His reps at Independent Artist Group confirmed the news of his passing.
Jones was born in Arkabutla, Mississippi on January 17, 1931.
His high school teacher, Donald Crouch, subsequently encouraged him to take part in debates and oratorical contests.
With newfound confidence, Jones attended the University of Michigan and graduated in 1953 with a B.A.
Jones didn’t just perform onstage.
He appeared in feature films, too.
The Academy for Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awarded him with an honorary Oscar in 2011.
Jones leaves behind a son (with late wife Cecilia), Flynn Earl Jones.
