Hollywood Rocked By Another Loss, Emmy Award Winner Dead at 66

(UnitedVoice.com) – Ron Cephas Jones was an incredible actor. He starred in many roles throughout his decades-long career. Unfortunately, he recently passed away after a long illness.

On August 19, a representative for Jones confirmed his death, telling PEOPLE that he died from a “long-standing pulmonary issue” at the age of 66. The actor began his career in theater. In 1985, he starred in a play based on Billie Holiday’s song “Don’t Explain.” His first movie role was in 1994 in “Murder Magic.”

Over the next two decades, Jones landed many television and film roles, including several appearances in the “Law & Order” franchises. Then, in 2016, he starred in the hit NBC drama “This Is Us” as one of the most important characters.

Jones played William Hill, the biological father of Randall Pearson (Sterling K. Brown’s character). He won two Emmy Awards for the role, in which he said he drew on his troubled youth, which included homelessness and drug addiction. Dan Fogelman, a writer for the Award-winning show, paid tribute to the actor on X, formerly Twitter, calling him “the best of the best” in all areas of his life.

A massive loss. Ron was the best of the best – on screen, on stage, and in real life. The coolest. The easiest hang and laugh. And my God: what an actor. I don’t think I ever changed a single take of his in a cut… because everything he did was perfect… https://t.co/l5Ko9L1HZy

— Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) August 20, 2023

Sterling K. Brown commented on his TV dad’s death on Instagram, saying Jones was “one of the most wonderful people the world has ever seen.” He went on to say the “world is a little less bright” and the late actor was “loved.” Chrissy Metz, who also starred in the show, said she was forever changed by his “kind heart, amazing spirit, immeasurable talent and beautiful smile.” Mandy Moore, who played the woman who adopted Brown’s character, said Jones “was pure magic as a human and an artist” and would treasure her time working with him forever.

In 2020, Jones received a double lung transplant after suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. After the surgery, he spoke to The New York Times that his entire life was on stage. He said, “The idea of not performing again seemed worse to me than death.”