Regina King led tributes to James Earl Jones as the Hollywood legend celebrated his 90th birthday on Sunday (17.01.21)

Regina wrote: "Once you begin to explain or excuse all events on racial grounds, you begin to indulge in the perilous mythology of race" -James Earl Jones. Happy Worthday @jamesearljones #DayofGiants (sic)"

Elsewhere, Josh Gad also took to Twitter to celebrate James' landmark birthday.

The 39-year-old film star hailed James and actress Betty White, who turned 99 on Sunday, joking that January 17 ought to be a "national holiday" in the US.

Josh wrote on the micro-blogging platform: "Today both @BettyMWhite and #JamesEarlJones are celebrating birthdays?! How is it not a national holiday? (sic)"

Wendell Pierce - who is best known for playing Detective Bunk Moreland in 'The Wire' - heaped praise on James via his Twitter account, describing the veteran star as his "mentor and inspiration".

In his birthday message, Wendell wrote: "To my mentor and inspiration: Happy 90th Birthday to James Earl Jones. One of the greatest artist of our generation. May you be continuously blessed. (sic)"

Illeana Douglas also hailed the Hollywood star on social media, describing James as a "national treasure".

She wrote on her Twitter account: "Wishing a wonderful 90th birthday to national treasure James Earl Jones who made his film debut in Doctor Strangelove (1964) (sic)"

The birthday tributes arrived shortly after James revealed he was planning to celebrate the landmark by enjoying a "slice of strawberry shortcake".

The iconic actor - who has starred in films such as 'Dr. Strangelove', the original 'Star Wars' trilogy, and 'The Lion King' - said: "I will keep having to remind myself that it’s my birthday. I’ll make an exception and enjoy a slice of strawberry shortcake, my favourite!"

James admitted to "feeling fantastic and grateful" for the success he's enjoyed over the years.

He added: "I love growing older and wiser with time."