James Earl Jones’ Family, Marriage, and Close Friendships: A Full Overview

James Earl Jones has been an influential figure in American film and theater for over half a century. His deep voice is recognized by many. Throughout his life, his family, relationships, and friends played vital roles in shaping his perspective.

Family and Early Life

James Earl Jones was born in 1931 in Mississippi. His mother, Ruth Connolly, worked as a teacher and maid. His father, Robert Earl Jones, was an actor and boxer. James’ early years were challenging. His father left the family shortly after his birth.

He was raised by his maternal grandparents in Michigan. The family bond was strong, even without his father present. Jones developed a stutter as a child, but family encouragement helped him overcome it. His supportive environment was important for his development.

James Earl Jones married actress Cecilia Hart in 1982. They met while working on a television series in 1980. The couple married in 1982 and were together until Hart’s passing in 2016. Before Cecilia, Jones was married to Julienne Marie, an actress and singer, from 1968 to 1972.

With Cecilia Hart, James had a son, Flynn Earl Jones, born in 1982. Flynn is their only child and works as a voice artist and in real estate. There are no reports of adopted children.

Name	Relation	Birth Year
Robert Earl Jones	Father	1910
Ruth Connolly	Mother	1911
Flynn Earl Jones	Son	1982
Cecilia Hart	Wife	1948

Relationships and Their Impact

James Earl Jones’ first notable relationship was with Julienne Marie, an actress and singer. They married in 1968 after meeting through theater circles in New York. Their relationship lasted four years and ended in divorce in 1972. Details point to career demands as a factor.

After a decade, he met Cecilia Hart while acting in a television show. Cecilia, known for her roles on stage and TV, became an important partner in both his personal and professional life. Jones and Hart remained married for 34 years, working together on some projects. Their marriage ended with Cecilia’s death from cancer in 2016.

James did not publicly date anyone else after Hart. There are no records of any engagements beyond his marriages.

Name	Relationship Type	Time Period
Julienne Marie	Ex-Wife	1968-1972

Friends Throughout the Years

James Earl Jones worked with many talented actors and professionals. He developed deep friendships over the years with people he met on stage and film sets. His friendship with David Prowse, the physical performer for Darth Vader, started during the original Star Wars trilogy.

Jones also built a strong connection with Cicely Tyson, a fellow stage actor. They worked together in several productions, and their friendship lasted decades. Ben Kingsley, his costar in Ender’s Game, appreciated Jones’s supportive nature onset.

These friendships were shaped by trust and shared experiences, lasting for years. There are no public reports of any major falling outs or ended friendships, showing how much respect Jones commanded among peers.

Name	Known Since	Profession
David Prowse	1977	Actor
Cicely Tyson	1960s	Actress
Ben Kingsley	2012	Actor