Ron Cephas Jones, Emmy Award-winning actor on This Is Us, at 66

entertainment

by Nicholas McIntyre

August 20, 2023 | 1:29 a.m

Ron Cephas Jones, two-time Emmy Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated actor, dies at the age of 66.

Jones had a “long-standing lung problem,” according to the late actor Saturday people said.

Jones is best known for his role as William Hale on the NBC drama This Is Us, for which he won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2018 and 2020.

“Throughout his career, anyone who has had the good fortune to know him has felt his warmth, his beauty, his generosity, his kindness and his heart,” read a statement to the outlet. He began his career at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and his love of theater has been present throughout his career, including his recent Tony-nominated and Drama Desk Award-winning performance as “Clyde’s” on Broadway.

Ron’s inner beauty and spirit was evident to the massive audience through his multi-award winning performance on This is Us.

Jones is survived by his daughter, “Hamilton” actress Jasmine Cephas Jones, who made history alongside being the first father and daughter to win an Emmy in the same year — the younger Jones won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Short Film Comedy or Drama Series for her role in “#FreeRayshawn.”

In 2021, Jasmine Cephas Jones revealed Her father underwent a double lung transplant Fighting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In the hit NBC drama series, Jones played a musician with cancer who is reunited with his adult son, played by Sterling K. Brown.

Brown mourned Jones’ death, saying that “the world is a little less bright”.

“Life imitates art today, and one of the most wonderful people the world has ever seen is no longer with us.” Brown said on Instagram. “cephasjaz is gone, and the world is a little less bright. Brother, you are loved. We will miss you. Make them laugh in the next phase of existence, and I will see you when I get there.”

Chrissy Metz, Sterling’s co-star on “This is Us,” remembered Jones as a kind-hearted soul.

“Ron, thank you for brightening up every room you walk into. I will never forget you being transformed by your kind heart, wonderful soul, immeasurable talent, and beautiful smile,” Metz said. “I hope your transition is one of light and peace. Sending all my love to Jasmine and his loved ones during this time. You really are the coolest cat.”

Mandy Moore, who plays Rebecca Pearson on the show, described Jones as “pure magic as a human being and an artist.”

“Getting to know Ron and working with him on the wild ride of This Is Us ‘was the greatest gift – it was pure magic as a human being and an artist… I will cherish all the moments forever,’” Moore said on Instagram. “Although he wasn’t around like we could all have hoped , it was an intrinsic part of the fabric of the show, as if it had always been there. I am just so sad my thoughts and love are with Jasmine and his family and friends.”

Jones’ resume includes roles in “Mr. Robot, “Luke Cage” and Apple TV’s “Truth Be Told” where he played the father figure to Octavia Spencer.

“I am saddened by the loss of my dear friend and colleague Ron Cephas Jones. Ron was an incredibly talented actor and, most importantly, a wonderfully good human being,” Spencer said in an Instagram post. Every day on set with Ron was a good day. I send all my love to his daughter Jasmine, her family, friends and fans.”