Ron Cephas Jones Dead at Age 66

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.