Legendary actor James Earl Jones has passed on at the age of 93. But what fans may not know is that the actor was dealing with a chronic health issue for decades.
James Earl Jones attends the “The Gin Game” Broadway opening night after party at Sardi’s on October 14, 2015, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
While it’s unclear the real cause of his demise, the actor battled health challenges for over two decades. Over 25 years ago he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a disease that affects over 30 million Americans. At the time Jones was in his mid-sixties, and apparently in good health.
James Earl Jones poses for a photo during a “Driving Miss Daisy” photo call on on January 7, 2013, in Sydney, Australia | Source: Getty Images
He was, however, a little overweight so he attended a center for weight control and diet. One day while working out at the gym, Jones fell asleep. One of the doctors noticed and thought something might be wrong.
Kames Earl Jones at “The Gin Game” Broadway opening night after party in 2015 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Shocking Diagnosis
The doctor’s intuition served him well and possibly saved Jones’ life. Tests revealed that the actor was suffering from type 2 diabetes. His discovery forced Jones to become more aware of his own body.
In an interview, he revealed, “Usually with low blood sugar, it’s easy to notice. With high blood sugar, it’s not as easy, and that can be the most dangerous aspect of type 2 diabetes.”
James Earl Jones, wife Cecelia Hart and son Flynn Earl Jones at the 2012 Marian Anderson awards gala in 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Source: Getty Images
Dealing with Diabetes
Jones had to learn to live with diabetes, and for him, the most important factor was to keep himself as active as ever, acting in plays, making movies, and starring in TV shows.
In order to do so, he counted on the help and support of his family, his wife actress Cecilia Hart, and his son, Flynn Earl Jones, as well as his doctors, who kept him on the straight and narrow.
Sweet Tooth
Jones admitted that he found it hard to keep himself on a sugar-free diet, especially since he had a notorious sweet tooth. The “Lion King” actor revealed that he sometimes found the restrictions frustrating.
In a candid revelation, Jones confessed that he was sometimes tempted to sneak a sweet treat, but since his family was aware of his weakness, they kept a close eye on him, and always managed to catch him out.
Exercise
Another key to keeping healthy with type 2 diabetes is regular and vigorous exercise. Jones chose to keep fit by taking long walks outdoors with his family, especially in spring and summer.
During colder months, Jones kept a regular exercise routine in a gymnasium. His physical fitness allowed him to keep his diabetes under control, and to continue working, despite him being in his golden years.
Mental Health
Jones pointed out that when dealing with a chronic condition like diabetes it was important to be aware that some sufferers can be subject to depression and alterations in behavior. He said, “I do notice when I’m fatigued — it’s like I’m in a daze. But I’ve had to learn to distinguish when that becomes depression.”
Happy Birthday
Despite his type 2 diabetes, Jones was hale and healthy, and on January 17 2021 he celebrated his 90th birthday. The day was marked by many of his former costars, including Mark Hamill.
The official “Star Wars” Instagram page and Lucas Film wished the original, unforgettable Darth Vader a happy birthday. Like Hamill, who was Vader’s son in the “Star Wars” saga shared several photos of himself and Jones.
Coming to America Again
Despite Jones being in his 90s, he was still working. In fact, he had a movie scheduled to premiere in March 2021. The movie is a sequel to the 1988 John Landis romantic comedy, “Coming To America.”
The movie “Coming 2 America” stars Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, and of course, Jones, reprising his role from the first movie as King Jaffe of Zamunda, Crown Prince Akeem’s father.
Even as Jones takes his final bow, his legacy in the acting world remains unmatched. Widely celebrated as one of the greatest stage and screen actors, Jones is among the rare entertainers to achieve the coveted EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony).
James Earl Jones is shown recording an audio segment for Disney during a special event in Pawling, New York on July 10, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
Over the years, he amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including two Primetime Emmys, a Daytime Emmy, a spoken-word Grammy in 1977, and three Tony Awards, cementing his place in entertainment history.
James Earl Jones attends the 70th Annual Tony Awards at Beacon Theatre on June 12, 2016, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
With nearly 200 screen credits to his name, Jones’ brilliant 60-year career gave audiences unforgettable moments both on screen and on stage. For movie fans, his chilling portrayal of Darth Vader will forever echo in cinema. Lines like “I find your lack of faith disturbing,” and the iconic “No, I am your father” remain immortal in pop culture.
James Earl Jones and Cecilia Hart arrive at the reopening celebration at Ford’s Theatre on February 11, 2009, in Washington, DC. | Source: Getty Images
Tragically, in 2016, Jones faced a personal loss when his beloved wife of 36 years, actress Cecilia Hart, passed away from ovarian cancer at the age of 68.
The couple shared a son, Flynn Earl Jones, and despite the heartache, Jones continued to honor his craft and the family he cherished. His impact and contributions will resonate for generations to come.
