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.”
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