Sterling K. Brown,Mandy MooreandChrissy Metzare among the stars paying tribute toRon Cephas Jonesfollowing news of his death.
A representative for the actorconfirmed to PEOPLEthat Jones died “due to a long-standing pulmonary issue” on Saturday. He was 66.
“Life imitated art today, and one of the most wonderful people the world has ever seen is no longer with us,” Brown, 47, wrote in anInstagrampost. “@cephasjaz has passed away, and the world is a little less bright. Brother, you are loved. And you will be missed.”
Taylor Hill/FilmMagic, Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty
“Keep them laughing in the next phase of existence, and I’ll see you when I get there. ❤️✌🏿✊🏿,” he added, sharing a still of himself and Jones fromThis Is Us.
Jones played Brown’s onscreen long-lost biological father William Hill on the NBC show. He won twoguest acting Emmyawards for his role, and appeared frequently throughout the six-season run of the series, which concluded in May 2022.
“Getting to know and work with Ron on the wild ride of ‘This Is Us’ was the greatest gift,” Moore, 39, who played matriarch Rebecca on the show, wrote in her owntribute post. “He was pure magic as a human and an artist…I will treasure all of the moments forever.”
“My thoughts and love are with Jasmine and his family and friends. Love you, @cephasjaz,” the actress signed off.
Moore shared a photo of herself with Jones from the penultimate episode ofThis Is Usalongside her message.
Moore played opposite her ‘This Is Us’ costar Jones in the final season.Ron Batzdorff/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty
Ron Batzdorff/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty
“You are truly the coolest cat🐈⬛❤️🎭,” she added.
“I’m heartbroken to lose my dear friend and colleague Ron Cephas Jones,”Octavia Spencer, Jones’ costar inTruth Be Told, wrote onInstagram. “Ron was an incredibly talented actor and, most importantly, a wonderfully kind human being. Every day on set with Ron was a good day. I’m sending all my love to his daughter Jasmine, family, friends and fans 🤍🕊️.”
Octavia Spencer also paid tribute to her ‘Truth Be told’ costar Jones.Amy Sussman/Getty
Amy Sussman/Getty
Spencer, 53, continued, “Update: this one is hitting very hard. I learned so much from Ron in every single scene we had together. Whenever I saw his name on the call sheet I would get excited because I knew I’d be getting a year’s worth of technique in that 8 hour day.”
“For those pursuing acting as a living, let Emmy Award Winner, Ron Cephas Jones, be the type of perfection you strive to achieve. That man could break down a scene. Jasmine gets it honestly,” she added.
This Is Us costarsChris SullivanandJon Huertasalso paid tribute to Jones.
“I cannot believe he is gone! It doesn’t seem possible,” Sullivan, 43, wrote onInstagram. “He was such a generous and compassionate heart. I am so grateful for the time we spent together. #RIPRCJ.”
“Ron, you were one of the most talented and warm men I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with,” Huertas, 53, wrote in histribute post.
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Back in 2021, Jones revealed toThe New York Timesthat he privately battled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and received a double lung transplant at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in 2020.
He noted making a speedy recovery in a June 2022 interview withToday, as he prepared for his Tony-nominated performance inClyde’son Broadway.
Jones is survived his daughter,Jasmine Cephas Jones.
source: people.com
