James Earl Jones’ 9 Best Roles: Field of Dreams, Dr. Strangelove, and More
✦ Edited and fact-checked by Senior Staff Writer Randy Harward.
James Earl Jones is famous for his voiceover work as Darth Vader and Mufasa, but let’s take a look at his other work. In the video below, we highlighted six of his most memorable performances, but I’ve expanded the list to include three more essential roles that prove he was one of the greatest actors of his generation.
We’ll get a little more obscure as we go on, exploring everything from baseball classics to Cold War satires. Whether he was wielding steel, a light saber or a baseball bat, Jones always commanded the screen.
1. Field of Dreams (1989)
“People will come, Ray. They’ll come to Iowa for reasons they can’t even fathom.” As Terence Mann, a reclusive writer based on J.D. Salinger, Jones delivers one of the most iconic monologues in sports movie history. His chemistry with Kevin Costner grounds the film’s magical realism, turning a story about ghosts in a cornfield into a profound meditation on baseball and America.
2. The Sandlot (1993)
“George signed this? George Herman Ruth?” Jones plays Mr. Mertle, the scary owner of “The Beast,” who turns out to be a former Negro League player with a heart of gold. It’s a pivotal role that teaches the kids—and the audience—about prejudice and the love of the game. He brings a warmth and gravity to the role that elevates this childhood favorite into something truly special.
3. The Great White Hope (1970)
“I ain’t fighting for no race, I ain’t redeeming nobody.” This is the role that earned Jones his only Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Reprising his Tony Award-winning stage role as Jack Jefferson (based on real-life boxer Jack Johnson), Jones is a powerhouse of raw emotion and physical presence. It’s a blistering performance that tackles racism and celebrity with an intensity that still resonates today.
4. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
“Bomb door circuits negative function, lights red.” In his very first film role, a young James Earl Jones plays Lt. Lothar Zogg, the B-52 bombardier trying to manage a nuclear payload. Even amidst the chaos and comedy of Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece, Jones’s steady, professional delivery stands out. It’s a small but crucial part that launched his cinematic career.
5. The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings (1976)
“We’re a ball club, we ain’t no circus.” Jones stars as Leon Carter, the slugging catcher of a barnstorming Negro League team that breaks away from their owners. Paired with Billy Dee Williams and Richard Pryor, Jones is the team’s anchor, balancing the comedy of their road trip with the dignity of their athletic struggle. It’s a fun, vibrant look at a specific era of baseball history that often gets overlooked.
6. Conan the Barbarian (1982)
“What is steel compared to the hand that wields it?” As the villainous cult leader Thulsa Doom, Jones transforms into a terrifying figure of hypnotic power. He famously has almost no dialogue for his first appearance, relying entirely on his imposing physical presence to convey menace. It’s a rare villain role for Jones, and he devours every scene, famously transforming into a giant snake and lecturing Arnold Schwarzenegger on the “Riddle of Steel.”
7. Coming to America (1988)
As King Jaffe Joffer, the ruler of Zamunda, Jones brings regal authority and hilarious comedic timing to this Eddie Murphy classic. Whether he’s walking on rose petals thrown by his servants or bellowing at his son, his voice is used to perfect comedic effect. It’s a delightful performance that proves he could handle lighthearted comedy just as well as heavy drama.
8. The Hunt for Red October (1990)
Jones plays Admiral James Greer, the mentor to Alec Baldwin’s Jack Ryan, in this definitive submarine thriller. He radiates intelligence and authority, serving as the steady hand guiding the young analyst through a potential nuclear crisis. He reprised the role in two sequels, cementing Greer as one of his signature characters.
9. Matewan (1987)
In John Sayles’ acclaimed drama about a coal miners’ strike in 1920s West Virginia, Jones plays “Few Clothes” Johnson, a worker caught in the middle of a violent labor dispute. It’s a quiet, dignified performance that highlights his ability to play complex characters with deep moral centers. The film is a critical darling, and Jones is a major reason why its message of solidarity hits so hard.Related articlesHow to Watch the Star Wars Movies in OrderWhat to Watch on Disney+The 11 Best Baseball Movies
Best James Earl Jones roles FAQ
What is James Earl Jones' best role?
While he is most famous for voicing Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, critics often cite his Oscar-nominated performance in The Great White Hope (1970) as his best live-action role.
Did James Earl Jones ever win an Oscar?
James Earl Jones never won a competitive Oscar, though he was nominated for Best Actor for The Great White Hope. However, he received an Honorary Academy Award in 2011 for his legacy of consistent excellence and uncommon versatility.
What was James Earl Jones' first movie?
James Earl Jones made his film debut in Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964), playing Lt. Lothar Zogg.
