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Robert Earl Jones (February 3, 1910 – September 7, 2006) was an American actor and a prizefighter. He was a sparring partner of Joe Louis, and was introduced to the stage by Langston Hughes early in his career, becoming one of the first prominent black film stars. The father of James Earl Jones, he had separated from his wife before the child was born, and did not get to meet his son until 20 years later.Photography credit: Carl Van Vechten; restored by Adam Cuerden