Before he was Darth Vader, the Lion King's Mufasa and the voice of CNN, James Earl Jones starred in some of the best sports films and plays.

BOXING: Guests gather to honor Ali

We salute him today on his 81st birthday for his roles in "Great White Hope," "Fences," "The Sandlot" " Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings" and "The Greatest."

It was in "Fences" where he spoke one of playwright August Wilson's greatest lines "death ain't nothing but a fastball on the outside corner."

See photos of: James Earl Jones
TAGS:
James Earl Jones Fences August Wilson Great White Hope Bingo Long

One of my Favorite actors.
More from USATODAY