‘Kindness That He Radiated’: Kevin Costner Pays Tribute to Field of Dreams Co-Star James Earl Jones As He Passes Away at 93

As a die-hard fan who has grown up with the magic of James Earl Jones‘ captivating performances, I am left heartbroken and speechless by his departure at the grand age of 93. His voice, that baritone timbre that brought characters like Darth Vader and Mufasa to life, was more than just a tool for him; it was an extension of his soul, a testament to his unparalleled talent.


TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains references to an individual’s death.

Legendary actor James Earl Jones, widely acknowledged as one of the most respected figures in film history, has tragically passed away at the age of 93. Although he gained worldwide fame for providing the powerful, resonant voices to characters such as Darth Vader and Mufasa, it is essential to remember that James Earl Jones was much more than merely a voice actor.

The captivating collaboration between James Earl Jones and Kevin Costner in Field of Dreams was a crucial factor that added a touch of enchantment to the silver screen. In honor of the late Jones, who tragically passed away on September 9th, Costner shared memories of their magical partnership during the timeless 1989 baseball movie.

He wrote, “The kindness that he radiated. So much can be said about his legacy, so I’ll just say how thankful I am that part of it includes Field of Dreams. If you’ve seen it, you know that this movie wouldn’t be the same with anyone else in his role. Only he could bring that kind of magic to a movie about baseball and a cornfield in Iowa. I’m grateful to have been a witness to him making that magic happen.”

In the film Field of Dreams, Coster takes on the role of Ray Kinsella, a farmer from Iowa who feels compelled to build a baseball field in the middle of a cornfield after experiencing strange visions. On his quest, Ray is eager to encounter Terence Mann, a disenchanted writer played by Jones.

In the film, one scene that truly resonated with me as an ardent fan was when Jones delivered his unforgettable soliloquy on the essence of baseball, laying the groundwork for the legendary line that still echoes today.

The movie, that received three Oscar nominations, earned a significant amount at the box office, and was later included in the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress in 2017, is an adaptation of W.P. Kinsella’s novella titled Shoeless Joe.

Over the course of his distinguished acting career, Jones garnered a wealth of prestigious awards: among them were an honorary Academy Award in 2012, a nomination for Best Actor at the Oscars for The Great White Hope, two Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, a Grammy, a Golden Globe, and many more. In 2009, he was also bestowed with the Screen Actors Guild’s Life Achievement Award.

Well-known personalities like Barry Jenkins, Octavia Spencer, and Mark Hamill have each shared their grief over the loss of Jones and posted touching tributes on various social media platforms.

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2024-09-10 14:39