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James Earl Jones, the man behind the voice for all time, has died at the age of 93

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Famed for his distinctive deep, resonant baritone, James Earl Jones was an enormous on stage and screen.

Jones’s profession spanned greater than six many years, and he has been described as “one of America’s most distinguished and versatile” actors. He was one of the few performers to receive an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony (EGOT) Award. His award-winning performances included a job in Howard Sackler’s play “The Great White Hope”, which was loosely based on the life of the first black American heavyweight boxer, Jack Johnson.

American actor James Earl Jones looks at himself in a dressing room mirror before happening stage on December 10, 1968, to star in “The Great White Hope” as Jack Jefferson on Broadway in New York City. (Photo by Harry Benson/Daily Express/Getty Images)

But it was his distinctive voice — described in Washington Post as “a moving basso profundo that added grit and seriousness” — which sets him apart. Younger generations will recognize him as Darth Vader from the “Star Wars” series and Mufasa from “The Lion King.”

The famous star died at the age of 93 on Monday, September 9, at his home in Dutchess County, New York, Deadline reports.

But Jones’ voice will continue to exist for the world to listen to. Every day, his baritone carries the words, “This is… CNN.”

Overcoming adversity

Jones was born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi. His father, Robert Earl Jones, was a boxer, valet, and chauffeur, and his mother, Ruth, was a teacher and maid. The couple separated just before he was born. Robert left to pursue an acting profession, appearing on each stage and in movies. (Father and son didn’t meet or reconcile until the Fifties.)

From the age of 5, Jones’ grandparents raised him on a farm in rural Michigan that had been in the family since Reconstruction. The move to Michigan proved traumatic, and Jones developed a debilitating stutter. At a young age, he decided not to talk. and he once said in an interview“My first year of school was my first year of muteness, and then those years of muteness continued until high school.”

Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the Kennedy Center
(From left to right) Actress Elizabeth Taylor, actor James Earl Jones, First Lady Laura Bush, U.S. President George W. Bush, actress Chita Rivera, conductor James Levine and singer Paul Simon pose for a photograph after the presentation of the 2002 Kennedy Center Honors at the White House on December 8, 2002 in Washington, D.C. Each 12 months, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts honors a select group of artists for a lifetime of achievement and influence on American culture. (Photo by Eric Draper/White House/Getty Images)

Jones’ English teacher, Donald Crouch, helped him overcome his challenges and end his years of silence through poetry. Crouch encouraged Jones to read his poems aloud to his class. Jones was soon competing in debates and oratory competitions in highschool, winning a public speaking competition in his senior 12 months.

Jones also received a scholarship to the University of Michigan, where he hoped to review medicine. But drama and theater caught his attention and he soon modified his focus. He graduated in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in drama and served for two years as a U.S. Army Ranger during the Korean War.

After his military service, Jones moved to New York City to pursue acting, studying at the American Theater Wing with famed theater director and actor Lee Strasberg. To make ends meet, he worked as a janitor, polishing floors.

Broadway debut

Jones made his Broadway debut in two small roles, the first as an understudy in Lloyd Richards’ The Egghead in 1957, and the following 12 months he played the lead in Dore Schary’s Sunrise at Campobello. He then appeared in several Shakespearean plays, including Othello, Hamlet, Coriolanus, and King Lear.

In the Nineteen Sixties, Jones gained the attention of critics and audiences, earning critical praise and awards for his work in quite a few off-Broadway plays. In 1961, he joined an organization of unknown actors to star in French playwright Jean Genet’s “The Blacks.” The provocative play also starred Cicely Tyson, Maya Angelou, Louis Gossett Jr., Roscoe Lee-Browne, Godfrey Cambridge, Raymond St. Jacques, and Charles Gordone. The following 12 months, he appeared in “Moon on a Rainbow Shawl,” for which he won several awards. He won an Obie Award for Best Actor for his role in “Clandestine on the Morning Line.” In 1965, he won two Obie Awards for his performances in Bertolt Brecht’s “Othello” and “Baal.”

In 1968, he won his first Tony Award for his critically acclaimed performance in “The Great White Hope.” He reprised the role in the 1970 film version, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

Leaving his mark on film and tv

Over the next many years, Jones not only made his mark on the stage, but additionally on film and tv. His film debut got here in 1964 as Lieutenant Lothar Zogg in Dr. Strangelove

James Earl Jones (center) and the forged of “You Can’t Take It With You” during the final curtain call at the Longacre Theatre on February 22, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Grant Lamos IV/Getty Images)

In total, he has appeared in over 70 movies and tv series. Among his most memorable roles were the role of Alex Haley in the television series Roots II and the role of a South African Anglican priest in the film Cry, My Beloved Country. He also had a recurring role as Admiral Greer in the film series based on Tom Clancy’s novels, The Hunt for Red October (1990), Patriot Games (1992) and Clear and Present Danger (1994).

In 1991, he became the first actor to win two Emmy Awards in the same 12 months: for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role in Gabriel’s Fire and Best Supporting Actor for the television movie Heat Wave.

