The elite of stage and film recently gathered to celebrate the works of legendary actor James Earl Jones at the American Theatre Wing Gala.
Samuel L. Jackson, Leslie Odom Jr., Patina Miller, Brandon Victor Dixon, Latanya Richardson, Danielle Brooks, and the exquisite Cicely Tyson were among the many luminaries in attendance to honor the two-time Tony Award winner.
The 98th annual event recognized Jones for more than 50 years of exceptional theater work. Known best for his trademark bass, Jones is one of the few artists who has received an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and a Tony for his noteworthy performances, including his role as Darth Vader, one of the most notorious villains of all time.
“His presence is so indelible, his talent so immense, ” noted Heather Hitchens, President of the American Theatre Wing. “He’s managed to make some of his most memorable film roles without even showing his face.”
The Lion King’s Samuel E. Wright, Alton Fitzgerald White, L. Steven Taylor, Nathaniel Stampley and Rufus Bonds Jr. kicked off the celebration with a musical performance thanking Jones for originating the beloved role of Mufasa, which they each later reprised in the Broadway musical.
Norm Lewis, who previously played Javert in Les Miserables, dedicated his lovely rendition of “The Prayer” to the late Kyle Jean Baptiste, acknowledging that both of their opportunities were set in motion by pioneer Jones’ efforts. “That was all because of doors you opened.”
After being presented with the award by Star Wars co-star Jackson, Jones humbly thanked The Wing for their contributions to his artistic growth. “They taught us not to put ethnic or gender limits on the characters that we studied. They taught us speech for Shakespeare, and speech for Arthur Miller, and speech for Tennessee Williams, and speech for George Lucas,” he affirmed graciously before concluding, “I can’t thank you enough, no matter how old I get.”
Jones can currently be seen with Ms. Tyson in The Gin Game at the Golden Theater through January 10, 2016.
What a night fit for a legend. Congrats @JamesEarlJones! #AboutLastNight #TheWingGala #YouAreBroadwayBlack A photo posted by BroadwayBlack (@broadwayblack) on
@SamuelLJackson presenting @JamesEarlJones with #TheWingGala Honor #AboutLastNight A photo posted by BroadwayBlack (@broadwayblack) on
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