There will be cake. James Earl Jones will be celebrating his landmark 90th birthday in appropriate style from his home in upstate New York on Sunday.
“I will keep having to remind myself that it’s my birthday,” Jones writes in an email to USA TODAY, adding that on the special day, “I’ll make an exception and enjoy a slice of strawberry shortcake, my favorite!”
Jones says he’s “feeling fantastic and grateful at 90 years old. 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.”
The legendary actor of the Broadway stage and screen, with the iconic, commanding voice, has made vocal appearances with two of his most famous characters in recent years – king of the Pride Lands, Mufasa, in 2019’s “Lion King” remake and as Lord Vader in 2019’s “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.”
When Jones didn’t appear at the 2019 Los Angeles premiere of “The Lion King,” fans expressed worry, but director Jon Favreau assured everyone the actor was fine.
The Oscar-nominated Jones will make his next acting appearance as King Jaffe Joffer in “Coming 2 America” (streaming March 5 on Amazon Prime), the king of (fictional) Zamunda and father to Prince Hakeem (Eddie Murphy).
Director Craig Brewer told USA TODAY that when Jones appeared on the Atlanta set (pre-pandemic) to shoot his role, it was like real royalty visiting.
“We were very quiet and very reverential,” says Brewer. “And then (costume designer) Ruth Carter broke the ice and said, ‘James Earl Jones, ladies and gentlemen!’ The whole crew just applauded and this smile came to his face.”
Jones writes that he was “honored” to return to the role from the 1988 original comedy “Coming to America.” and “touched by their reaction. Being on set brought back the wonderful memories. And to see so many familiar faces again was pure joy.”
As far as life lessons gleaned from turning 90, Jones says it’s all about experience in terms of getting through tough times.
“I can say that those of us who have lived 90 years have no right to be surprised,” Jones writes.
He vows to pray for better times ahead in the next year with his birthday wish: “In order for us to heal and move forward, we need to learn to love and respect each other. That will be my wish when I blow out my birthday candles.”
While his prolific work has slowed in recent years, Jones insists, “I feel young at heart, and I love to work and will continue to act for as long as I can.” He will “spend the day reflecting on past years and thinking about what’s next” during his birthday.
“Or perhaps I’ll celebrate the day by watching ‘Coming to America’ again!”
Regina King and Wendell Pierce tweeted birthday greetings Sunday, “To my mentor and inspiration: Happy 90th Birthday to James Earl Jones. One of the greatest artist of our generation. May you be continuously blessed,” wrote Pierce.
