Ron Cephas Jones, an Emmy-winning actor, died at the age of 66.
On Saturday, a spokeswoman for Jones told ABC News, “Beloved and award-winning actor Ron Cephas Jones passed away at the age of 66 due to a long-standing pulmonary issue.”
“Throughout his career, his warmth, beauty, generosity, kindness, and heart were experienced by anyone who had the good fortune to know him,” the statement read. Ron’s inner beauty and soul shone through in his multi-Emmy award-winning performance on This is Us. His daughter Jasmine Cephas Jones survives him.”
Jones was most recognized for his role on “This Is Us” as William Hill, Randall Pearson’s biological father, played by Sterling K. Brown.
In response to the news of his death, Brown posted an homage to the actor, writing, “Life imitated art today, while one of the most wonderful individuals the world has ever witnessed is no longer with us.” [Jones] has died, and the world has become a little darker. You are adored, brother. And you will be remembered. Keep them laughing in the next stage of existence, and I’ll see you when I arrive.”
Jones received an Emmy for Outsating Guest Actor for his participation in “This Is Us” in 2018 and another in 2020. His daughter won her first Emmy the same year, making the couple the first father-daughter winners in the same year.
On Saturday, “This Is Us” co-star Mandy Moore paid tribute to the late actor, writing, “Getting to know and work with Ron on the wild ride of ‘This Is Us’ was the greatest gift- he had pure magic as a human and an artist…I shall cherish every memory for the rest of my life.”
In addition to “This Is Us,” Jones was recognized for “Mr. Robot,” “The Get Down,” “Luke Cage,” “Looking For Alaska,” and “Truth Be Told.”
In 2021, the actor announced to The New York Times that he had secretly battled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and had gotten a double lung transplant at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in 2020, wherein he was a patient for over two months.
Jones revealed that after the surgery, he had to relearn how to breathe, eat, and move.
Following his recovery, Jones returned to Broadway in 2022 with the Tony-nominated play Clyde’s.