Bill > SC514

This concurrent resolution honors the life and legacy of James Earl Jones, a Mississippi-born actor who became a groundbreaking figure in American entertainment. Born in Arkabutla, Mississippi in 1931, Jones overcame a childhood stutter to become an acclaimed actor with an eight-decade career spanning theater, film, and television. The resolution highlights his significant achievements, including his iconic voice roles as Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, his military service as an Army officer, and his numerous prestigious awards, including two Emmy Awards, three Tony Awards, and achieving the rare EGOT status (winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony). Jones was recognized as a pioneering Black actor who broke barriers in the entertainment industry, with the New York Times describing him as "one of the most-admired American actors of all time." The resolution not only mourns his passing on September 9, 2024, at age 93 but also celebrates his profound impact on American pop culture, recommending that the resolution be presented to his family and various entertainment organizations to commemorate his extraordinary life and career.

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/SC/SC0514.xml