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James Earl Jones (born 1931) is living proof that the human voice can change history. As a child, he developed a stutter so severe that he stopped speaking altogether. For nearly eight years, silence defined his world—until a high school teacher encouraged him to recite poetry aloud. That moment sparked something no one could have predicted. At the University of Michigan, Jones studied drama while also training as an ROTC cadet. Commissioned as an Army officer in 1953, he trained at Fort Benning, earned his Ranger tab, and later taught soldiers how to handle cold-weather conditions in Colorado. By the time he left the military as a first lieutenant, he had built the discipline that would shape his life. Then came the stage and screen—and the voice that once caused him shame became legendary. From Shakespearean theater to Hollywood, Jones captivated audiences. His iconic role as the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars made him immortal in popular culture, while his portrayal of Mufasa in The Lion King touched generations with wisdom and warmth. From silence to one of the greatest voices ever heard, James Earl Jones reminds us that adversity can be the seed of greatness.