CBS Legend Passes Away At Age 93, B&B Hints At Next Big Death, Susan Walters Opens Up

The entertainment world was struck by the heartbreaking news of the passing of James Earl Jones, a legendary actor whose iconic voice brought life to some of cinema’s most memorable characters, including Darth Vader from Star Wars and Mufasa from The Lion King. Jones died at the age of 93 at his home in Duchess County, New York, on September 9, 2024. His death marks the end of an extraordinary life and career that spanned decades and impacted millions of people across the world. Jones’s legacy, however, reaches far beyond his more famous film roles.

James Earl Jones’ Soap Opera Beginnings

Before becoming a household name, James Earl Jones began his career in an unexpected place—daytime soap operas. In the 1960s, he appeared on the classic soap Guiding Light in 1969, breaking ground as one of the first Black actors to land a lead role on daytime television. When Billy D. Williams left the show, Jones stepped in as Dr. Jim Frazier, capturing viewers with his powerful performances alongside his on-screen wife, Ruby Dee. Their chemistry was electrifying, leaving an indelible mark on soap history.

But his soap opera appearances didn’t stop there. Jones also had a role in As the World Turns, playing Dr. Jerry Turner. These early performances demonstrated his incredible range and depth, paving the way for the career that would soon make him one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors.

A Hollywood Legend

After leaving the soap world, James Earl Jones soared to fame with his unforgettable role in the 1970 film The Great White Hope, which earned him an Oscar nomination. He had already won a Tony Award for the stage version of the play, proving his ability to transition seamlessly between different mediums. His intense performances captivated audiences, and from there, he became a sought-after actor in Hollywood.

Though his talent was evident in every role, it is Jones’s voice that etched his name into pop culture history. As the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars, he became synonymous with the menacing villain, while his role as Mufasa in The Lion King was equally unforgettable, leaving audiences with goosebumps every time they heard his commanding “Remember who you are” line. His deep, resonant voice also graced the iconic CNN intro, turning a simple phrase—“This is CNN”—into something powerful and recognizable worldwide.

Beyond his legendary voice, Jones achieved remarkable success across a variety of media, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony, putting him among the elite group of EGOT winners. Though the world is saddened by his loss, his performances will live on, continuing to inspire generations to come.

Shifting Gears to The Bold and the Beautiful

In other soap opera news, The Bold and the Beautiful has been keeping its fans on the edge of their seats with hints of another shocking death. The soap has already delivered some unexpected twists in 2024, and according to Bradley Bell, the show’s executive producer and head writer, there’s more to come. One of the most jaw-dropping moments of the year was the death of Sheila—or so viewers thought. In a surprising twist, it was actually Sheila’s lookalike, Sugar, who was killed off.

Bell explained that killing off characters is part of the strategy to keep the drama alive and the audience engaged. Villains, like Sheila, often need a cooling-off period, and allowing them to disappear for a time builds anticipation for their eventual return. Sheila, known as one of the most enduring villains in soap opera history, has been causing trouble for decades on The Bold and the Beautiful. Bell believes that Sheila’s chaotic search for love and acceptance is a relatable trait, which is why fans keep coming back despite her long list of crimes.

With another death on the horizon, fans are buzzing with speculation about who might be next. Bell hinted that even beloved legacy characters aren’t safe, and with the soap already killing off two characters this year—Tom and Holl—it seems anything is possible. Luna, the character responsible for their deaths, has been sent to prison, but whether she’ll stay there permanently remains to be seen.

Bradley Bell’s Commitment to High-Stakes Drama

Bell is known for his bold storytelling decisions, and he’s not afraid to kill off characters to maintain credibility as a writer. He believes that for a soap to remain fresh and unpredictable, deaths are sometimes necessary. While it’s always heartbreaking for fans to say goodbye to a character, it ensures that the drama keeps building. The million-dollar question now is: who’s next to go?

Bell’s track record of making difficult decisions is evident in the storyline of Stephanie Forrester, portrayed by Susan Flannery. In 2012, instead of recasting the role when Flannery retired, Bell made the tough call to kill off the iconic character. It was a tearful moment for fans, but ultimately, it worked to serve the larger story. Now, with another major death looming, fans are left to speculate which character will meet their fate.

A Heartwarming Moment with Susan Walters

On a much lighter note, The Young and the Restless star Susan Walters, who plays Diane Jenkins, recently shared a beautiful family moment that warmed the hearts of fans. Walters posted on social media about a special family keepsake—matching mother-daughter bracelets that have been passed down through generations. Originally given to Walters and her daughter, Grace Albanese, in 1991, the bracelets now belong to Grace’s daughter, Norah.

The adorable photos of Norah sporting the bracelet, along with another snapshot of Grace and Norah wearing their matching keepsakes, captured the love and legacy that Susan Walters holds dear. Beyond this sentimental moment, Walters and her family—including her husband, Lyndon Ashby—recently enjoyed a fabulous family trip to Spain. The Walters-Ashby family toured a beautiful vineyard, indulged in a traditional Spanish pincho crawl, and visited historic castles, sharing their adventures with their followers on social media.

Walters’s sweet family post reminded fans of the importance of passing down memories and family traditions. In a world often dominated by high drama—especially in the soap world—her heartwarming story brought a touch of love and nostalgia.

Honoring the Past, Looking to the Future

The soap opera world may be mourning the loss of an icon in James Earl Jones, but his legacy lives on, not only through his extraordinary contributions to the entertainment industry but also through the continuing evolution of the soap genre. Whether it’s The Bold and the Beautiful’s constant reinvention or The Young and the Restless stars like Susan Walters sharing family milestones, the soap world remains a place where high drama and heartfelt moments collide.

As fans say goodbye to legends and await the next twist on their favorite shows, one thing remains clear: soap operas continue to captivate with their blend of unpredictability, emotion, and timeless storytelling.