A look at James Earl Jones' little known award-winning TV legacy

The great James Earl Jones has left an amazing legacy behind in movies but some may be overlooking his fun TV work!

With that epic, deep voice, James Earl Jones was one of the most recognizable and amazing actors of any generation. He’ll always be known for voicing Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, as well as far too many movies to count. He’s an EGOT winner (a lifetime achievement Oscar) as well as other awards and his passing has led to a good look at his career. It's why his passing at the age of 93 feels like a tremendous loss as generations grew up knowing Jones and his film work.

Yet it can be overlooked how Jones had a surprising number of TV appearances. Most were in guest star turns for one episode like Everwood, but others could be more notable. To mark his passing, here’s a quick look at the highlights of Jones’ TV career that add to his remarkable acting legacy. 

Roots: The Next Generations

Jones was already an established star (including an Oscar nomination) by the time he appeared in the sequel to the landmark smash hit Emmy-winning series. His role was small but notable as he played Alex Haley, the author of the book, dramatizing Haley's exploring his family legacy. Haley spoke of the honor of being played by such an esteemed actor and Jones fit perfectly amid the all-star cast in this amazing series.

Paris

Jones’ first regular TV role was in this 1979 CBS series created by future superstar producer Steven Boccho. He played the title role of Captain Woody Paris, who oversaw a team of young detectives. It was a standard police procedural, and if anything, Jones seemed way too big a star for it. It was hard to accept him as a simple family man although it was praised for Paris using that voice to put his underlings in their place. Sadly, it only lasted 13 episodes, but it did show Jones could work just as well on TV as in the movies. 

Heat Wave

This 1990 TV movie focuses on the 1965 Watts riots, which was a watershed moment for the Civil Rights movement. It boasts a great cast, with Blair Underwood as a rookie reporter, along with Cicely Tyson, Margaret Avery, David Strathairn, and more. Jones is a highlight as a veteran neighbor trying to handle the chaos around him. Jones won an Emmy for his turn here to showcase this underrated take on a dramatic moment. 

Gabriel’s Fire/Pros and Cons

Jones made a return to TV in the 1990s ABC series. He played a Chicago police officer sent to jail for 20 years for shooting a fellow officer to protect a woman and child. Now freed, he works with an attorney to help others wrongly accused of crimes and/or hurt by the system. Jones won another Emmy for his turn in a gripping take on a man learning to live again. Season 2 changed the location to Los Angeles, the name to Pros and Cons, and lightened it up to be more of a regular crime drama. It lasted only one more season after, yet the first year showed Jones at his best. 

Homicide: Life on the Street

Season 6 of the long-running NBC drama had a big splash with Jones as the guest star of the three-part opening arc. The detectives investigate the murder of a Haitian maid at a Baltimore hotel where a gala honors wealthy philanthropist Felix Wilson (Jones). At first, the cops don’t consider Wilson a suspect but are soon forced to face some connections. It’s tricky, given Wilson is a highly respected name in Baltimore, and Frank Pembleton (Andre Braugher) admires the man. Seeing Jones and Braugher going face to face is one of the best acting showdowns in the show’s history and little wonder this episode remains loved by fans. 

Everwood

Jones earned an Emmy nomination for his recurring role in the WB drama. He was Will Cleveland, one of the mine workers and a piano player in his off time. At first appearing in need of rescue, Will made a few more appearances, always dispensing advice to the younger characters and making the most of this small role. It’s a testament that in just three episodes, Jones made Will such a big character that fans felt when he died to be a highlight of the show. 

The Big Bang Theory

Jones appearing in the CBS comedy hit was no surprise as the show loved to bring in sci-fi stars. What was surprising was how Jones wonderfully sent himself up. When Sheldon (Jim Parsons) meets Jones at a convention, he expects the warm-hearted if, stern figure who played Darth Vader. Instead, Jones plays himself as a mischievous goofball with ice cream, karaoke, a spa visit, and more. The highlight is Jones talking Sheldon into pranking Carrie Fisher, which, amazingly, was the first time Vader and Leia had ever met face to face. Jones showed his underrated comedic chops in one of the best TBBT cameos. 

Obi-Wan Kenobi

It’s only fitting Jones’ final performance was as his most iconic character. While Hayden Christensen handled playing Vader in the suit, Jones still supplied the voice and reminded everyone of just how terrifying Vader was. From the showdown with Obi-Wan to threatening underlings to duels, it was fantastic hearing Vader again. The genius ending of his voice, mixed with Hayden’s through a broken helmet, brilliantly showed Vader's warring nature on display. While Vader will appear in the future, without Jones’ powerful voice, it’s hard to imagine him working so well.