James Earl Jones, renowned for his legendary voice and distinguished acting career, lived with type 2 diabetes for nearly three decades before his passing at the age of 93. Diagnosed in his mid-60s, Jones managed the condition with the unwavering support of his family and medical professionals. Despite the diagnosis, he continued to thrive in the entertainment industry, earning multiple Emmy nominations and an honorary Academy Award.
Jones was first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1995 after an incident at a diet and exercise center where he unexpectedly fell asleep. He revealed this diagnosis much later, in 2016, at the age of 88, sharing insights into how his family became an integral part of his journey with diabetes.
“I realized when I was diagnosed with diabetes, my whole family became diabetics,” James Earl Jones once remarked.
His family’s understanding and collaborative efforts were crucial. He stated, “Not that they suffer the same things that I do, but they understand, and we have to work as a family in living with diabetes.”
Despite his health challenges, Jones maintained a robust acting career. His work ethic and dedication remained unshaken as he continued to secure guest-starring roles on various television shows. His contributions to the arts were recognized with an honorary Academy Award in 2011, underscoring his impact on the industry.
Jones attributed part of his success in managing diabetes to being attuned to his body’s needs. He noted, “It comes down to being in tune with your body, and I’m sure the body tells us things long before we’re aware of what’s happening.”
His doctors played a significant role as well. Jones acknowledged their influence by saying, “They’ve both helped keep me in line.” This support system enabled him to pursue his passion for acting without interruption.
Though he disclosed his diabetes publicly late in life, Jones’ condition did not hinder his professional achievements. His career spanned decades, marked by versatility and resilience, cementing his status as a beloved figure in the entertainment world.
Featured Image courtesy of Variety
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