Robert Earl Jones (
February 3 1910 –
September 7 2006) was an
American actor and the father of actor
James Earl Jones. While born in
Mississippi, the specific location of his birth is unclear as some sources indicate
Senatobia,
while others suggest nearby
Coldwater.
Additionally, his date of birth has been reported by different sources as anywhere from 1900 to 1911. The most likely date is 1910 as reported by the United States
Social Security Administration.
[ A database search on Robert Jones, 121-01-1664 returns: ROBERT EAR L JONES, 03 Feb 1910, 07 Sep 2006, (V) 12564 Pawling, Dutchess, NY 121-01-1664, New York.]
Biography
Career
Jones, a grade-school dropout, was a
sharecropper, and
boxing prizefighter before making his way, via
Chicago, to
New York City and a career on stage and in film. Under the name "Battling Bill Stovall", he was a sparring partner of
Joe Louis.
