The Internet needs to stop killing off people who aren’t actually dead.
James Earl Jones is the latest star to fall victim to a death hoax. The 84-year-old actor is still very much alive, but after a parody website posted news of his supposed demise many thought he had passed away. The link, however, took users to a page that declared, “You got owned!”
Not everyone caught onto the hoax, as Facebook saw the death announcement and posted the news on the social media platform. But rest at ease, readers. Mufasa is still very much alive and will even be voicing the former lion king in the new TV movie sequel, The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar.
Rob Lowe, who is voicing grown-up version of Simba, joins Jones. Gabrielle Union will be playing Nala, Simba’s wife. Other cast members include Sarah Hyland, Max Charles and Atticus Shaffer.
Stars we’ve lost in 2015
To further prove he hasn’t kicked the bucket, Jones supposedly joined Twitter, but his account remains unverified. The bio, however, says it’s the “official Twitter account” for the man who previously played Darth Vader. When people realized that Jones had become the butt of a death joke, they became upset, but relieved.
We’re glad to hear you’re still alive and well, Jones! Watch our tribute to those stars we actually lost in 2015.
Alive and kicking: Celebrity death hoaxes