James Earl Jones, 86, set to receive special lifetime achievement honor at Tony Awards

By Dailymail.com Reporter

Published: 17:54 EDT, 27 April 2017 | Updated: 18:04 EDT, 27 April 2017

James Earl Jones is to receive a special Tony Award for lifetime achievement in theatre.

The 86-year-old actor is set to be honoured at the 71st Annual Tony Awards in June later this year for his longstanding and successful career.

His 60 year love affair with acting began when his father took him on a tour of The Great White Way at a young age.

Honoured: James Earl Jones, 86, is to receive a special Tony Award for lifetime achievement in theatre in June. He is pictured here in 2014

Honoured: James Earl Jones, 86, is to receive a special Tony Award for lifetime achievement in theatre in June. He is pictured here in 2014

Jones said: 'When I came to NY to study acting, my father - the actor Robert Earl Jones - took me on a Grand Tour. The first night was to the opera Tosca starring Leontyne Price. I loved the singing, but I didn’t understand the format of opera.'

'The second night was Swan Lake starring Margot Fontaine. The movement of the bodies just seemed like magic. 

'The third night was Pal Joey. I was captivated by the warmth of the light on stage. I was not inspired to sing and dance, but I knew I wanted to be in the warmth of the stage light.'

First time: His first Tony for Best Lead Actor in a Play was awarded for his role in The Great White Hope in 1969 

First time: His first Tony for Best Lead Actor in a Play was awarded for his role in The Great White Hope in 1969 

Lauded: His 60 year love affair with acting began when his father took him on a tour of The Great White Way at a young age; (pictured in 2012)

Lauded: His 60 year love affair with acting began when his father took him on a tour of The Great White Way at a young age; (pictured in 2012)

'The fourth night was Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. By contrast, it created a cold world, coldness between human beings, but the ideas that Arthur Miller was able to evoke onstage were blazing hot.'

'I knew I wanted to be a part of this and to explore the stage.'

Jones made his Broadway debut in 1957 and during his illustrious career, he scooped two Tony Awards - both for Best Lead Actor in a Play - one for his role in The Great White Hope in 1969 and another in 1987 for his part in Fences. 

Debut: Jones made his Broadway debut in 1957; (pictured 2016)

Debut: Jones made his Broadway debut in 1957; (pictured 2016)

More recently, Jones voiced Darth Vader in 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story'.

He lent his vocal abilities to the role of Mufasa in the upcoming Disney live-action remake of The Lion King.

The 71st Annual Tony Awards will take place at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 11 and will be aired live on CBS.

Going strong: Recently, he starred in The Gin Game with Cicely Tyson in 2015

Going strong: Recently, he starred in The Gin Game with Cicely Tyson in 2015

 

 

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