Ron Cephas Jones, known for his role in the NBC drama "This Is Us," has died at 66 of lung disease.
The actor died from a "long-standing pulmonary issue," his manager Dan Spilo said.
"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."
Jones won two Emmys for his performance as William Hill, the estranged biological father of Randall Pearson.
Appearing mainly in the first and second seasons, Jones had a major role in a subplot following Randall's search for his roots. Abandoned as a baby, an adult Randall eventually finds his father, a drug addict dying of cancer, and the two reconcile.
Jones would continue to appear in the show as a guest in later seasons. Spencer K. Brown, who played Randall, paid tribute to his late co-star.
"Life imitated art today, and one of the most wonderful people the world has ever seen is no longer with us," Brown wrote in an Instagram post. “The world is a little less bright. Brother, you are loved. And you will be missed.”
Jones won two Emmys for guest actor and was nominated for two more for his work on This is Us. The show wrapped up after six seasons last year.
“Ron was the best of the best — on screen, on stage, and in real life,” the show's creator Dan Fogelman wrote.
Jones fought to keep acting after a double lung transplant in 2020, telling the New York Times, “The idea of not performing again seemed worse to me than death." He was nominated for a Tony and received a Drama Desk award for his role in the 2021 Broadway play Clyde's.
Jones also appeared in TV shows such as Truth Be Told, Mr. Robot, Law & Order: Organized Crime, Better Things, and Lisey's Story.
Film credits include Dolemite Is My Name, Half Nelson, Across the Universe, and He Got Game.
The actor took great pride in his daughter and fellow Emmy winner Jasmine Cephas Jones, of Hamilton fame.
"The highlight of this whole journey is to see my daughter become happy, successful, and healthy. That’s a parent’s dream. As a parent, nothing could be finer. Nothing."