Jones received the National Medal of Arts for his contribution to American culture in 1992. His peers at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. Two years later, he received an Oscar for Lifetime Achievement from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, making him technically one of the few EGOT recipients.

In 2017, Jones received a special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in Theatre.

He is survived by his son Flynn, whom he shared along with his wife and actress Cecilia Hart. Hart died of ovarian cancer in 2016.

(*93*) Stories

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Martin Lawrence and “Life” co-star Eddie Murphy, back together? Fans are looking forward to the new film, but are concerned about Lawrence’s health

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After Martin Lawrence’s recent appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” fans couldn’t help but be concerned about his health once more.

Concerns about the comedian’s health began in 2023 and intensified after his appearance at the 2024 Emmy Awards, where fans noticed he had difficulty reading a teleprompter, prompting fears of a possible stroke.

Many people also noted how his longtime collaborator Will Smith often supported him during interviews and outings, and once helped Lawrence appear in a viral video.

Many fans are concerned about comedian Martin Lawrence’s health, suggesting that he suffered a stroke following his recent appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show.” (Photo: JC Olivera/Getty Images)

This later prompted Lawrence to directly address the rumors about his health and make a transparent statement while promoting their latest hit, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” However, after his recent TV appearance, fans are still surprised by his health condition.

Lawrence joined Jennifer Hudson’s staff and crew for a brief promotion for the Soul Train line before heading to the most important stage. Known for his energetic personality and physical comedy, the “Big Mama’s House” star surprised viewers when fans watching him online noticed he was moving slower than usual.

During his episode, the “Martin” star and voice creator sounded noticeably deeper and slower than his usual banter, which was enough to spark a wave of speculation online. Many longtime fans have expressed their concern on social media, suggesting that “something is wrong” with considered one of the biggest stand-up specials to happen during the “Def Comedy Jam.” Others attributed it to him growing up.

“Your brother had a stroke or something, Fr. Go what he says. He lost his rhythm” – one person wrote on X about 59-year-old Lawrence.

In his defense, someone added, “He’s an old guy,” but they were quickly reminded, “He’ll be the Old Blacksmith and he’ll still be Will Smith. Same with Denzel. I’m not trying to hear it.

Another person as well as“Look, yes, it’s older, but for anyone who watched it in the Nineties and early 2000s, there’s something incorrect with it. Like it was subtle, like in his mannerisms and the way he spoke. He wasn’t cloned, he was just drugged and in a coma, which affects the brain. But no less than he’s alive and looking good.”

Someone posted a GIF of considered one of Lawrence’s legendary scenes from his hit sitcom and noted, “He was too old to actually play it!”

One fan he was joking“They definitely cloned him, he doesn’t even act the same.”

In an interview on “Ebro In the Morning,” host Ebro Darden asked Lawrence if he would really like to directly address the topic of his health.

The iconic host didn’t hesitate and said, “I’m wonderful. I’m in God’s hands. I’m blessed, you realize.”

Lawrence further“I’m happy to wake up every day and everything. I’m fine. There is no need for people to worry.”

With characteristic humor, he added: “I’m healthy as hell. Stop the gossip!”

During his appearance on Hudson’s show, Lawrence also discussed his film Y’all Know What It Is! comedy tour that may feature not only his new material, but also emerging comedy talents as opening acts.

Lawrence talked a bit of about his parenting style, saying that he’s an understanding father to his three daughters and allows them to make their very own decisions because they’ve shown common sense to date. He also mentioned the relationship of considered one of his daughters, Jasmine Lawrence, with Eddie Murphy’s son, Eric Murphy.

This allowed Hudson to dig deeper and uncover one other exclusive piece on Lawrence’s upcoming sequel to the 1999 film “The Blue Streak.” He also revealed that he’s collaborating along with his longtime friend and Life co-star Eddie, and fans are hoping for an element two.

“He and Eddie should make ‘Life 2.’ Life after prison with Claude and Ray…would be an instant classic,” one superfan wrote on YouTube.

While fans are concerned about Lawrence’s health, it looks like Lawrence is targeted on living life to the fullest and savoring his enormous success, including considered one of the biggest movies of the 12 months.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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The Cavaliers maintain the prospect of becoming the first team since 2015 to start the season 13-0

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Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, theGrio.com

PHILADELPHIA (AP) Amid the chuckles and talk of history that filled the Cleveland Cavaliers locker room, Donovan Mitchell tried to add some perspective on the team’s 13-0 start to the NBA season.

“We’re being chased, but it’s also November,” the Cleveland star said after scoring 23 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists in the game The Cavaliers won 114-106 against Philadelphia on Wednesday evening. “Let’s relax. You know, I say it’s November and we’re not winning the championship right now. But these are good tests for us.”

Cleveland became the first team since Golden State in 2015–16 to win 13 straight games to start the season. The Warriors team holds the record for many wins, having began the season with 24 straight wins.

