James Earl Jones mourned by 'Star Wars' icons, Denzel Washington and others

Famous fans and collaborators are paying tribute to James Earl Jones, the award-winning actor and commanding voice of Darth Vader, who died Monday at 93.

“James was an incredible actor, a most unique voice both in art and spirit. For nearly half a century he was Darth Vader, but the secret to it all is he was a beautiful human being. He gave depth, sincerity and meaning to all his roles, amongst the most important being devoted husband to the late Ceci and dad to Flynn. James will be missed by so many of us...friends and fans alike.” — “Star Wars” creator George Lucas, in a statement to The Associated Press.

“He meant everything to me. The first two roles I played in college were ‘The Emperor Jones’ and ‘Othello,’ which were two of his. He was the north star. It was James Earl Jones. For me and for us, being in the theater in New York in the late ’70s, theater was what I thought I was going to do, to play ‘The Emperor Jones’ like James. I wanted to be James Earl Jones. To be honest with you, when I started there weren’t a whole lot of Black people for me to be like. We weren’t the leading men.” — actor Denzel Washington, in an interview with the AP at the Toronto International Film Festival.

“One of the world’s finest actors whose contributions to ‘Star Wars’ were immeasurable. He’ll be greatly missed.” — actor Mark Hamill, who played Vader’s son Luke Skywalker in the “Star Wars” movies, in a statement to the AP.

“That booming voice. That quiet strength. The kindness that he radiated. So much can be said about his legacy, so I’ll just say how thankful I am that part of it includes ‘Field of Dreams.’ If you’ve seen it, you know that this movie wouldn’t be the same with anyone else in his role. Only he could bring that kind of magic to a movie about baseball and a corn field in Iowa. I’m grateful to have been a witness to him making that magic happen. Rest in peace, friend.” — actor Kevin Costner, who starred in “Field of Dreams” with Jones, on Instagram.

“James Earl Jones will forever be remembered as The GOAT. It was truly a privilege to direct him and a Blessing to be loved by him. We will forever speak his name and tell the great stories that will become Legend and Myth and seed generations to come.” — actor and dancer Debbie Allen, who directed Jones in the 2008 Broadway production of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” on Instagram.

“Legendary doesn’t even begin to describe his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever. His voice and talent will be remembered always. Sending love to his family, friends and countless fans in all the galaxies, far, far away.” — actor Octavia Spencer, on Instagram.

“James Earl Jones… there will never be another of his particular combination of graces.” — actor LeVar Burton, on X.

“From the gentle wisdom of Mufasa to the menacing threat of Darth Vader, James Earl Jones gave voice to some of the greatest characters in cinema history. A celebrated stage actor with nearly 200 film and television credits to his name, the stories he brought to life with a uniquely commanding presence and a true richness of spirit have left an indelible mark on generations of audiences.” — Disney CEO Bob Iger, in a statement.

“Thank you for showing us ourselves. Our complicated selves, our dignified selves, our smiles, our pain. A job well done. A gift beautifully shared. Bless you as you journey on.” — director Ava DuVernay, on Instagram stories.

“Thank you dear James Earl Jones for everything. A master of our craft. We stand on your shoulders. Rest now. You gave us your best.” — actor Colman Domingo, on X.

“James Earl Jones will never die. His talent, work and influence will be with us always. RIP, Mr. Jones.” — director Paul Feig, on X.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of James’s passing. He was the voice of CNN and our brand for many decades, uniquely conveying through speech instant authority, grace, and decorum. That remarkable voice is just one of many things the world will miss about James. Our thoughts are with his family.” — CNN, on X.

“RIP James Earl Jones, the legendary actor who memorably appeared in the iconic baseball movies ‘Field of Dreams’ and ‘The Sandlot.’ Jones gave a moving recitation of our National Anthem at the 1993 MLB All-Star Game in Baltimore.” — Major League Baseball, on X.

“Mourning the death of University of Michigan graduate James Earl Jones. Your inspirational career and your inspiring words - heard at every home game - move us as a university community. We will miss you.” — University of Michigan President Santa Ono, on Instagram.

AP Film Writer Jake Coyle in Toronto and reporter Kaitlyn Huamani in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

FILE - James Earl Jones arrives at the Tony Awards on June 12, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)

FILE - James Earl Jones arrives before the 84th Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen has died at age 93. His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed Jones died Monday morning, Sept. 9, 2024, at home. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson, File)

FILE - James Earl Jones, left, greets the press along with his wife Cecilia, center, and son Flynn, right, at the premiere of "The Lion King" in Los Angeles, June 12, 1994. Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen has died at age 93, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Tara Farrell, File)

FILE - Actor James Earl Jones poses for photos in Sydney, Australia, Jan. 7, 2013. Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen has died at age 93, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, File)

FILE - James Earl Jones poses with his honorary Oscar at the 84th Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen has died at age 93, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson, File)

FILE - James Earl Jones accepts the special Tony award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre at the 71st annual Tony Awards on Sunday, June 11, 2017, in New York. (Photo by Michael Zorn/Invision/AP, File)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Oh, so this was what Atlanta expected out of $180 million lavished on Kirk Cousins.

