Denzel Washington is paying homage to the late actor James Earl Jones, who died this week at 93.

“He’s my hero,” Washington tells Variety. “My college theater career started because of ‘The Emperor Jones’ and ‘Othello’ with James Earl Jones.”

Jones starred in the stage adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s play “The Emperor Jones” in 1971 and played the titular “Othello” in Joseph Papp’s New York Shakespeare Festival and later Off-Broadway production in 1964.

A larger-than-life titan in film, TV, and theater, Jones was most recognizable for his unmistakable baritone voice, which he used to portray the villainous Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” franchise and King Mufasa in the animated classic “The Lion King.”

Washington continues, “I wasn’t going to be as big as him. I wanted to sound like him. He was everything to me as a budding actor. He was who I wanted to be.”

In a 1998 interview, Washington said, “There weren’t a lot of serious Black actors for us to emulate, to follow, to admire. There was Sidney [Poitier]; it was James Earl Jones on stage. That’s what I remember.”

With Jones’ death, two of the performers who inspired the most decorated Black actor in Oscars history are gone.

Although Jones and Washington never worked together in film or television, their artistic legacies were spiritually adjacent. One of Jones’ career highlights was his Tony Award-winning performance as Troy Maxson in the 1987 Broadway production of August Wilson’s “Fences.” In 2016, Washington directed, produced, and starred in the film adaptation, which earned him Oscar nominations for best picture and actor, making him the first Black person to be nominated in both categories in the same year.

Washington is currently at the Toronto Film Festival promoting the new August Wilson film adaptation, “The Piano Lesson,” which he produced with Todd Black. It screens on Tuesday evening. The film, co-written and directed by Malcolm Washington, generated Oscar buzz after its premiere at Telluride. It stars John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts and Samuel L. Jackson.

Prelude, on September 19th, officially launches the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra’s 75th concert season and community members and symphony supporters are invited to join the celebration.

Attendees will enjoy an exciting evening that promises an immersive experience and lively ambiance. Prelude is truly a party to celebrate the upcoming season with fellow community members who share a deep appreciation for the arts.

Tickets are available at https://www.wyomingsymphony.org/prelude.

Taking place at the “M” in Casper on September 19th from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., here’s what attendees will enjoy:

Live Entertainment

The WSO welcomes back their inaugural Prelude host and remarkable performer, Devin DeSantis, who will take the stage with The Four C Notes. This talented group of four gentlemen, known for their flair with vintage dance songs, is dedicated to authentically recreating the iconic music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

Backwards Distillery Collaboration

In a spirited effort to commemorate the 75th concert season, the WSO has partnered with Backwards Distilling Company to create Rhapsody 75, a black currant lemon liqueur. Backwards mixologists will create craft cocktails featuring the debut liqueur for guests to enjoy throughout the evening. Additionally, bottles of Rhapsody 75 will be available for purchase, for the first time, during the event.

Food & Drink

Prelude will once again open with a cocktail hour on the “M” Patio, where guests will enjoy refreshing drinks and great company, beginning at 6:00 p.m. After the cocktail hour, the party will move inside the stunning “M” event space for a selection of hearty appetizers and delicious treats from Silver Fox Steakhouse, one of Casper’s favorites.

Ambiance & Auctions

As always, Prelude features a lively ambiance in an elegant atmosphere where guests enjoy Symphony camaraderie and community engagement. Dancing, mingling, and special events throughout the evening such as a live auction and spirited paddle raise all boost celebration and support for the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra.

All ticket sales and funds raised support the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra and their mission to enrich Casper’s community through music.

Timing is everything.

That lesson was reinforced by actor, comedian and New York Jets fan Adam Sandler’s appearance on ESPN’s ManningCast with Peyton and Eli Manning during the San Francisco 49ers’ 32-19 win over the Jets at Levi’s Stadium on Monday night.

Moments after Sandler joined the Manning brothers on the telecast midway through the third quarter, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers’s pass intended for wide receiver Garrett Wilson was tipped into the air and intercepted by 49ers linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles.

Sandler, always prepared with a joke, didn’t miss a beat.

“See, maybe you should get rid of me,” Sandler said as the Mannings laughed. “I don’t wanna be here. I’m going. That was terrible … This was a mistake.”

Sandler clearly felt he was a bad luck charm for his Jets. If it makes him feel any better, it was an uneven performance even before he showed up on ManningCast.

The Jets marched down the field for a 12-play, 70-yard touchdown drive to take a 7-3 lead in the first quarter, then didn’t score again until Sandler made his appearance about halfway through the third quarter.

So don’t be too hard on yourself, Adam.