Ron Cephas Jones's "This Is Us" Family Pay Tribute to the Late Actor

Published on 8/20/2023 at 4:30 PM

Emmy-winning actor Ron Cephas Jones has died at age 66. Jones's representative confirmed the news to People on Aug. 19 in a statement that read in part: "Beloved and award-winning actor Ron Cephas Jones has passed away at the age of 66 due to a long-standing pulmonary issue." In the wake of his passing, the actor's "This Is Us" family have paid tribute to Jones, who was best known for playing Randall Pearson's biological father, William Hill.

"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 continued. "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."

The statement concluded, "Ron's inner-beauty and soul was evident to the huge audience from his multi-Emmy award winning performance on 'This is Us.' He is survived by his daughter Jasmine Cephas Jones."

In addition to playing William on "This Is Us," Jones's career in Hollywood also included roles on shows like "Luke Cage," "Looking For Alaska," and "Truth Be Told." Additionally, he appeared in films like "Across the Universe" and "Dolemite Is My Name."

However, for many viewers, he will always be remember first and foremost as the kind-hearted William from NBC's "This Is Us." The show's cast are heartbroken over the actor's passing, and Sterling K. Brown, who played Randall, was among the first people to pay tribute to Jones. "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," he wrote in part on Instagram.

See the gallery ahead for more tributes to Jones from his "This Is Us" castmates.

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 wrote alongside an image featuring him and Jones on "This Is Us" on 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."

Susan Kelechi Watson

Watson, who played Beth Pearson, posted a moving tribute to Jones on her Instagram, alongside a carousel of photos featuring the late actor. "It was really an instant gravitation. Like anytime you were in the room Id quickly make my way to you," her post began.

She continued, "Was it the new york energy, both of us getting a big break at the same time, the coolness, the swag, the stories of hardships and triumphs, the honesty, the laughter, the humor, the laughter, the laughter, the humor and the honesty. The genuiness. The freedom and generosity with which you gave your authentic self. Letting me know you. The joy of your meteroic rise at 59 years of life. Sharing deeply in that joy. The fact that I could say, "hey...wanna go to a diner and rehearse this scene?" and you were 100% down with it because thats where you came from. Read, rehearse, stage. You knew it well. It was your short hand. I got to witness 1st hand your commitment to wanting to give the very best performance every single time...the absolute best performance you could give. You werent satisifed unless everyone else was satisfied when cut was called."

"I appreciate all the check-ins we shared as you continued your journey onto new adventures. The reunions we had and the love that was always there. You were my friend. And what a blessing in this life to have a friend called You. You LOVED being an actor, an artist, a forever student of life," she wrote. "But I knew you to love nothing more than Jasmine. My heart goes out to you @jazzy_joness . You were the music to his soul. His Jaz. His jazz. His jazz."

She concluded her tribute, "So... One time for the coolest cat. One time for the mark he left that will remain. One big ol standing ovation for my guy, Ron Cephas Jones. Jah bless and guide you sweetly home, my friend. Missing you..."

Chrissy Metz

"Ron, thank you for brightening every room you walked into," Metz wrote on Instagram. "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 & his loved ones during this time. You are truly the coolest cat."

Mandy Moore

Moore posted a photo of her character, Rebecca Pearson, and William together in the penultimate episode of "This Is Us" on Instagram, alongside a sweet tribute to Jones. "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," she wrote. "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'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. I am just so sad. My thoughts and love are with Jasmine and his family and friends. Love you, @cephasjaz."

Chris Sullivan

"I cannot believe he is gone! It doesn't seem possible. He was such a generous and compassionate heart. I am so grateful for the time we spent together," Sullivan wrote on Instagram.

Jon Huertas

"Ron, you were one of the most talented and warm men I've ever had the pleasure of working with," Huertas captioned his Instagram tribute to Jones. So giving, both personally and artistically. You will be missed not only by me but the world will miss your spirit. But the remarkable gift of having you grace our stages and screens will live on in our hearts forever. Love ya @cephasjaz …you're on to the next performance.

Lyric Ross

Ross posted a tribute to her TV grandfather on her Instagram Story. "We've only shared very few words since first meeting," she wrote. "But in that time, the impact you've had on me is nothing short of greatness. I thank you for letting God speak through you, and I thank God for gracing me and the rest of the world with your powerful yet peaceful light. Rest in Heaven."