Before his death, James Earl Jones and his late wife Cecilia Hart defied the odds to be together. The interracial couple remained married for over three decades until her tragic demise due to ovarian cancer.
Late legendary actor James Earl Jones was particularly distinguishable for his voice that several generations were able to recognize. Many knew him as the voice of Darth Vader in the hit movie franchise “Star Wars,” while others recognized him for starring in “The Great White Hope.”
Regardless of which character he was associated with, there is no denying that Jones was an exceptional and talented entertainer. Like his career, Jones’ personal life was filled with success, especially after he married his second wife, Cecilia Hart.
Sadly, decades after marrying Hart, Jones passed away at 93 years old. His Independent Artist Group representatives confirmed that the Broadway icon and EGOT winner died on Monday morning, September 9, at his home in Dutchess County, New York.
While the legendary entertainer, who amassed nearly 200 screen credits over the span of his 60-year-long career, is no longer alive, his incredible legacy will not be forgotten. Let’s take a look back at some of the most noteworthy highlights of his career and life, especially as it pertains to the 34 years he shared with Hart.
Finding Love
As fate would have it, Jones’ decision to become an actor led him to the love of his life. Seven years after parting ways with his first wife, actress Julienne Marie, Jones met Hart on the set of Steven Bochco’s TV series “Paris,” which debuted in 1979.
Hart was also an accomplished actress who appeared in “Law & Order,” “MacGyver,” “Three’s Company,” and “Dirty Linen,” for which she received a Drama Desk Award nomination.
In 1982, Jones and Hart tied the knot after co-starring in a Broadway production of William Shakespeare’s “Othello.” Like Jones, it was the second marriage for the actress as well, who was previously married to another actor named Bruce Weitz.
An Interracial Marriage
At the time they got together, their relationship was at best a novelty and, at worst, a taboo in society. Jones, a Black man, fell in love with Hart, a white woman. Interracial relationships back then did not have the same level of acceptance they do today, making it much harder for them both.
Although there were no confirmed reports of Jones’ family being against the union, his grandmother, who he once described as “racist,” may not have been too happy with her late grandson’s choice of a life partner.
Nonetheless, the late couple went ahead and forged a life together. They went on to welcome their son, Flynn, during their marriage. Their only kid grew up to take after his late father in a similar fashion to how Jones followed his own father’s footsteps.
Besides his voice work, Flynn also reportedly served as his father’s personal assistant and maintained a close relationship with him.
Still, he prefers to stay out of the spotlight. His late famous parents, who, unlike him, were constantly in the spotlight, remained true to their vows and only parted ways as a result of Hart’s untimely death in 2016, 34 years after their union.
Cecilia Hart’s Death
On October 16, 2016, Hart died at age 68 after battling ovarian cancer. Just four months before her death, she and Jones were able to pose on the red carpet at the Tony Awards for the last time.
Condolences on passing of #Broadway actor Cecilia Hart Jones. Obit from @people: https://t.co/lHk4mwmu7H pic.twitter.com/C9BVUvRS6r
— The Tony Awards (@TheTonyAwards) October 23, 2016
After she passed, she and Jones’ family reportedly asked for donations to be made to The Actors Fund or Hudson Valley Hospice.
Following the loss of his beloved wife, James Earl Jones continued to be active in the entertainment industry and was still highly praised for his work. Neither time nor age made him irrelevant in Hollywood and amongst television and movie viewers who still hold the late icon in high regard even after his demise.