Certainly not a shaky effort like the 36-year-old veteran had in the opener, raising concerns in the loss about the quarterback's return to form from a torn Achilles tendon.

Cousins down the stretch made all the clutch throws in Philadelphia his counterpart Jalen Hurts could not — and sent the Falcons home winners.

Cousins led a flawless last-minute drive for Atlanta and connected with Drake London for a 7-yard touchdown with 34 seconds left to give the Falcons a 22-21 victory over the Eagles on Monday night.

“He went out and played important in the biggest moments in the biggest times,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said. “Those are things you want to have happen when you have a chance to go out there and get wins. It was great to see today with Kirk Cousins.”

Saquon Barkley dropped a short pass that stopped the clock with 1:46 left and forced the Eagles to settle for a field goal instead of a game-sealing first down. That was plenty of time for Cousins — especially against an Eagles defense playing soft coverage with a nonexistent pass rush.

Cousins, playing his second game since tearing his Achilles tendon last Oct. 29 while playing for Minnesota, shook off an uneven effort and hit Darnell Mooney for 21 and 26 yards on consecutive plays during the decisive drive.

Cousins found London on a short pass to his right for the tying score, and Younghoe Koo put Atlanta (1-1) on top with a 48-yard extra point after London was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. The go-ahead drive took just 65 seconds.

“We saved just enough time for those guys to go down and march down and get that game-winning touchdown,” Morris said.

Hurts had his final pass intercepted by Jessie Bates III to seal Atlanta’s win and set off a wild celebration on the sideline.

The Eagles (1-1) went ahead on Hurts' 1-yard tush push score with 6:47 left. Barkley finished with 95 yards on 22 carries in his home debut for Philadelphia, but his drop provided the Falcons with some hope.

And then Cousins started playing like the QB Atlanta thought it was getting when it signed him to a four-year, $180 million contract.

Cousins finished 20 of 29 for 241 yards and two touchdowns. Atlanta’s first TD was a 41-yarder from Cousins to Mooney, who finished with three catches for 88 yards.

Hurts was 23 of 30 for 183 yards, including a touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith. With No. 1 receiver A.J. Brown out with a hamstring injury, Smith led the Eagles with seven catches for 76 yards and a score.

Jake Elliott kicked two field goals for the Eagles. His 28-yarder with 1:39 left made it 21-15.

Atlanta kept stalling in the red zone, getting three field goals from Koo, before Cousins fired over the middle to Mooney, who shook loose from C.J. Gardner-Johnson and left him on the turf before he somersaulted into the end zone with 1:21 left in the third quarter for a 15-10 lead. Cousins failed on the 2-point conversion pass.

Hurts had some juice in his step during a second-quarter TD drive, running with abandon for big plays much like he did in the 2022 season. He spiked the ball in a rare, raw show of emotion on a 23-yard run, earning a delay-of-game penalty. He shrugged off the 5-yard setback and scrambled for 9 yards and 15 yards to move the Eagles to Atlanta’s 19.

With comedian Shane Gillis and actor Bradley Cooper among the fans cheering on the Eagles, Hurts connected with Smith in the back of the end zone for a 7-yard TD that made it 7-3.

Under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the Eagles have established an early knack for allowing long drives that end with three points instead of seven. Koo kicked field goals of 39, 22 and 34 yards, the last one enough for a 9-7 lead in the third quarter. In their opener, the Eagles held the Packers to just three field goals when they drove inside the 20.

“They made a couple more plays than we did down the stretch. We made some plays; they made more,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. “And that’s on all of us. That starts with coaching and goes to the players. We are all responsible for the loss.”

Rather than take a chip-shot field goal from Elliott, the Eagles’ fourth-and-4 gamble at Atlanta’s 9-yard line in the first quarter failed when Hurts threw an incomplete pass.

Elliott kicked a 29-yarder with 4:31 left in the third quarter for a 10-9 lead.

Bijan Robinson ran for 97 yards for the Falcons. The Eagles stuffed him late on fourth-and-1 at the Atlanta 39.

Barkley was quiet until the go-ahead drive, a week after he rushed for 109 yards and scored three touchdowns against Green Bay. Eagles fans booed when the opening drive of the game ended without Barkley touching the ball. They went wild when he had consecutive 9-yard runs to open the second drive. Barkley had 40 yards rushing in the first half.

Former Eagles QB Nick Foles, who led the franchise to its only Super Bowl title, served as an honorary captain and led the crowd in a rendition of “Fly, Eagles, Fly.”

The Falcons played without LB Nate Landman (calf, quad).

Atlanta hosts Super Bowl champion Kansas City on Sunday.

The Eagles play at New Orleans on Sunday.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London reacts to scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) reacts to intercepting a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) celebrates his touchdown with Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom (63) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Former Philadelphia Eagles' Nick Foles, third from right, walks with Philadelphia Eagles' Brandon Graham, from left, Jordan Mailata and Darius Slay Jr. as they honor Foles' retirement before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) is brought down during the first half of an NFL football game by Atlanta Falcons' Jessie Bates III, left, on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, left, is tackled by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) after a catch during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is stopped by Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith celebrates his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts warms up before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) runs past Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle David Onyemata (90) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) runs past Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle David Onyemata (90) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)