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Screen stars are mourning the death of James Earl Jones, the voice of Star Wars villain Darth Vader, who died on Monday at the age of 93,  Cape {town} Etc reports.

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Jones, who also voiced King Mufasa in Disney‘s animated film The Lion King, had a lengthy and diverse career.

Over six decades, he collaborated with some of the finest artists in cinema and theatre, including Stanley Kubrick on his 1964 Cold War comedy Dr Strangelove.

He also appeared in the Arnold Schwarzenegger blockbuster Conan the Barbarian and Kevin Costner’s 1989 feature Field of Dreams.

His most well-known role, however, was as one of cinema’s most iconic villains.

While the towering British actor David Prowse provided Darth Vader’s massive physique, the ominous voice that appeared to originate from inside the recreated man-in-a-mask was Jones’.

It was Jones who gave the ‘Star Wars’ saga some of its most memorable lines, such as when he tells Luke Skywalker, played by a young Mark Hamill, ‘I am your father.’

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Hamill took to social media on Monday to announce the news of Jones’ death, simply tweeting ‘#RIP dad’ with a broken heart emoji.

Coleman Domingo, star of Rustin, posted on social media that Jones was ‘a master of our trade.’

‘We stand on your shoulders. Now you can rest. You gave us your best.’

Lydia Cornell, who starred opposite Jones in the 1982 film Bloodtide, said, ‘Oh no!! I can hardly believe this!! I assumed he would live forever.’

‘Loved working with him. Such a generous spirit, yet so humble. Taught me the value of quiet and using my voice.’

Ava DuVernay, the director of Selma, uploaded photographs of Jones along with a touching statement.

‘Thank you for letting us see ourselves. Our complicated, dignified identities, our smiles, and our suffering. A work well done. A great present to share. Bless you on your path.’

Along with a clip from Jones’ 1974 film, Claudine, she encouraged people to see it if they had not already.

‘Mr. Jones crying in a clip from this film is one of the most beautiful cinematic images of a Black guy I have ever seen. Do not miss it.’ She wrote, ‘He provided us so much.’

Octavia Spencer, star of The Help, shared a black-and-white photo of Jones, along with a tribute to his iconic performance in Star Wars.

‘Legendary can not even begin to characterise his famous roles and long-lasting impact on cinema,’ she said.

‘His voice and talent will be remembered forever. Sending love to his family, friends, and innumerable fans around the galaxy, far, far away.’

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Picture: @starwars/x

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