Denzel Washington Honors His Acting Mentor James Earl Jones: ‘He Was Everything to Me’

The passing of James Earl Jones, one of Hollywood’s most revered voices and stage actors, on September 9, 2024, marked the loss of an acting legend whose career spanned over seven decades. Best known for his iconic roles as Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise and King Mufasa in The Lion King, Jones’s influence extends far beyond his voice, as he made significant contributions to stage, film, and television. Among those who have honored Jones following his death is Denzel Washington, a revered actor who has frequently acknowledged the profound impact Jones had on his own career. Washington’s public tributes to his mentor and hero offer a powerful glimpse into the legacy of both men and the deep respect Washington holds for Jones.

Context of the Tributes

James Earl Jones’s career was a cornerstone in the world of acting, where his resonant baritone voice and commanding presence captivated audiences across various platforms. His roles, including Troy Maxson in the 1987 Broadway production of Fences, helped redefine American theater. Washington, a multiple award-winning actor known for his performances in Training Day and Fences, shares an enduring connection to Jones’s work. Washington’s tributes to Jones, following his death, have highlighted both a personal loss and an unwavering professional admiration.

Initial Tribute Following Jones’s Death

On September 10, 2024, a day after Jones’s passing, Denzel Washington spoke to Variety, offering a heartfelt tribute to the actor who had inspired him early in his career. “He’s my hero,” Washington shared, reflecting on how Jones’s performances had shaped his aspirations. “My college theater career started because of The Emperor Jones and Othello with James Earl Jones,” he continued, recounting the lasting impact Jones’s 1971 portrayal in The Emperor Jones and his 1964 performance as Othello had on him. Washington expressed his admiration, stating, “I wasn’t going to be as big as him. I wanted to sound like him. He was everything to me as a budding actor. He was who I wanted to be.” These comments underscore how Jones’s path-breaking performances in theater had not only served as inspiration but also as a guiding light for Washington’s own burgeoning career.

This tribute was part of a broader wave of reactions in Hollywood, where figures such as Kevin Costner and Star Wars creator George Lucas also paid their respects. As noted in The Independent, Washington’s words highlighted the deep connection between the two actors, one that began long before they had a chance to work together.

Memorial Service Remarks: Honoring a “Northern Star”

Denzel Washington’s tribute continued at the memorial service for James Earl Jones, held on April 7, 2025, at the James Earl Jones Theatre in Manhattan. In his remarks, Washington referred to Jones as his “northern star,” a figure who had provided both personal and professional guidance throughout his life. Reflecting on Jones’s influence, Washington stated, “He was powerful, he was present, he was purposeful, he was humble,” and boldly declared, “Not only the greatest African American actor; in my opinion, he is one of the greatest actors ever to be on a Broadway stage.”

These comments were delivered in front of a packed audience, including luminaries like Whoopi Goldberg, who also shared stories of Jones’s unparalleled impact on the theater and film communities. Washington’s tribute linked Jones’s performances in Othello to the lasting legacy he had left in theater, touching on his historical role as a pioneering African American actor. The remarks were particularly poignant given Washington’s own connection to Othello—a role that both actors had embodied at different times, with Jones’s portrayal in 1964 at the New York Shakespeare Festival remaining iconic.

Washington’s Long-Standing Admiration

Denzel Washington’s respect for James Earl Jones wasn’t a recent development but rather a long-standing admiration that shaped his own career. In a 1998 interview cited by Variety, Washington reflected on the limited role models available to Black actors and mentioned Jones as a pivotal figure. “There weren’t a lot of serious Black actors for us to emulate, to follow, to admire,” Washington said, adding, “There was Sidney [Poitier]; it was James Earl Jones on stage. That’s what I remember.” This statement provides important context for understanding Washington’s relationship with Jones—one built on respect for his trailblazing contributions to theater and film.

Though Washington and Jones never collaborated on screen or stage, their careers were interwoven in subtle ways. Both actors shared connections to Fences, with Jones winning a Tony Award for his portrayal of Troy Maxson in the 1987 Broadway production. Washington would later direct and star in the 2016 film adaptation of August Wilson’s Fences, further cementing the shared legacy between the two men. Washington’s tribute not only reflects the respect he held for Jones as a mentor but also signals the profound professional kinship they shared.

A Legacy of Influence and Inspiration

The tributes paid by Denzel Washington to James Earl Jones reveal the deep personal and professional impact Jones had on his fellow actor. From Washington’s early admiration of Jones’s performances in The Emperor Jones and Othello to his later reflections on Jones’s powerful presence on stage, it is clear that Jones’s legacy has shaped Washington’s own career. Washington’s heartfelt words highlight the respect he held for Jones not only as a fellow actor but also as a pioneering figure for African American performers in Hollywood and on Broadway.

As the entertainment world continues to honor Jones’s contributions, Washington’s tributes serve as a reminder of the enduring influence that one legend can have on another. James Earl Jones’s legacy as one of the greatest actors in theater and film remains secure, and Washington’s admiration ensures that Jones’s impact will continue to inspire generations of actors to come.