James Earl Jones, sometimes credited as James Earl Boggins Jones, is one of the most celebrated American actors of the twentieth century. James Earl Jones was born 17 January 1931 in Mississippi. His father, Robert Earl Jones, was an actor and former prizefighter. However, since his parents separated shortly before his birth, his grandparents raised him on their family farm in Michigan. As a child, James Earl Jones suffered from a serious stuttering problem and was very shy. His teachers encouraged him to work on his speech by reciting poetry he had written in front of his classmates. He also began to take acting lessons, although he admits that he still struggles to control his stuttering to this day. Of course, since James Earl Jones is known throughout the world for his distinctive baritone voice, his story is often cited as proof that even the most difficult of challenges can be overcome with hard work and determination. James Earl Jones has been working steadily as an actor since
