James Earl Jones, whose acting career was every bit as rich and resonant as the iconic bass voice that gave sinister malevolence to Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” films, died Monday. He was 93.

Jones’ representative Barry McPherson confirmed the actor’s death in a statement to USA TODAY. A cause of death was not disclosed.

“He passed this morning surrounded by his loved ones,” McPherson said. “He was a great man. “

Jones was an acclaimed star of stage and screen, winning Tony, Emmy and Grammy awards, though later his unmistakable voice became as famous as his usually smiling face. He invited generations of TV viewers with the signature “This is CNN” line for the cable news channel, had parental gravitas as the brave Mufasa in Disney’s classic 1994 animated “The Lion King” and its 2019 remake, but was most famous for his signature lines (“I am your father”) as Vader.

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