Broadway theaters will go dark this week in remembrance three-time Tony Award winner winner and trailblazer in Hollywood James Earl JonesWHO died earlier this month at the age of 93.
Broadway League announced Monday that theater district venues will dim their tents Thursday night at exactly 6:45 p.m.
The ceremonial practice has been a tradition on Broadway for prominent members of society who have died, but must be approved by a committee of theater owners.
“James Earl Jones was a true pillar of the Broadway industry, providing unforgettable experiences to generations of theatergoers – while amassing many well-deserved accolades, awards and achievements for his iconic performances in other entertainment fields,” Acting President of The Broadway League Jason Laks said in a statement.
“While we recognize and celebrate Mr. Jones’ significant legacy across multiple mediums, we are especially proud of his legacy on Broadway, and are grateful for the many memorable performances with which he graced our stages,” the statement continued.
Known for film roles such as “The Great White Hope” “Field of Dreams” and “Coming to America”, as well as his voice work as Darth Vader in “Star Wars” and Mufasa in “The Lion King” the Oscar-nominated actor began his career on Broadway in the late 1950s
His stage credits include Tony Award-winning performances in the original 1968 Broadway production of “The Great White Hope” and August Wilson’s “Fences” in 1987. He also played the title role in “Othello” and appeared in an all-black version by Tennessee Williams “Cat on a hot tin roof.”
Jones got Special Tony Award 2017 for lifetime achievement.
In 2022, the Cort Theater was renamed James Earl Jones Theatre to his honor.
“For me, standing in this very building 64 years ago at the beginning of my Broadway career, it would have been unthinkable that my name would be on the building today,” the Emmy and Grammy winner said in a statement at that time. “Let my journey from then to now be an inspiration to all inspiring actors.”
The historic theater, located on West 48th St., is where Jones made his Broadway debut in a 1958 production of “Sunrise at Campobello” as an understudy.