Hangin’ with James Earl Jones

How often does one get to meet and even hang out with one of their favorite actors? From the first time I saw James Earl Jones on the Silver Screen he was starring in the movie “The Great White Hope” … I was still in High School. Over the years he appeared in some of my Fav movies like “Coming To America”, “Field of Dreams”, “Sandlot” and his iconic voice starred as “Darth Vader”. He began his career as a Shakespearean Actor … one of the Best … most memorable was his role as “Othello”. It’s hard to believe that as a young man he had a problem with stuttering and would become one of the most distinct voices in Hollywood and Broadway. Many who know me know that I spent years working for Bell Atlantic, which is now Verizon, I did many commercials for the company. That is how I met the great James Earl Jones. I was told by my superiors that Mr. Jones was recently brought on as the new voice of the company and the good news that I would be working with him. Yes, at first, I was star struck until I had the opportunity to talk with and work with him. I can tell you that he was one of the nicest, down to earth, loving people I have ever met. At the time the company was involved with fiber optics, picture phones, and education. So, we set up a picture phone demonstration between young High School Kids from England and here in the States … Aliquippa High School. The students had the opportunity to be part of modern technology, share each other’s culture and interview James Earl Jones. Mr. Jones, wearing his “Quips” hat, talked with and shared stories with the students. At one point Mr. Jones opened the session up to questions giving England the first to ask. James Earl leaned over to me and said, “watch this”, as Mr. Jones prepared to answer the most asked question of his career … thinking it would definitely be the role of Darth Vader … the young person from England said … “Is it true that there is a McDonalds on every corner in United States”? James Earl Jones, with his powerful voice, belted out a laugh that shook the room. I will never forget his expression and face. Hangin’ with James Earl Jones was one of the most enjoyable times of my life!

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