The esteemed actor Ron Cephas Jones, best known for his portrayal of William Hill in the series “This Is Us”, has passed away at the age of 66. According to a representative for the actor, the cause of death was a “long-standing pulmonary issue.”
Jones began his career at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and consistently showcased a deep passion for the stage. His recent performance in “Clyde’s on Broadway” earned him a Tony nomination and a Drama Desk Award win. However, it was his role in “This Is Us” that garnered him global acclaim, bagging him two Emmy awards in 2018 and 2020. Notably, in 2020, his daughter Jasmine Cephas Jones also secured an Emmy, making them the first-ever father-daughter duo to win in the same year.
Beyond his television career, Jones left an indelible mark in cinema with roles in films such as “He Got Game” (1998), “Half Nelson” (2006), and “Dolemite Is My Name” (2019). Prior to his on-screen endeavors, Jones was a member of the Off-Broadway LAByrinth Theater Company in New York and took on various theatrical roles, including a part in “Of Mice and Men” in 2014.
In 2020, Jones underwent a double lung transplant at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where he stayed for almost two months. In interviews, he expressed his gratitude for the recovery and the unwavering support from colleagues and producers.
His final credited role will be in the historical series “Genius: MLK/X”, where he will portray Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the Nation of Island and mentor to Malcolm X.
