EMMY-winning actor Ron Cephas Jones, perhaps best known for playing William Hill on NBC’s This Is Us, has died. He was 66.
According to PEOPLE, Jones died due to a “long-standing pulmonary issue.”
He received four consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations, winning twice in the category of Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.
As well as This Is Us, Jones’ further television work included multi-episode arcs on Mr Robot, Luke Cage and Law and Order: Organized Crime.
He also made several film appearances, including an uncredited role in 2018 superhero film Venom.
Ron Cephas Jones was also the father of Emmy-winning actress Jasmine Cephas Jones.
After news of his death broke, former This Is Us co-stars paid their respects to Jones.
Onscreen son Sterling K. Brown, who played Randall Pearson, was among the first to do so.
He wrote on Instagram: “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.”
Mandy Moore, who played family matriarch Rebecca Pearson, also extended a tribute to Jones.
Moore wrote: “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.
“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.”
Chrissy Metz, who played Kate Pearson, also honoured her former co-star.
Metz wrote on Instagram: “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.
“May your transition be full of light and peace. Sending all of my love to Jasmine and & his loved ones during this time. You are truly the coolest cat.”
Moreover, other This Is Us stars paying their respects on social media include Chris Sullivan (Toby), Jon Huertas (Miguel) and Faithe Herman (Annie).
Courageous Nerd 
Leave a comment