Robert Earl Jones Biography

Robert Earl Jones was an American actor and professional boxer. Better known as “Earl Jones,” he is remembered as one of the first prominent actors of African–American origin and a legend from the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and the 1930s. A school dropout, Robert had a predominantly difficult childhood. He began working at an early age in order to earn for his family. Robert had a stint as a boxer, and he later developed an interest in theater. He then began his acting career with a Langston Hughes play and eventually stepped into films. Robert’s passion for theater grew further after he joined the 'American Theater Wing.' When his career was in its nascent stage, Robert worked in a few race films. He later flourished in various genres, such as crime and drama. With a leading role in 'Lying Lips' and an acclaimed performance in 'The Sting,' Robert had over 20 film credits to his name. Some of his noteworthy projects were 'Trading Places,' 'The Cotton Club,' 'The Sophisticated Gents,' 'Lou Grant,' 'One Potato, Two Potato,' and 'Witness.' Robert also had a long-time association with theater and was part of several stage productions. Robert was married thrice and had fathered two sons. He worked with his elder son in three stage productions.