so lucky to have met him. We all feel we lost a friend today. - R.I.P. Mr Jones
Sunshyne_8
That's an amazing story. I miss him so much!
Uncle Scooby
Long live lord Vader!
Helle
What a great memory, thanks for sharing. 💚
Margie Willis
RIP
Tony K
Class act for posting this. Would make JEJ proud. RIP, 'Darth' ✌️
Tony Ripley
Great story of a great Man!
Eric Naman
Great story. I have a similar one with Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers band. I never met James Earl Jones but I respected the man because of his canter and because he was one of the few actors in Hollywood that didn't let their fame and fortune jade them. He never forgot where he came from
Adam (Pappy) Koehler
R.I.P. Darth Vader . I wonder if there is any other Star Wars if A.I.will be used for any voices of Darth Vader. James was a legend but lived a very full life . All any if us can ask 93 years .
Tyler Sadler
RIP He was a legend/icon to me.....of course I'm Generation X
thormusique
Mr Jones was a personal hero of mine. What an actor, and what a voice! I sat right down at the stage once for a performance of a Shakespeare play on Broadway. James Earl Jones was Othello, Christopher Plummer was Iago. I was spellbound, so much so that I'd completely forgot it was a play. Here's an interesting little tidbit (at least to me): When I first heard the news of Mr Jones's passing, of all the productions I'd seen (or heard) him in, the first one that came to mind was his portrayal of Barney Hill, something I'd almost forgotten about. Anyway, he was always brilliant, and I heard he was always kind and generous to everyone. Truly one of a kind. RIP, James Earl Jones.
Tash & Andy
An icon
CaspianByDefault
I will miss him, Mufasa is one of my fave characters ever and I'm glad his voice lives on.
Just Felice
Today was my birthday and up until this it was a great day. This broke my heart and brought me to tears. There’s no one’s childhood he didn’t touch. The only thing equal to his legacy will always be his voice. I envy the angels. RIP
Melissa
I have no words. 😢
Jeffrey P. Kitchin
An Iconic voice to a realistic person. He will be missed and always remembered for generations to come.
JIM CASTRO
Amen, AJ. REST IN PEACE, LEGEND. 🫡🙏💙
Smiley Scheel
😢
David Parisi
Great story and tribute!
Thomas Roberts
Grew up with the Lion King as well as Star Wars. This hits deep. He had an iconic voice that everyone should have known (hopefully everyone did!). R.I.P JEJ. 😢
Gabriel Grise
His work and impact on pop culture can be summed up simply as “Impressive. Most impressive.. “
Jessica Gearhart
Thanks for sharing, A.J.
Mike Gutierrez
That’s awesome. I would have cherished a voicemail like that. Maybe you can get AI to redo it for you?
Lori M
What a wonderful memory, AJ! I'm so sad we lost a legend today.
Bill Alexander
Such a loss. He was a local to me. I used to pump his gas, in the 80s.He lived in my hometown, of Pawling NY. He was very involved with the community and was loved by everyone. RIP
Mark william lane
That said, you’ll see em again!
Gavin Evans
JEJ… RIP and may the force be with you
Lisa Holtzclaw
Definitely one of the great ones that will be remembered for generations to come. RIP
Jessica Craig
I'm heart broken he is and will ALWAYS be a legend I'm glad and forever grateful he graced us all with his amazing talent Personality and gifts!!!!
D. Cummins
Devastating news. I enjoyed his work very much. You are lucky to have met him! Doubt that there will ever be another just like him. Rest well James.
Steel Driving Crew
So many great stories AJ has
MK NIGHTMARE
"Our lives change like the weather, but a legend never dies..." Rest In Peace, Mr. Jones. 💔
Shane Murphy
This story about him makes me happy
Chris
He was an amazing soul who loved his work and was loved for his work for sure… may his soul rest in peace and find its way to the force🤟🏼🦀🐱
Patrick Thomas
Loved seeing Thulsa Doom on Big Nang Theory.
Randy Sharp
That is a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing AJ.
Robert Baker
One of a kind.
Brian Espy aka Squad 51
He was truly one of the greats. The just watched the episode of his appearance in The Big Bang Theory and forgot how much i laughed at this episode. Rest in Power
Sunflower
What a sweet thing for him to do. He will be missed. ❤️
Wilma Titzgreaux
Awww😭😭😭
NikkiBubblesMom
I wish I could have met him. RIP JEJ.
Amy_OnlyForHecklefish
Thank you for sharing, this is an amazing story...and memory. 💔
Mike Robinson
Mr AJ - would you be willing to record my outgoing message?
StephFal
I posted a picture of him and his passing on my Facebook page. He was an incredible actor. A legend. And may he RIP. ❤️
Chel
Oh AJ… you made me cry while I’m at work, dang it ❤️
JimmyJames
Nice story AJ. He will be missed. ❤️
Kathleen Dorney
What a beautiful memory and tribute to a legend 🙏💔
jay3dfxs
A class act with a classy POWERFUL voice. 🎶🙏🎶
Richard Bramlett (H Y B R I D)
What an awesome story/memory!
Ayla Allyson
RIP James you will be missed💜
MiseriesChild
He will be missed. :(
Pfa1981
Indeed
ChaosBubble
One of the best of the best. The world will miss him dearly.
STEPHEN MORRIS
Let us all hope that we are not so evil and unrighteous that we will not be allowed to meet Mr. Jones in the Great Hereafter!!
Joshua Stubbles
That's super awesome to hear. I was a fan of JEJ ever since I saw him as a kid in the 80s, riding that black horse in Conan the Barbarian, as Thulsa Doom. Truly a loss for the industry, and of the art in general. He'll be sorely missed.
Mark Rizzo
"If you build it they will come". One of my favorite actors of all time a truly class act. Darth Vader will never be the same..
