Showbiz Analysis: James Earl Jones on Diabetes and Darth Vader

Legendary actor James Earl Jones has three Emmy Awards, two Tonys, and a voice that is absolutely memorable. From Dr. Strangelove and Field of Dreams to the voice of Darth Vadar, it is clear that nasty or nice, Jones can deliver the message and keep audiences enthralled. So who better than Jones to address an important topic?

James Earl Jones has long had the power to influence. I know this firsthand because my son credits his career choice to Jones, who narrated a documentary about film sound. Now the parent of a sound engineer/mixer for film and TV, I only wish I’d had the chance to connect with Jones about 20 years earlier to ask him to narrate a documentary I should have made—Why Kids Must Clean Their Rooms. We could have sold millions of copies. But Jones’ latest project is far more important. Working with Janssen Pharmaceuticals (Jones is a paid spokesperson), the actor hopes that by sharing his personal health story, others will be inspired to focus on the prevention and control of Type 2 diabetes.

“The most challenging role I think I’ve ever had in my life, as well as my career, is living well with Type 2 diabetes,” Jones says. These days, you could say the force really is with him as he embraces wellness and lives a life that has allowed him to gain control over a chronic health condition that affects approximately 29 million Americans.

The fact that Jones’ diabetes was discovered during routine tests, makes him even more adamant about the importance of screening. The actor believes that no one should have to “stumble upon something as serious as Type 2 diabetes.” And when it comes to health and wellness behaviors, Jones knows that the lead actor is the patient. “It’s very important to talk to your doctor about the treatment that is right for you,” he says. When you look at it, staying healthy shares a few things in common with filmmaking—preparedness and collaboration. His piece of wellness advice? “Just try to stay ahead of everything. That means working closely with your doctor all the time.”

Jones, who was briefly a pre-med major in college, takes health collaboration as seriously as his acting roles. And he’s a lot more forthcoming about his diabetes story (the reason for our conversation) than any possible upcoming Darth Vadar moments. But I had to ask. Will there be another Star Wars’ experience in James Earl Jones’ future? Jones says he doesn’t know.

“The big question is—‘Did Darth Vader have…Type 2 diabetes?’ he says laughing. “He probably did… and the Emperor of course gave it to him you know…I don’t know [if there will be another brush with voicing Darth Vadar in the future], I feel it was an honor to have been a part of that cult. And George Lucas is a dear friend. And even though I was not seen, just being a special effect really—which is what I was for that character—I feel honored.”

Whether he lands in space or not, James Earl Jones is focused on maximizing his own positive health journey. May the force be with you on yours.

Find out more about James Earl Jones’ health journey and take a quiz to help you learn more about your personal traits on ICanImagine.com.