Durban-born film producer and businessman, Anant Singh, says watching James Earl Jones during the apartheid era showed him the power of cinema and its ability to foster political change.
Singh was paying tribute to the movie legend who died on Monday at his home in New York at the age of 93.
The Oscar-winning actor was the voice of Mufasa in ‘The Lion King’ and starred in ‘Cry the Beloved Country’.
He also acted in several Hollywood hit movies, including ‘Coming to America 1’ and 2 and ‘Field of Dreams’ among others.
Singh said he is deeply saddened by the passing of Jones.
He recalled how walking past the James Earl Jones Theatre in Broadway on Sunday, brought back many warm memories of him.
“James was a trail-blazer and inspiration to us all, especially to me, living in apartheid South Africa in the 70s and 80s. Watching him perform in ‘Great White Hope’ and ‘The Man’, which were banned in South Africa, had a profound impact on me and showed me the power of cinema and its ability to foster political change,” he said.
Singh said in later years, he was honoured to be able to work with Jones on ‘Cry, the Beloved Country’ which he produced in 1994.
Jones played the lead role of Reverend Stephen Khumalo opposite Richard Harris, he said.
“His amazing talent and powerful performances were extraordinary, especially as he overcame a stuttering speech disorder. He used his remarkable memory to its full potential and conquered this impediment, leading to his voice becoming among the most recognisable in the world,” said Singh.
Singh added that Jones was a consummate professional who excelled on both stage and screen, and always remained humble and true to his roots.
“Our love and support go out to his family,” he said.
The Mercury