James Earl Jones Was Married Twice Throughout His Life & Both Marriages Were Biracial - Meet His 2 Wives

• James Earl Jones, most popularly known for voicing Darth Vader in "Star Wars" and Mufasa in "The Lion King," has been married twice in his lifetime.
• Both of his marriages were biracial, but unfortunately, his first union lasted a mere four years.
• The actor then enjoyed 34 years of marital bliss with his second wife and became a proud dad.

James Earl Jones has received numerous accolades for being an actor of remarkable distinction and versatility in his performances and as one of the most outstanding actors in American history.

Regarded as a highly respected figure in the realms of stage and screen, Jones was born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi. His extraordinary talent has garnered him widespread acclaim not only within his native USA but also on a global scale.

Jones was raised in a large family by the grandson of an enslaved person and experienced a childhood filled with hard work. Growing up in Arkabutla Township, he lived with his maternal grandfather, John Henry Connolly, who owned land passed down through generations.

Jones and Marie married in January 1968, and while they seemed like a happy pair, their relationship was short-lived.

The rugged, resilient land taught Jones the importance of perseverance and a deep sense of attachment and love for his ancestral roots. His paternal grandfather, Robert Jones, also an enslaved person's grandson, remained a distant figure in his memory.

His grandparents had three sons and six daughters, and as such, the Jones family worked tirelessly, including the youngest members. Despite the challenges they faced, they cherished their ancestral land, defying the belief that it held no worth.

Observing his grandfathers talking near a rail fence one day, Jones said he sensed a pivotal moment in his life, wondering about the impending changes that awaited him, which made him more curious than scared.

Later in his journey, when questioned about his drive to succeed, Jones humbly recounted his early days in New York. In pursuit of his artistic aspirations, he performed menial jobs such as cleaning theaters and endured a modest lifestyle in a cold water flat.

He chose to postpone marriage and the endeavor to start a family until he felt financially secure enough to provide for them. However, he dismissed the notion of being driven solely by ambition, stating that seeking therapy would be more appropriate if he ever succumbed to such pressures.

Who Was James Earl Jones' First Wife?

Julienne Marie, born on March 21, 1933, in Toledo, Ohio, U.S., is an actress renowned for her roles in productions such as "Our Private World" (1965) and "Search for Tomorrow" (1951). Besides Jones, she was married to John Patrick Scanlon and Gerald Kean.

She embarked on her Broadway career in the 1950s, showcasing her talent as an Ohio native. Notably, her performance in "Whoop-Up" earned her a Tony nomination in 1959 for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. The same year, she captivated audiences as the lead in "Gypsy," entertaining them in over 500 shows.

Her exceptional skills on stage garnered her a second Tony nomination in 1964, this time for her role in "Foxy." Alongside her theater career, she appeared in the television series "Ryan's Hope" in 1975. After retiring from Broadway, she continued to share her talents by performing in a cabaret show.

In a 1968 interview, Jones spoke about his first biracial marriage to Marie. He expressed his belief in the freedom to choose one's partner based on personal desires rather than external influences.

The "Coming to America" alum revealed that Marie, who appeared white, was not of Caucasian descent. He explained that he married her because she surpassed all women he had encountered, regardless of race.

Marie, in agreement with her husband's perspective on the behavior of black women, acknowledged feeling a sense of tension and hostility among many black women she knew. She considered this hostility to be a reflection of the limitations imposed by societal norms.

According to a source from 1969, Marie actively supported her husband in his physical fitness for his role as a champion boxer. They participated in intense workouts together, with Marie even standing on Jones' stomach.

They followed a strict training routine that involved jogging, sit-ups, and various exercises before each show. Jones maintained a healthy lifestyle, refrained from fatty foods and cigarettes, and drank grapefruit juice during performances.

Jones and Marie married in January 1968, and while they seemed like a happy pair, their relationship was short-lived. They parted ways after only four years of marriage, divorcing in July 1972.

James Earl Jones' Second Marriage

Jones' second wife was Cecilia Hart, who fulfilled her aspiration of becoming an actress by relocating from Wyoming to New York City. She gained prominence in the Broadway scene for her role in "Dirty Linen and New-Found-Land," receiving the Theatre World Award and Drama Desk Award in 1977.

Before marrying Jones, Hart was married to actor Bruce Weitz from 1971 to 1980. Throughout her career, she made appearances in television shows like "Law & Order," "Charles in Charge," and "Pros and Cons."

The couple's relationship blossomed while working together on the TV series "Paris" in 1979-1980, where Jones portrayed Captain Woody Paris, and Hart played the role of Sgt. Stacey Erickson, a young detective.

Their connection deepened when they shared the stage in the Broadway production of "Othello" in 1982, with Hart portraying Desdemona opposite Jones' Othello. They tied the knot in March of that year.

Unfortunately, Hart passed away from ovarian cancer at age 68 in 2016. Before her untimely death, she attended the Tony Awards with her husband. Jones honored his late wife during the ceremony the following year and expressed his appreciation for her presence and support.

"The Sandlot" actor found a loving partner in Hart, with whom he embraced parenthood, welcoming his son, Flynn Earl Jones, in 1982. Their 34-year-long marriage was filled with joyous moments, and the pair were often spotted holding hands during their public appearances.

Flynn, 41, has reportedly opted to lead a private life and has no social media profiles, steering clear of the spotlight. However, on certain occasions, he has appeared alongside his father to support him at red-carpet events.

People still look up to and deeply cherish Jones' presence in the entertainment industry, and the 92-year-old actor has many supporters worldwide. We hope he enjoys his time as a legendary star and devoted parent to his son.