James Earl Jones, who passed away at 93 on Monday, Sept. 9, left behind an impressive legacy in film and theater. However, a huge part of his life was also his 34-year marriage to Cecilia Hart. “She made me laugh and was intellectually engaging,” Jones wrote in his 1993 memoir Voices and Silences. “With her, I could truly be myself, as she never took me too seriously.”
Before meeting Hart, Jones had been married to Julienne Marie Hendricks from 1968 to 1972. He met Hart on the set of Paris, a police drama that aired for 13 episodes from 1979 to 1980. Jones starred as Detective Captain Paris, while Hart portrayed Sergeant Stacey Erickson. Both had been previously married before working together on this short-lived show.
Hart passed away in 2016 after battling ovarian cancer, and Jones honored her at the 2017 Tony Awards
Their first professional collaboration led to more, including a 1982 production of Othello. That same year, they were married at the United Nations chapel and later welcomed their son, Flynn, conceived on their wedding night.
Although they kept their home life private in Dutchess County, New York, Hart and Jones frequently attended red carpet events together. Jones often expressed his admiration for her in interviews, crediting her for keeping him grounded.
In a 2009 interview with PEOPLE, Jones revealed Hart had convinced him to accept the role in Field of Dreams. Sadly, Hart passed away in 2016 after battling ovarian cancer. At the 2017 Tony Awards, Jones honored her memory, thanking her for her companionship and support throughout their life together.
