cover of episode Remembering Actor James Earl Jones

Remembering Actor James Earl Jones

2024/9/13
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Fresh Air

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James Earl Jones, known for his iconic voice, struggled with a debilitating stutter throughout his childhood. He overcame this challenge through the guidance of his English teacher, who encouraged him to recite poetry, discovering the power of rhythm and spoken word.
  • James Earl Jones had a debilitating stutter from ages 6-14.
  • He overcame his stutter by reciting poetry aloud.
  • Rhythm in language helped him to speak more fluently.

Shownotes Transcript

James Earl Jones was the voice of Darth Vader in *Star Wars and Mafusa in The Lion King, and once the voice of CNN. But there was a time when he didn't want to be heard. We revisit his 1993 interview with Terry Gross about how he overcame his stutter. Jones died this week at 93. Also we remember late guitarist Russell Malone. He played with Diana Krall and Harry Connick Jr.*Film critic Justin Chang reviews His Three Daughters.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)