James Earl Jones, an iconic figure in Hollywood and the voice behind some of the most memorable characters in film history, passed away on September 9, 2024. His legacy is not only marked by his impressive career spanning over seven decades but also by his substantial net worth of $40 million. However, one decision early in his career cost him tens of millions.




James Earl Jones is renowned for his deep, resonant voice, which brought to life characters such as Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King. Despite his monumental contributions to the Star Wars franchise, Jones made a fateful choice during the filming of the original movie in 1977 that left him missing out on a fortune.




During the production of Star Wars, Jones was offered a percentage of the film's gross earnings. Desperate for cash, he opted for an upfront payment of $7,000, which is equivalent to around $27,000 today. While this was a considerable sum for Jones at the time, it pales in comparison to the enormous success of Star Wars, which grossed over $775 million in 1977 alone.




Jones later admitted that this choice cost him "tens of millions of dollars." In contrast, fellow actor Sir Alec Guinness, who accepted a percentage of the box office, earned over $95 million from the same film.





Despite this missed opportunity, Jones built a successful career that spanned theater, television, and film. Born in 1931, Jones overcame a childhood stutter to become a celebrated Shakespearean actor, making his Broadway debut in 1957.




His breakout role in The Great White Hope earned him a Tony Award in 1969 and an Oscar nomination in 1970. Jones continued to shine on both stage and screen, starring in hit films like Coming to America, Conan the Barbarian, and The Hunt for Red October.



Though he may have missed out on millions from Star Wars, Jones' impressive $40 million net worth is a testament to his prolific and enduring career. Even in his final years, he continued to be celebrated as one of the last great actors from Hollywood's golden age, cementing his legacy as one of the most legendary performers of all time.