Source: Deadline / Getty
Emmy-winning and beloved stage and film actor Ron Cephas Jones, has passed away. He was just 66.
On Saturday (Aug. 20) Jones’ manager, Dan Spilo, issued a statement announcing the renowned Black actor’s death due to A “long-standing pulmonary issue.” In 2021, the New York Times reported that he had a double lung transplant due to 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,” reads the statement. “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. Ron’s inner-beauty and soul was evident to the huge audience from his multi-Emmy award winning performance on This is Us.”
An accomplished actor, Jones’ most recent acclaim came via his role as William “Shakespeare” Hill on This Is Us, for which he won a pair of Emmy Awards for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series. Along with his daughter, Jasmine Cephas Jones, they made history as the first father-son duo to both win Emmys in the same year in 2020. Be sure to check him out Marvel’s Luke Cage (and Paid In Full), too.
“Life imitated art today, and one of the most wonderful people the world has ever seen is no longer with us,” said actor Sterling K. Brown on an Instagram post honoring his co-star. “@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.”
Rest in power Cephas Jones. See some of the tributes to his passing in the gallery from fellow thespians like Wendell Pierce, Michael Colter and more in the gallery.
2.
Ron Cephas Jones was a man of grace, insight, elegance, talent, wisdom, sophistication, and coolness. I witnessed his rise from the Nuyorican Poets Café, to Richard III at NY Shakespeare Fest, to the Emmy award winning performance on This Is Us. He was the epitome of soulfulness. pic.twitter.com/wrJs1VjTFs
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) August 20, 2023
4.
AH MAN!!! Heartbroken. Ron is one of the best people I've ever worked with. Such a classy person and an INCREDIBLE actor. Ron and Reg E Cathey's voices live rent free in my head — they made every speech sound like music. RIP BOBBY FISH.
https://t.co/PoiKOQx2AN via @variety— Cheo Hodari Coker (@cheo_coker) August 19, 2023
5.
Ron Cephas Jones had a prolific career, but he gave one of the greatest TV performances of the 2010s as William on This Is Us. The episode dedicated to his character’s passing is a masterpiece, and a perfect, fitting microcosm of his gifts as a performer. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/3AIkNCEEHB
— Brandon Lewis
TIFF23 (@blewis1103) August 19, 2023
6.
Never forget that Jasmine and Ron Cephas Jones made history as the first father-daughter duo in Emmy history to win in the same year.
pic.twitter.com/NrEaUkRuJU
— Chris Peterson – OnStage Blog
(@OnstageBlog) August 20, 2023
7.
Because the full humanity of Black Men deserves to be seen; and Redemption is necessary to that humanity.
Thank-you, Ron Cephas Jones pic.twitter.com/JIXLDgQN6F
— "No Comps" (@NewBlackMan) August 20, 2023
8.
Ron Cephas Jones has some of the best performances I’ve seen in the last 15 years playing the wise older man in television. He created history with his daughter Jasmine Cephas Jones being the first father-daughter to win Emmys same year.
Rest in Power https://t.co/Xq5tJZMxYQ
— Ashton Morris (@ashtonmorris1) August 19, 2023
9.
We’re sad to hear about the passing of actor Ron Cephas Jones who has died at the age of 66. Rest in power. An incredible talent. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/KsQfdMmtNg
— Black Girl Nerds (@BlackGirlNerds) August 19, 2023
10.
R.I.P. Ron Cephas Jones (Uncle Ice) pic.twitter.com/lu4AEMRzD5
— Riley Writts (@RileyWritts) August 19, 2023