Robert Earl Jones - Actor Profile

Robert Earl Jones

Acting
Updated: Apr 14, 2026
22Total Films
8.0 Highest Rated
Born: Feb 3, 1910
Birth Place: Tate County, Mississippi, USA

About Robert Earl Jones

Robert Earl Jones (February 3, 1910 – September 7, 2006), sometimes credited as Earl Jones, was an American actor and professional boxer. One of the first prominent black film stars, Jones was a living link with the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s, having worked with Langston Hughes early in his career. Jones was best known for his leading roles in films such as Lying Lips (1939) and later in his career for supporting roles in films such as The Sting (1973), Trading Places (1983), The Cotton Club (1984), and Witness (1985). He was the father of actor James Earl Jones. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Robert Earl Jones Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Robert Earl Jones reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 22 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Robert Earl Jones's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 41% of Robert Earl Jones's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains The Sting, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Robert Earl Jones Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Robert Earl Jones's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Robert Earl Jones has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2012 Sleepaway Camp IV: The Survivor Ben (archive footage) Flop Similar →
1993 Rain Without Thunder Old Lawyer Flop Similar →
1990 Maniac Cop 2 Harry Average Similar →
1988 Starlight: a Musical Movie Joe Flop Similar →
1985 Witness Custodian Hit Similar →
1984 The Cotton Club Stage Door Joe Hit Similar →
1984 A Billion for Boris Grandaddy Average Similar →
1983 Sleepaway Camp Ben Average Similar →
1983 Trading Places Attendant Hit Similar →
1982 Cold River The Trapper Hit Similar →
1977 Proof of the Man Wilshire Hayward Super Hit Similar →
1977 The Displaced Person Astor Average Similar →
1974 Cockfighter Buford Average Similar →
1973 The Sting Luther Coleman Super Hit Similar →
1971 Mississippi Summer - Flop Similar →
1964 One Potato, Two Potato William Richards Hit Similar →
1964 Pie in the Sky Farmer Flop Similar →
1960 The Secret of the Purple Reef Tobias Flop Similar →
1960 Wild River Sam Johnson (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1959 Odds Against Tomorrow Jazz Club Patron (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1940 The Notorious Elinor Lee Benny Blue Flop Similar →
1939 Lying Lips Detective Wenzer Flop Similar →

Robert Earl Jones - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Robert Earl Jones?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Robert Earl Jones is "The Sting" with a rating of 8.0/10.

How many movies has Robert Earl Jones acted in?

Robert Earl Jones has been featured in at least 22 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Robert Earl Jones?

Other notable films include "Proof of the Man", "Wild River", and "Trading Places".

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