“A great American actor”: Matthew Broderick remembers James Earl Jones after his death

Washington [US], September 10 (ANI): Matthew Broderick, who voiced Simba in ‘The Lion King’ opened up on his close bond with James Earl Jones following Jones’ death on Monday. He was 93.

Jones had voiced Mufasa, Simba’s father, in the beloved 1994 animated film and its 1998 sequel, ‘The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride.’

“I’m so lucky to have had a chance to work with James Earl Jones. To have had him play my father, my king! And to get to know him a little bit,” Broderick, 62, told PEOPLE. “I’d cross paths with him from time to time over the years and I was always so thrilled to see him.”

Remembering Jones for his warm and open personality, Broderick said Jones was a open person and happened to be a great listener.

“He was so open, with a broad grin, lots of laughter, and genuine curiosity about others,” Broderick said. “He was a great listener. Far different from what you might imagine from that austere, kingly, beautiful voice.”

The actor also praised Jones’ incredible career, as he spoke about his role in Fences.

“His brilliant, frightening, heartbreaking performance in Fences might be my favorite, but there really are so many great performances in that long, magnificent career it’s impossible to choose a favorite. One of the very best of his or any generation. A great American actor,” he said.

Jim Cummings, who voiced Ed the hyena in The Lion King, also honored Jones by sharing a photo and a clip from their recording sessions on Instagram.

Apart from Mufasa, James Earl Jones is also remembered for voicing Darth Vader in Star Wars, with Disney CEO Bob Iger calling his roles “some of the greatest characters in cinema history.”

James Earl Jones passed away this morning at his home in Dutchess County, New York. He was 93. Jones was known for voicing Darth Vader in Star Wars.

Taking to his Instagram account, Mark Hamill shared the news of Jones’s death with a caption that read, “One of the world’s finest actors whose contributions to Star Wars were immeasurable. He’ll be greatly missed. #RIP dad ” with a broken heart emoji.

James Earl Jones was one of the greatest actors on stage and screen. Jones was among the few to win an EGOT, which means he earned an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.