LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Beloved actor Ron Cephas Jones from the widely loved family drama 'This Is Us' has sadly died at the age of 66 due to a pulmonary issue, according to his representative.
Many involved in the popular drama have come together to share their condolences for and memories with the legendary actor.
It was also revealed that Jones's death was caused by an illness that he had been suffering from for a long time before he succumbed to it. Jones's legacy will live on through his equally talented daughter Jasmine Cephas Jones, his only child.
How did Ron Cephas Jones die?
The cause behind the actor's death was disclosed in a statement shared by a representative of his with People.
"Beloved and award-winning actor Ron Cephas Jones has passed away at the age of 66 due to a long-standing pulmonary issue," the statement said.
In 2021, the actor revealed to New York Times that he had to undergo a double lung transplant in 2020 after a battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
“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 further added.
The representative also said, “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 played the role of William Hill in 'This Is Us', the biological father of Sterling K Brown's character Randall Pearson. He was recognized as the Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for this role, winning an Emmy Award for it.
'This Is Us' actors mourn Ron Cephas Jones's death
Several people involved in the family drama came forward to remember Jones on hearing the news.
Actress Mandy Moore, who was a part of the main cast of 'This Is Us', shared a screengrab from a special moment on the show that she shared with Jones and added a heartfelt caption as she remembered him on Instagram.
She said, "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 added, "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."
She concluded, "I’ll never forget how special it was to film this particular episode and welcome him back to say a proper goodbye to our TIU family and the whole experience. am just so sad. My thoughts and love are with Jasmine and his family and friends. Love you, @cephasjaz."
Jones's on-screen son, Brown, posted a special moment of his own, captioning it, "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," Brown continued in his post, adding, "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."
The creator of 'This Is Us', Dan Fogelman, mourned the loss of Jones through a tweet that said, "A massive loss. Ron was the best of the best - on screen, on stage, and in real life."
He added, "The coolest. The easiest hang and laugh. And my God: what an actor. I don’t think I ever changed a single take of his in a cut… because everything he did was perfect…"
He also added, "I first got to know Ron at the start of This Is Us, a magical time when it felt like we were all being shot out of a cannon."
He concluded his tribute, writing, "He was always steady, always grateful - even as the madness swirled around us. He loved actors. He LOVED his daughter. And we loved him. All of Us."
