Star Wars Autographs
James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones The Voice of Darth Vader

On playing Darth Vader: "The technique about recording that voice was to keep it within very strict boundaries of inflection, and there was no way to enlighten the voice with an awareness (of being Luke's father). In fact, my job was to keep awareness out of Darth Vader's voice--take all humanity out of it." "I think its success, if it is successful, was in its simplicity." Humourous memories of the role: "You can freak out more with voice acting. You're not embarrassed by how you look or what people might think of you." Time spent in the studio playing Darth Vader: Star Wars - "An hour and a half, or maybe two-and-a-half hours on that." Empire Strikes Back - "I think we spent a whole day, just trying to figure what we had done right the first time." Return of the Jedi - "Three days, just for the hell of it." Other actors considered for the role: "Lucas had considered other actors--I think the name Orson Welles was invoked, although I'm not sure if he was asked or not." Other Star Wars characters played: None Other actors who portrayed Darth Vader in the films: David Prowse (the man behind the mask) - Episodes 4-6 Bob Anderson - Empire Strikes Back. Scenes - Fight scenes with Luke C. Andrew Nelson - Empire Strikes Back (Special Edition). Scenes - Cloud City landing pad Sebastian Shaw - Return of the Jedi. Scenes - Vader's unmasking, Endor finale Jake Lloyd - Episode 1 Hayden Christensen - Episode 2 Source: Star Wars Insider #49

Links: The Unofficial James Earl Jones Page The Ultimate James Earl Jones Website

Home