Reflecting on a legend: Courtney B. Vance on James Earl Jones
A bond forged in theater
Courtney B. Vance, a Tony and Emmy-winning actor, and the president of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, shares a heartfelt reflection on his enduring friendship with the legendary James Earl Jones. Their journey began in the 1980s, during the production of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, Fences. This play not only won four Tony Awards but also cemented a lifelong bond between Vance and Jones.
A final visit
Six months ago, Vance visited Jones in upstate New York. Surrounded by family, they reminisced and laughed about old times. Jones, affectionately known as “Jimmy” to Vance, humorously remarked, “Courtney, they’ve got me so ensconced in this bubble, I think I’m gonna live to be 100.” Vance responded with confidence, “Jimmy, I know you will.” Despite the joy of the visit, Vance regrets not having the chance to delve deeper into their shared experiences with Fences.
The Fences family
In the 1980s, under the direction of Lloyd Richards, August Wilson’s plays were workshopped across regional theaters before hitting New York. This process created a tight-knit family among the cast members. Vance recalls the Fences family, which included James Earl Jones, Mary Alice, Ray Aranha, Frankie Faison, Charlie Brown, Karima Miller, her stand-in Tatyana Ali, and himself.
Learning from the best
At the first table read, Vance, new to theater, was unsure how to address Jones and called him “Sir.” The seasoned cast members, including Jones, guided Vance through the process. They spent a week reading the play, sharing anecdotes, and building emotional connections to their characters. Vance, eager to perform, didn’t initially understand the importance of this emotional groundwork.
In the second week, they began physical rehearsals, matching emotions to actions. Vance, playing the youngest character, Cory, felt disoriented, which ironically suited his role. He closely observed Jones, tasked by Richards to incorporate two of Jones’ physical gestures into his performance. Vance chose Jones’ hand gesture when instructing Cory to “cut those boards” and the chest pound during a dialogue delivery.
A memorable Tony Awards performance
In 1987, Vance and Jones performed the intense “How come you ain’t never liked me?” scene from Fences at the Tony Awards. Initially, they giggled through rehearsals due to the scene’s emotional depth. However, under Richards’ guidance, they eventually embraced the raw emotions, leading to a powerful performance. Vance recalls the nerves of that night but found strength in the universal question his character posed, a question every son wants to ask and no father wants to hear.
A legacy of pioneers
James Earl Jones, along with his contemporaries like Moses Gunn and Cicely Tyson, were pioneers in the theater world. Their performances in groundbreaking plays like The Blacks and Fences paved the way for African American performers. Vance reflects on Jones’ desire to be remembered as a gentleman who loved his family, a sentiment that resonates deeply with those who knew him.
Celebrating a life well-lived
As preparations for Jones’ homegoing services began, Vance spoke with Jones’ son, Flynn Earl Jones, and Flynn’s wife, Lorena. He emphasized the importance of a private family service and a public celebration at the James Earl Jones Theatre, allowing fans and admirers to say their goodbyes and honor Jones’ remarkable legacy.
A lasting impact
The lessons from Fences continue to reverberate through Vance’s life, shaping his career and personal growth. The bond he shared with James Earl Jones, forged through their time on stage, remains a testament to the power of theater in creating lasting relationships and profound personal development.
For those interested in exploring the legacy of Fences, you can watch the trailer here.
This article aims to provide a personal and in-depth perspective on the relationship between Courtney B. Vance and James Earl Jones, highlighting the impact of their work together and the enduring legacy of their friendship.