The Cavaliers are only the sixth team in NBA/BAA history to start a game 13-0. Four of the previous five teams reached the championship round. In doing so, he tied Cleveland’s franchise record of 13 consecutive wins, set 3 times previously – in 2009, 2010 and 2017 – all with LeBron James.

“It’s an 82-game season and we only have 13 left,” said guard Darius Garland, who led Cleveland with 25 points in the last win. “We have to clean up so much of things. But it’s good that we also can achieve such victories. We have a superb balance now because we all know we are able to get a lot better regardless that we’re still undefeated.

Part of the Cavaliers’ success was based on ball movement and scoring. Six Cleveland players – Mitchell, Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Caris LaVert and Ty Jerome – entered Wednesday night’s game averaging double-digit points.

“We’ve all played a lot of games and you can get tired mentally and physically,” Mitchell said. “But you’ve to have the ability to still do little things for one another. That’s what an evening like tonight will take (to win).

“You have to be a team that does the little things for each other in those moments and still makes the right plays.”

Car exhaust fumes can be linked to autism, a developmental disorder increasingly diagnosed in black children

Wednesday night turned out to be tighter than expected against a short-handed Philadelphia lineup that was missing Joel Embiid (left knee contusion), Paul George (left knee contusion), Tyrese Maxey (right hamstring strain) and center reserve Andre. Drummond (illness).

It also showed how much of a burden Cleveland was carrying due to its winning streak.

“If you were the Sixers coming in, you’d be thinking, ‘We could end this streak,’” first-year Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson said. “It all the time motivates players and coaches, knowing you possibly can throw someone off. I do know our players feel it and have talked about it.

First-round rookie Jared McCain scored a career-high 34 points to lead Philadelphia to victory with just over three minutes left.

“He came out and showed he could play,” Garland said. – He can be searching for a spot on this team. It was good, it was a superb performance for all of us.

That’s when Mitchell got hot, ending with 11 points in the final three minutes and nearly missing his first profession triple-double.

“He made a big step back three,” Atkinson said. “We will forgive him (for missing the triple-double).”

After a break day on Thursday, Cleveland will host Chicago on Friday and Charlotte on Sunday before the final litmus test – Tuesday’s game against defending NBA champion Boston.

“We have a mature and consistent group that is neither too high nor too low,” Atkinson said. “It’s a modest group. I don’t know if they read the media quotes and I don’t think anyone is beating the drum and saying how great we are. Donovan always says we haven’t done anything yet, so they understand what we need to do and what the next step is. And they keep that chip on their shoulder.”

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Marlon Wayans debuts an incredible transformation that’s making fans do a double take

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marlon wayans

Marlon Wayans changes his appearance, aand the fans go crazy.

On November 11, the 52-year-old comedian shared a photo on Instagram of himself looking dapper in a black tuxedo and sunglasses while sitting on a red chair. Looking away from the camera, Marlon also held a brandy glass containing what seemed to be a generous shot of the amber liquor.

The post, which garnered over 10,000 likes in the primary 24 hours, sparked a storm among the many actor’s Instagram followers. Many fans talked about how attractive the “Scary Movie” star looked within the photos. One person said: “Oh shit. I almost dropped my latest iPhone. Marlon, you higher wirkkk.

Marlon Wayans
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 02: Actor Marlon Wayans visits SiriusXM Studios on March 2, 2018 in New York City. (Photo: Matthew Eisman/Getty Images)

However, others were shocked by how different Marlon was, and plenty of were stunned by how much he resembled his older brother Shawn Wayans.

“Wait until you tell me it’s Marlon and not Shawn,” one person wrote, followed by one other: “No, because why do you look like skinny Shawn Wayans, though @marlonwayans.”

A 3rd person said: “lol wait what is happening here? Will Marlon play Shawn in the brand new movie?

“Wait, it’s not Marlon…it’s Shawn on Ozempic,” said one other.

Some fans even suggested that Marlon resembled all of his brothers directly.

“He looks like every Wayans brother here,” a fan commented.

Another fan lumped the Wayans brothers into one, joking, “It’s Shawlon Damkeen Wayans.”

What confused fans essentially the most was Marlon’s latest hairstyle. He not admired his latest bald hairstyle. In this photo, he had tightly curled hair that, from a distance, resembled starting curls.

It’s the identical hairstyle that his brother Shawn wore for nearly his entire profession.

Marlon, however, had no problem experimenting together with his hair. When he was younger, he also had short, clean and curled hair, resembling his brother. He also developed this style to where it evolved into spots on the skin. In his older years, fans have seen him sporting a short mohawk, and he’s also gone bald a few times, once in 2018, a second time in 2020, after which shaved his head again last 12 months – this time ditching the beard as well.

During the press tour for his role within the film “Air”, based on Michael Jordan’s history with Nike, Marlon expressed his appreciation to Jordan for making the bald head look great.

Sitting next to Matt Damon, he said: “Other than the sneakers, do you know Michael Jordan… the fact that he shaved his head bald, do you know how many men have shaved their heads now? Women would be grateful because if it weren’t for Jordan, there would be a lot of men who looked like Homie The Clown with weird hair. So God bless Jordan.”


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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