Ron Cephas Jones, Emmy-winning ‘This Is Us’ actor, dead at 66
Renowned actor Ron Cephas Jones, who has been honored with two Emmy Awards, has sadly passed away at the age of 66. According to his representative, Ron had been dealing with a chronic pulmonary issue for a long time. The representative expressed that throughout Ron’s career, his exceptional qualities of warmth, beauty, generosity, kindness, and compassion were evident to all those who had the privilege of knowing him. The representative also acknowledged Ron’s inner beauty and soul, which captivated a vast audience through his award-winning performance in the popular NBC drama “This is Us.”
Ron was most recognized for his portrayal of William Hill in the aforementioned series, which earned him Emmy Awards in 2018 and 2020. He achieved multiple Emmy wins for his remarkable role in “This Is Us.”
Survived by his daughter, Jasmine Cephas Jones, who gained fame in the theater world for her role in “Hamilton,” Ron and Jasmine made history as the first father-daughter duo to win Emmy Awards in the same year. Jasmine was honored with the Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series award for her performance in “#FreeRayshawn.” It is worth noting that Jasmine had previously revealed her father’s battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and his subsequent double lung transplant.
The news of Ron’s passing has deeply affected his colleagues and fans alike. Sterling K. Brown, who portrayed his on-screen son in “This is Us,” expressed his grief, stating that the world had lost one of the most wonderful individuals. Brown fondly remembered Ron and extended his condolences to Jasmine, emphasizing the immense love and admiration he had for the late actor.
Chrissy Metz, another co-star from “This is Us,” described Ron as “the coolest cat.” Metz expressed her gratitude for the impact Ron had on her life, praising his kind heart, extraordinary talent, and beautiful smile. She wished him a peaceful transition and sent her love to Jasmine and the rest of Ron’s loved ones.
Mandy Moore, who also worked alongside Ron in “This is Us,” described him as a truly magical human being and artist. She cherished the moments they shared on set and acknowledged the significant role Ron played in the show’s fabric. Moore expressed her sadness and sent her thoughts and love to Jasmine and Ron’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Ron Cephas Jones, a two-time Emmy Award-winning actor, has died. He was 66.
The late “This Is Us” star had a “long-standing pulmonary issue,” his rep told told People on Saturday, confirming the tragic news.
“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,” the rep shared in a statement to the outlet.
“Ron’s inner-beauty and soul was evident to the huge audience from his multi-Emmy award-winning performance on ‘This is Us.’”
Jones was best known for his role as William Hill on the poplar NBC drama, which earned him two Emmys in 2018 and 2020.
He is survived by his daughter, Jasmine Cephas Jones, who became a household name in the theatre world following her turn in “Hamilton.”
The pair also made history as the first father-daughter duo to win Emmy awards in the same year, with Jasmine taking home Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for her role in “#FreeRayshawn.”
News of the actor’s death comes two years after Jasmine revealed her dad had a double lung transplant amid his battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
“It was terrifying,” she wrote at the time.
Friends and fans alike have since paid tribute to the actor, including his on-screen son, Sterling K. Brown.
“Life imitated art today, and one of the most wonderful people the world has ever seen is no longer with us,” Brown, who portrayed Randall Pearson, wrote via 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.”
Fellow “This is Us” co-star Chrissy Metz also remembered the actor as “the coolest cat.”
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“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 in the wake of the news.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Mandy Moore, who also starred alongside Ron in “This Is Us,” called the late actor “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 wrote via 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.”
