James Earl Jones on His Diabetes, Diversity in Hollywood
— -- James Earl Jones is nothing short of an acting legend. After half a century in the industry, the Oscar-nominee has starred in so many iconic roles and will forever be known for giving life to both Darth Vader and Mufasa.
The 85-year-old star spoke to ABC News about the diversity issue in Hollywood and the boycott of this year's Academy Awards by several A-list celebs.
"It's always been hard for everybody [and] especially for ethnic groups" but "there's talent all over the place," he said. "Who tells the stories? I think if you look around this room, there's a drama in every single person and that's true of everybody outside this room ... It depends on who writes it and how well it's written."
When it comes to who is and who is not nominated for an Oscar, Jones said it all starts with the writing.
""The ... first creation is the writing. If that doesn't happen the other stuff doesn't follow," he explained.
"The Sandlot" star spoke to ABC News as part of an awareness program for diabetes education. Jones was diagnosed with diabetes in the 1990s and now takes medication to keep his blood sugar levels stable. Those looking to stay on top of their health can go to ICanImagine.com and learn more.
"[I was diagnosed] quite by accident," he said. "I was in a program for weight loss and diet ... fell asleep on a bench in the middle of a gymnasium. The doctor who was there came along and said, 'That's not normal.'"
He continued, "He persuaded me to go for a test. I took the test and there it was, diabetes 2. It hit me like a thunderbolt."
Jones does other things like "diet and exercise" to stay healthy, "but those things alone won't get blood sugars to move in the right direction," which is why people should always ask their doctor what is right for them.
"I'm grateful that accident happened because it can go unnoticed and do great damage to your body," he said.
While speaking about his past, Jones also explained how he got over hurdles in his life to become the man is he today.
"I'm a stutterer," he said. "There was a teacher I had in high school that made me aware of the value of speech. The value of words. Even though I'm a stutterer, I couldn't have a conversation where I could say anything profound to anybody ... [But] the great writers have written great things, you can learn how to say their words. Share the passion in their words, that really turned me on as a kid. It still works for me."
He also touched on the fact he almost went to medical school before jumping into acting full-time.
"I come from a generation where unless you're really privileged, you didn't waste a college degree unless being a doctor or lawyer or engineer," he said. "I thought I could study science in college, so I went for medicine. It didn't work."
He had no comment on the latest installment of "Star Wars," but joked, "Darth Vader probably had diabetes too."
"It was wonderful to be a part of that whole cult," he continued. "I was only special affects and that made it easy for me. I could just do the words ... I was very happy to be a part of it."
