James Earl Jones Lived with Diabetes for Decades Before His Death at 93

Hollywood icon James Earl Jones, renowned for his roles in The Lion King and Star Wars, battled type 2 diabetes for over 20 years before his death at 93. Jones, also famous for his deep, commanding voice, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in his mid-60s and managed it throughout his later years.

A Legacy of Overcoming Challenges

Jones’ life was marked not only by his legendary film roles but also by the personal challenges he overcame. Despite having a severe stutter as a child, he went on to become an award-winning actor, known for his powerful voice.

Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes

In a 2016 interview with the Rachael Ray Show, Jones revealed that he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the mid-1990s. At the time, he was in his 60s, an age when many people are diagnosed with this condition. Jones described how his diabetes was discovered unexpectedly. He fell asleep on a bench during a visit to a gym, and a doctor encouraged him to get checked out. A subsequent test revealed the diagnosis.

Jones’ experience of delayed diagnosis is not uncommon. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes go undiagnosed, often due to its subtle symptoms. According to Dr. Noa Tal, an endocrinologist, diabetes is more prevalent in older adults, and routine screenings during doctor visits can help detect it early.

Managing Diabetes

After his diagnosis, Jones faced significant changes in his lifestyle. He had to give up many of his favorite foods, like strawberry shortcake. Managing diabetes often requires lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise. For Jones, oral medication like Invokana, which helps balance blood sugar by eliminating excess glucose through urine, became an important part of his treatment.

Jones acknowledged the difficulties of managing the disease, noting that diabetes can impact every system in the body, leading to complications like heart disease and nerve damage when poorly controlled. He credited his strong support system — including his wife and son — for helping him stick to his healthy eating habits. They kept him accountable, even counting cookies and making sure he followed the rules.

Family Support and Living with Diabetes

Jones often remarked that his family became his support group when he was diagnosed. He shared that his family members didn’t suffer the same way he did, but they understood the importance of managing diabetes together. He emphasized that diabetes care was not just about individual responsibility but also about working as a family.

Overcoming a Severe Stutter

Although he was celebrated for his voice work, Jones had to overcome a severe stutter in his youth. He was essentially mute from first grade through his freshman year in high school, as he struggled to speak. It was his high school English teacher, Donald Crouch, who encouraged him to recite a poem from memory, helping Jones find his voice and overcome his speech challenges.

Despite his success in acting, Jones continued to face his stutter throughout his career. He explained that the struggle for words, especially in situations involving alliteration, remained a part of his life. Nevertheless, he viewed it as an example of how working on a weakness can ultimately turn it into a strength.

Final Thoughts

James Earl Jones, who brought unforgettable characters to life in The Lion King, Field of Dreams, and Star Wars, passed away at the age of 93. Though the cause of death was not immediately disclosed, his enduring legacy is marked by both his incredible acting talent and his resilience in the face of personal health challenges. From overcoming childhood speech difficulties to living with type 2 diabetes, Jones’ story is a testament to perseverance and the importance of support in managing health.