James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones, known as "The Voice" for the authoritative basso he has lent to Darth Vader and countless other stage and screen roles, had to overcome a major speech impediment on his way to stardom: stuttering. "My voice is an impaired instrument,'' says the actor. "I'm happy that any clarity comes out at all. Growing up, it was so painful and embarrassing. I knew why people laughed but it was still painful."

Jones, who still fumbles over words occasionally, compensated by writing poetry. One day, a school bully dared him to read a poem in front of the class without stuttering. Jones rose to the challenge. "It had rhythm. It was good poetry. And my honor depended on it."