Kevin Costner Pays Tribute To “Field Of Dreams” Co-Star James Earl Jones
on Sep 10, 2024
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Kevin Costner took to social media to pay tribute to his legendary co-star, James Earl Jones, who passed away on Monday, September 9, at 93.
Coster and Jones worked together on the 1989 film Field of Dreams, a movie about an Iowa farmer who tears down part of his corn crop to build a baseball field for ghosts of great baseball players from the past.
James Earl Jones portrayed Terence Mann, a reclusive fictionalized version of a famous 1960s author and social activist. Terrence became a key figure in the film’s journey of self-discovery and redemption. Kevin Costner’s protagonist, Ray Kinsella, sought out Jones’ character after hearing a mysterious voice say, “Ease his pain.” Ray believed this referred to Terrence, whose disillusionment with the world led him to withdraw from public life.
Initially skeptical, Terrence eventually joined Ray in his quest, which centered around the magical baseball field Ray built in his Iowa cornfield. Over time, Mann’s character represents the rediscovery of hope and faith in the beauty of life. He was a voice for the themes of healing, nostalgia, and connection to the past, much like the film itself. Terrence’s eventual embrace of the supernatural elements of Ray’s vision is a key emotional turning point in the movie, and his character played an essential role in delivering the film’s poignant, timeless message about following dreams and finding redemption.
The “Horizon” actor posted three photos on Instagram remembering his late co-star.
On the afternoon of September 9th, a rep for Jones confirmed his passing in a statement that read, “He passed this morning surrounded by his loved ones. He was a great man.“
Just a few hours later, Costner shared three photos of him and Jones from Field of Dreams.
“Just hearing the news of James Earl Jones’s passing,” he wrote. “That booming voice. That quiet strength. The kindness that he radiated. So much can be said about his legacy, so I’ll just say how thankful I am that part of it includes Field of Dreams. If you’ve seen it, you know that this movie wouldn’t be the same with anyone else in his role. Only he could bring that kind of magic to a movie about baseball and a corn field in Iowa. I’m grateful to have been a witness to him making that magic happen.”
Costner ended the post by writing, “Rest in peace, friend.”
James Earl Jones is known for his deep, booming voice and incredible resume.
Many consider him the voice of two of cinematic history’s most iconic fathers: Darth Vader from Star Wars and Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King.
Jones has acted alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Eddie Murphy in Coming To America, Arnold Schwarzenegger in Conan The Barbarian, Sean Connery in Red October, and many more. He is also known for The Sandlot, Dr. Strangelove, and Patriot Games.
His acting career began on the stage, where he won Tony Awards for his roles in The Great White Hope and Fences. His impact on Broadway was solidified when the Cort Theater was renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre in 2022.
He was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the film adaptation of The Great White Hope.
Jones also has two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, an honorary Academy Award, six Drama Desk Awards, three Outer Critics Circle Awards, and a Theater World Award.
He reprised his roles as Darth Vader and Mufasa in many different iterations and sequels throughout the years, up until 2022.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his son, Flynn Earl Jones, who he shared with his wife Cecilia Hart, who passed away in 2016.
Watch a few scenes of Costner and Jones together in Field of Dreams below.
