James Earl Jones Pursued An Interracial Relationship Despite Being Raised By His Racist, 'Bigoted' Grandma

Feb 22, 2023 by apost team

James Earl Jones experienced racial discrimination in various moments of his life. Growing up, he dealt with racism within his own family. But that did not stop him from pursuing an interracial relationship, proving that love knows no boundaries.

Born on Jan. 17, 1931, James Earl was born in Arkabutla, Mississippi in the US. An EGOT-winning actor, James Earl has been described as “one of America’s most distinguished and versatile actors.” Throughout his career, he has won three Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, two Tony Awards and an honorary Academy Award. 

James Earl has an extensive career spanning the realms of film, television and theater. He landed his first role as a movie star in “Dr. Strangelove.” Some of his other notable works include “Conan the Barbarian,” “Matewan,” “Field of Dreams,” “The Hunt for Red October” and “The Sandlot,” among others. 

But perhaps he is best known for providing the voice of Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” franchise. While he has been widely regarded for his unique voice, James Earl admitted that he never thought of himself as having that kind of talent since he stuttered.

“I didn’t talk in the whole of grade school (because of my stutter). And when I got to high school, I had a great English teacher who believed in language,” James Earl told The Hollywood Reporter.  

In September 2022, Vanity Fair reported that James Earl had decided to hang his cape as the menacing iconic character. Then again, his legacy will live on through artificial intelligence (AI). 

For James Earl, though, his character in “Coming To America” will always be one of his favorites.

"Of the countless characters I've portrayed, King Jaffe Joffer remains one of the most enjoyable and iconic characters I've had the pleasure of playing," James Earl told PEOPLE in an interview. 

The 92-year-old actor said in an interview in honor of his 90th birthday back in 2021 that he will always be proud of the work he has done throughout his life.

"Looking back at my life and extensive career, I am so proud of my work and accomplishments. I love growing older and wiser with time," he said.

James Earl attended the University of Michigan where he majored in drama. While he initially pursued a premed degree, James Earl said he eventually went for drama because he knew he would enjoy it more.

Explaining his decision, he told The Hollywood Reporter: “I wasn’t having too good a time in my premed studies. And I was also working my way through college, but the Korean War was waiting for me when I got out. And so, I just decided to accept that fate and go into drama with the idea that I might enjoy myself.”

James Earl was married twice throughout his career. He was married to his first wife, Julienne Marie, from 1968 to 1972 but they never had any children together. He then met his second wife, Cecilia Hart, on the set of the series “Paris” in 1979. James Earl played Los Angeles Police Captain Woody Paris while Hart portrayed a young detective, Sgt. Stacey Erickson.

Despite the challenges that came their way, they made it through and got married in 1982 after working together in the Broadway adaptation of “Othello.”

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James Earl and Cecilia went on to have a happy marriage for 34 years until Hart passed away. Hart died in 2016 after battling ovarian cancer for a year. James Earl and Hart were blessed with a son named Flynn Earl Jones, who works as his father's assistant.

In an interview back in 2011, James Earl revealed that he grew up in a racist home. Raised by his grandma Maggie, he described her as “the most racist” person he has ever known. But his grandma told him it was “defensive racism.” 

"She was the most racist person, bigoted person I've ever known," James Earl said. "She trained us that way. She would consider it defensive racism, but it's still racism, it's still the same poison,” he added.

James Earl, though, admitted that he never would have empathized with racists if it weren’t for his grandmother. He said he started to become an independent thinker when he moved to Michigan as he met different kinds of people along the way. 

"I'd go to school with white kids and Indian kids. I knew they weren't the devils that she said they were. I had to start thinking for myself, and I had to start understanding the extent to which she was right too,” he said. “But I can now live in the shoes of racists. When I hear about racists, I know exactly what they're feeling. I said 'I'm gonna allow myself to feel that, just for the hell of it.' So I know what they're going through,” he added.

What can you say about James Earl Jones’ life growing up? Are you happy for him for finding true love with Cecilia Hart? Let us know what you think and pass this on to your family and friends who might find this story interesting!