Broadway Officially Dedicates The James Earl Jones Theatre

The new marquee is in place. The dedication has occurred. James Earl Jones toured the building and gave his blessing. And a star-studded list of celebs from Samuel Jackson and Latanya Richardson Jackson to Debbie Allen to Lee Daniels to Wendell Pierce were witnesses. Broadway’s Cort Theatre is now officially renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre.

The announcement came last March, but this week the building – which recently underwent a $47 million restoration and expansion – was rededicated for the actor best known for his booming voice, engaging presence and decades of film work across a wide swath of film genres. Jones also, notably, helped break barriers in Hollywood film. He was one of the first actors to break the barrier of daytime soaps back in 1952. He went to Broadway in 1957 and was on stage at the Cort in 1958. Since then, he has starred in several Broadway productions, won several Tony Awards, including a lifetime achievement award. He is also a recipient of the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honor.

“The dedication of the James Earl Jones Theatre honors one of the most beloved Broadway and film actors of all time,” said Shubert CEO Robert E. Wankel in his remarks earlier this week. “It’s fitting that the renaming of this beautifully restored building also be a moment in which to recognize the tremendous contribution of BIPOC people to Broadway. Mr. Jones’s name quickly rose to the top of the Shubert Organization’s list due to his illustrious career performing in Shubert houses, his status in the Black community, and his worldwide reputation as one of the most celebrated performers to ever grace the Broadway stage.”

The Shubert Organization started the renaming process in 2020, as the nation dealt with the fallout of a history of silence and violence when it came to acknowledging the humanity and contributions of people of color. The search committee settled upon Jones for his extraordinary contributions to the stage. At the same time, the historic building – which opened in 1912 – was refurbished by Kostow Greenwood Architects, and features lounges and new restrooms plus the relocation of key areas that allowed for an upgrade to the rigging system and the expansion of stage-left. The theatre notes that “these renovations have created an enhanced theatre functionality that allows for the presentation of more modern, technically demanding productions with larger casts.”

Jones’s first role at the Cort Theatre was Sunrise at Campobello. He went on to star in 21 Broadway shows and is one of a small number of EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winners. Also, fans of film will forever celebrate how Jones’ remarkable voice gave life to Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King.

Broadway director Kenny Leon was one of many present to celebrate the renaming. As told The Associated Press: “It means everything. You can’t think of an artist that has served America more.”