Ron Cephas Jones has died at the age of 66 due to a long-standing pulmonary issue a rep for the actor confirmed to PEOPLE on Saturday in a statement.
The statement read: “Beloved and award-winning actor Ron Cephas Jones has passed away at the age of 66 due to a long-standing pulmonary issue.
“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 statement continued.
Sterling K Brown who played Jones’ biological son Randall on This is Us posted a heartfelt tribute to his Instagram.
He wrote: “Life imitated art today, and one of the most wonderful people the world has ever seen is no longer with us.
“@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”
Along with the sweet words is a picture of the two driving in a car together.
Jones is best known for playing William Hill on This Is Us and has won an Emmy throughout his acting career.
Follow our Ron Cephas Jones death updates blog for news…
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Meet Ron Cephas Jones’ daughter: Jasmine Cephas Jones
Similar to her late father, Jasmine Cephas Jones is also an actor.
Born on July 21, 1989, she is known for starring in Hamilton, Mrs. Fletcher, #FreeRayshawn, and Blindspotting.
On September 17, 2020, she was recognized as the year’s Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for her part as Tyisha in #FreeRayshawn at the 72nd Emmy ceremony.
An accomplished singer as well, Jasmine won the GRAMMY Award for her contributions to the Hamilton soundtrack.
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Rep’s full statement
“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,” said a statement from Jones’ representative provided to the outlet.
“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.”
Jones has died at the age of 66 due to long-standing pulmonary issues.
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Tributes flood in for late actor
Memorials for the star poured in on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
One user said Cephas Jones had a “prolific career” that peaked with This Is Us, where he played the biological father of protagonist Randall Pearson.
“The episode dedicated to his character’s passing is a masterpiece, and a perfect, fitting microcosm of his gifts as a performer,” the social media user said.
“May he rest in peace.”
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Another fan said the actor “touched our hearts deeply as viewers.”
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Long battle with pulmonary issues
In 2021, Cephas Jones told The New York Times he had privately fought chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and received a double lung transplant the year prior.
He also told Entertainment Weekly about an on-set health scare he had he had while filming the final episode of This Is Us.
“You cats held me when I was struggling and you didn’t let me go. You’ve been there for a very difficult part of my life. I’m a walking miracle,” Cephas Jones said.
“My whole life has been the stage,” the actor said.
“The idea of not performing again seemed worse to me than death.”
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Ron Cephas Jones survived by his daughter
The New Jersey native is survived by his daughter Jasmine Cephas Jones, 34, who followed her father into the film industry.
She also won an Emmy in 2020, which made them the first father-daughter pair to receive awards in the same year.
Cephas Jones had a long-term relationship with his daughter’s mother, the British singer Kim Lesley, but the couple never got married.
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Other shows and films Jones played in
Ron has also played roles in popular hit series:
- This Is Us
- Truth Be Told
- Lisey’s Story
- Law & Order: Organized Crime.
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Ron Cephas Jones’ main roles
After landing supporting roles Jones went on to achieve even greater success.
Some of his main roles include:
- Mr. Robot
- Marvel’s Luke Cage
- The Get Down
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Ron Cephas Jones’ supporting roles
Ron Cephas Jones earned himself a plethora of supporting roles in films and television including:
- He Got Game
- Paid In Full
- The Blacklist
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Cause of death revealed
On August 19, 2023, it was announced that 66-year-old Ron died from a pulmonary illness.
The late This Is Us actor is survived by his daughter Jasmine.
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What to know about Ron Cephas Jones
Born on January 8, 1957, Ron Cephas Jones was an American actor from Paterson, New Jersey.
A graduate of Ramapo College, Ron began his acting career after relocating from Los Angeles to New York City.
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Ron Cephas Jones dead at 66
Ron Cephas Jones has died at the age of 66 due to long-standing pulmonary issues his rep confirmed in a statement Saturday.
Jones was an Emmy award-winning actor and is best known for his role in the hit series This is Us.
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