*Arsenio Hall shared a heartfelt essay paying tribute to James Earl Jones and John Amos who he co-starred with in the 1988 comedy “Coming to America.”
James Earl Jones, who famously voiced Darth Vadar in “Star Wars” died at his home in September at 93, and “Good Times” star John Amos died in August at 84.
“In all the years I’ve called Hollywood home, I have never once heard anyone say, ‘James Earl Jones is an a–hole,’” Hall began in the essay published by News One on Friday. “That is a rarity in a town where friends and enemies too often wear the same faces.”
During the filming of the original 1988 movie “Coming to America,” Hall always sought Jones’ advice.
“What a difference 30 years can make,” Hall added. “When we filmed Coming to America, before a scene or during hair and makeup, I might turn to him and ask, ‘How do I approach this one?’ As a young performer — a young Black performer — being able to ask him for acting advice was a gift I have never taken for granted. His wisdom fueled me; his generational talent both intimidated and inspired me.”
Hall recalled one scene of him opening the door to discover that Jones’ character, King Jaffe Joffer, had arrived in America.
“That scene initially had dialogue. I was supposed to open the door and say actual words,” Hall said, explaining that after asking Jones for guidance, his approach changed. “He paused for the briefest of moments, before responding with words I will never forget: ‘Stand firm and tell the truth. That’s always my advice.’”
Hall joked, “In that moment, my truth was, ‘Oh s—, the king is in America!’ before slamming the door.” Hall noted “that improvised flash of time filled with intimidation and nervousness was me standing in my truth, just as James Earl Jones taught me to do. And he never once steered me wrong.”
Speaking about Amos, Hall continued: “What can be said of a man who was a human ray of sunshine? That was John Amos. He transcended mere definition. When we were filming the first Coming to America, I could not wait to have a scene with him just to see his face. He was a special guy, magnetic in his ability to pull one close to him with no effort at all. If he was in the room, I instinctively knew I needed to be there, too.”
Amos “hummed with intelligence, integrity, and brilliance,” Hall wrote, “just filled to the brim with that intangible something you can’t buy from the store,” Hall said.
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: ‘Good Times’ and ‘Roots’ Star John Amos Died in AUGUST – But Not Announced Until Today – He was 84 | VIDEO
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