Before his death, James Earl Jones and his late wife Cecilia Hart defied the odds to be together. The interracial couple remained married for over three decades until her tragic demise due to ovarian cancer.

Late legendary actor James Earl Jones was particularly distinguishable for his voice that several generations were able to recognize. Many knew him as the voice of Darth Vader in the hit movie franchise “Star Wars,” while others recognized him for starring in “The Great White Hope.”

Regardless of which character he was associated with, there is no denying that Jones was an exceptional and talented entertainer. Like his career, Jones’ personal life was filled with success, especially after he married his second wife, Cecilia Hart.

Sadly, decades after marrying Hart, Jones passed away at 93 years old. His Independent Artist Group representatives confirmed that the Broadway icon and EGOT winner died on Monday morning, September 9, at his home in Dutchess County, New York.

While the legendary entertainer, who amassed nearly 200 screen credits over the span of his 60-year-long career, is no longer alive, his incredible legacy will not be forgotten. Let’s take a look back at some of the most noteworthy highlights of his career and life, especially as it pertains to the 34 years he shared with Hart.

Finding Love

As fate would have it, Jones’ decision to become an actor led him to the love of his life. Seven years after parting ways with his first wife, actress Julienne Marie, Jones met Hart on the set of Steven Bochco’s TV series “Paris,” which debuted in 1979.

Hart was also an accomplished actress who appeared in “Law & Order,” “MacGyver,” “Three’s Company,” and “Dirty Linen,” for which she received a Drama Desk Award nomination.

In 1982, Jones and Hart tied the knot after co-starring in a Broadway production of William Shakespeare’s “Othello.” Like Jones, it was the second marriage for the actress as well, who was previously married to another actor named Bruce Weitz.