Entertainment TV Ron Cephas Jones, Emmy-Winning ‘This Is Us’ Actor, Dead at 66

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August 19, 2023

Canadian actor Ron Cephas Jones, best known for his role as William Hill on the hit series ‘This Is Us’, has passed away at the age of 66. The news of Jones’ death was confirmed by his representative, who stated that the actor had been dealing with a long-standing pulmonary issue.

A Beloved and Award-Winning Actor

Ron Cephas Jones was a beloved and highly acclaimed actor, known for his warmth, beauty, generosity, and kindness. His talent and heart were evident throughout his career, leaving a lasting impact on anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Jones began his career at the renowned Nuyorican Poets Cafe and carried his love for the stage throughout his life. He received critical acclaim for his Tony-nominated and Drama Desk Award-winning performance in ‘Clyde’s’ on Broadway.

An Emmy-Winning Performance on ‘This Is Us’

Jones gained widespread recognition for his role as William Hill on the hit television series ‘This Is Us’, where he portrayed the biological father of character Randall Pearson. His remarkable performance earned him two Emmy awards for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, one in 2018 and another in 2020. In a groundbreaking moment, his daughter Jasmine Cephas Jones also won an Emmy in 2020, making them the first-ever father-daughter pair to win Emmy awards in the same year.

A Triumph Over Adversity

Behind the scenes, Ron Cephas Jones privately battled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and underwent a double lung transplant in 2020. Despite the challenges he faced, he continued to pursue his passion for acting and credited his Tony-nominated performance in ‘Clyde’s’ on Broadway as a motivating force in his recovery. Jones expressed gratitude for his supportive cast and crew on ‘This Is Us’, describing them as his pillars during a life-threatening health scare. He referred to himself as a “walking miracle” and emphasized his unwavering dedication to the stage.

A Versatile Career and Legacy

Aside from his notable role on ‘This Is Us’, Ron Cephas Jones had a diverse range of acting credits. He appeared in shows such as ‘Mr. Robot’, ‘The Get Down’, ‘Luke Cage’, ‘Looking For Alaska’, and ‘Truth Be Told’. In addition to his television work, Jones made a mark in film with roles in movies like ‘He Got Game’, ‘Sweet and Lowdown’, ‘Half Nelson’, ‘Across the Universe’, ‘Glass Chin’, ‘The Holiday Calendar’, ‘Dog Days’, and ‘Dolemite Is My Name’.

Prior to his screen career, Jones was a member of the Off-Broadway LAByrinth Theater Company in New York. One of his notable stage roles was portraying Crooks in the 2014 Broadway production of ‘Of Mice and Men’. His commitment to acting and his dedication to the craft made him a respected figure in the theater community.

A Final Role That Showcased His Talents

In his last credited role, Ron Cephas Jones was cast in the fourth installment of the historical anthology series ‘Genius: MLK/X’. He portrayed Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the Nation of Islam and mentor to Malcolm X. This role was yet another opportunity for Jones to showcase his incredible range and talent.

Remembering Ron Cephas Jones

The passing of Ron Cephas Jones is a great loss to the entertainment industry and to his fans around the world. His contributions as an actor, both on stage and screen, will be remembered for years to come. Jones will forever be cherished for his remarkable performances and the indelible impact he made on audiences.