Ron Cephas Jones, the two-time Emmy Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated actor, has died at 66 years old.
Jones had a “long-standing pulmonary issue,” a representative for the late actor told People on Saturday.
Jones was best known for his role as William Hill on the NBC drama “This Is Us,” where he won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2018 and 2020.
“Throughout the course of his career, his warmth, beauty, generosity, kindness, and heart were felt by anyone who had the good fortune of knowing him,” a statement to the outlet read. “He began his career at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and his love for the stage was present throughout his entire career, including his recent Tony-nominated and Drama Desk Award-winning performance for his role in ‘Clyde’s’ on Broadway.”
“Ron’s inner-beauty and soul was evident to the huge audience from his multi-Emmy award-winning performance on ‘This is Us.’
Jones is survived by his daughter, “Hamilton” actress Jasmine Cephas Jones, who he made history alongside as the first father and daughter to both win an Emmy award in the same year — the younger Jones won Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series win for her role in the “#FreeRayshawn.”
In 2021, Jasmine Cephas Jones revealed her father had a double lung transplant from fighting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
On the hit NBC drama series, Jones played a cancer-stricken musician who reunited with his adult son, who was played by Sterling K. Brown.
Brown mourned Jones’ death, saying the “world is a little less bright.”
“Life imitated art today, and one of the most wonderful people the world has ever seen is no longer with us,” Brown said on Instagram. “@cephasjaz has passed away, and the world is a little less bright. Brother, you are loved. And you will be missed. Keep them laughing in the next phase of existence, and I’ll see you when I get there.”
Jones’ “This is Us” co-star Chrissy Metz remembered the actor as a kind-hearted spirit.
“Ron, thank you for brightening every room you walked into. I’ll never forget and have been changed by your kind heart, amazing spirit, immeasurable talent and beautiful smile,” Metz said. “May your transition be full of light and peace. Sending all of my love to Jasmine & his loved ones during this time. You are truly the coolest cat.”
Mandy Moore, who played Rebecca Pearson on the show, called Jones “pure magic as a human and artist.”
“Getting to know and work with Ron on the wild ride of “This Is Us” was the greatest gift- he was pure magic as a human and an artist…I will treasure all of the moments forever,” Moore said on Instagram. “Even though he wasn’t around set as much as we all wished, he was such an intrinsic part of the fabric of the show, it’s like he was always there. I am just so sad. My thoughts and love are with Jasmine and his family and friends.”
Jones’ resume included roles on “Mr. Robot,” “Luke Cage,” and Apple TV’s “Truth Be Told” where he played the father figure to Octavia Spencer.
“I’m heartbroken to lose my dear friend and colleague Ron Cephas Jones. Ron was an incredibly talented actor and, most importantly, a wonderfully kind human being,” Spencer said in an Instagram post. Every day on set with Ron was a good day. I’m sending all my love to his daughter Jasmine, family, friends, and fans.”
