American actor James Earl Jones became a victim of death hoax when rumours spread on social media claiming that he died at the age of 84 in Arkabutla, Mississippi. However, the actor is very much alive.
The 84-year-old "The Lion King" actor was in news earlier this week after a prank by Feednewz with the headline "James Earl Jones dies at age 84 in Arkabutla, Mississippi" sparked off rumours among fans that he had actually died. The link leads to "You Got Owned" page to expose that it's fake.
People began to spread the 'news' of James Earl Jones' death on social media without proper verification, which led to many taking to Twitter to express their sadness.
James Earl Jones died
— Where My Hug At? (@WTF_isOkechukwu) August 28, 2015
Rip James Earl Jones so hard to take in. He been around for a very long time. — D' Natasia SoBlessed (@MyFlowerRise) August 28, 2015
#RIP James Earl Jones great actor of stage & screen. I am going to miss you
— Cat S (@catstjohn) August 28, 2015
However, Washington Post reported that the actor is very much alive and doing well.
In fact, he will return to the "The Lion King" sequel titled "The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar" and "reprise the voice of Mufasa, Simba's father and the one true king", according to a report by Vulture.
It may be mentioned that dozens of celebrities have become victims of death hoax in the past including Tom Cruise, George Clooney, Jeff Goldblum, Adam Sandler, Rowan Atkinson, Jackie Chan, Shakira, Sylvester Stallone, Justin Timberlake and Miley Cyrus.