An award-winning American actor of theatre and film, well known for his distinctive bass voice and for his portrayal of characters of substance, gravitas and leadership. He is also known for providing the voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise.

His first film role was as Lt. Lothar Zogg, the B-52 bombardier in Dr. Strangelove in 1964. His first big role came with his portrayal of boxer Jack Jefferson in the film version of the Broadway play The Great White Hope, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor, making him the second African-American male performer (following Sidney Poitier) to receive a nomination.

While he has appeared in many roles, he is well known as the voice of Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy. His other voice roles include Mufasa in the 1994 film Disney animated blockbuster The Lion King.

In addition to his film and voiceover work, he is an accomplished stage actor, with Tony awards for The Great White Hope (1969) and Fences (1967). He has played several Shakespearean roles, including Othello, King Lear, Oberon in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Abhorson in Measure for Measure and Claudius in Hamlet.