This Is Us actor Ron Cephas Jones’ on-screen son Sterling K. Brown and co-star Mandy Moore lead the moving tributes following his death aged 66
Sterling K. Brown and Mandy Moore led the moving tribute to their former castmate Ron Cephas Jones.
The actor died at age 66 after complications from a long-term lung condition, according to People.
Tributes for the late actor poured in on social media from Ron’s Hollywood peers, with many who knew him remembering him for his authentic spirit.
Sterling shared a photo of himself and Ron, who played his biological father on This Is Us, writing, “Life imitated the art of today and one of the most beautiful people the world has ever seen is no longer with us.
He added: ‘the world is a little less bright. Brother, you are loved. And you will be missed. Make them smile in the next phase of existence, and I’ll see you when I get there.”
Tribute: Like father, like son: Ron Cephas Jones’ on-screen son in This Is Us, Sterling K. Brown, penned a heartwarming tribute to the Paid In Full actor following his death at age 66
Cherished Moments: Mandy Moore, best known for playing the matriarch of the Pearson family in This Is Us, shared how Ron was, “pure magic as a human being and an artist”
Mandy Moore, best known for playing the matriarch of the Pearson family in This Is Us, talked about what Ron was like, “pure magic as a human being and an artist.”
She wrote, “Getting to know and work with Ron on the wild ride of “This Is Us” was the greatest gift – he was pure magic as a human being and an artist…I will cherish all the moments forever.
Even though he wasn’t around as much as we all wanted him to be, he was such an intrinsic part of the structure of the show, it’s like he was always there.
“I will never forget how special it was to film this particular episode and welcome him back to properly say goodbye to our TIU family and the whole experience.
‘I’m just so sad. My thoughts and love are with Jasmine and his family and friends. I love you, @cephasjaz.’
Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis recalled Ron’s, “little girl Jasmine running through the public theater,” revealing how long she’s been friends with the Shazam! star.
She wrote: ‘Oh no!!! Man… this hurts me deeply. I’ve known you for almost thirty years. I remember your little girl Jasmine running through The Public Theater in NYC.
“I remember how much you loved her. How much you loved the job… how much you just loved it! The passion and zeal you had for life and how you imbued it into EVERYTHING you did! You lived!!! You lived your life out loud my friend….
“You’ve earned your rest. I wish we had you longer. Prayers and blessings for Jasmine… for your loved ones. You are now one of the ancestors for whom you lit candles so fervently. I love you Ron… always.”
Memory of Ron: Viola Davis posted a sweet tribute in honor of her late friend
Kind-hearted: This Is Us star Chrissy Metz, who played Kate Pearson, posted a photo of herself with Ron and the This Is Us protagonists
Memories: Octavia Spencer, who starred alongside Ron in Apple TV’s Truth Be Told, shared a photo of them together on Instagram and admitted she was heartbroken
Octavia Spencer, who co-starred with Ron in Apple TV’s Truth Be Told, shared a photo of them together on Instagram, writing, “I am devastated to lose my dear friend and colleague Ron Cephas Jones @cephasjaz.
“Ron was an incredibly talented actor and, most importantly, a wonderfully kind person. Every day on set with Ron was a good day. Sending all my love to his daughter Jasmine, family, friends and fans.
Update: This one hits really hard. I learned so much from Ron in every scene we had together. Every time I saw his name on the call sheet, I got excited because I knew I was going to get a year’s worth of engineering in that 8-hour day.
“For those who pursue acting as a livelihood, let Emmy Award winner Ron Cephas Jones be the type of perfection you strive for. That man could break a scene. Jasmine honestly understands.’
This Is Us star Chrissy Metz, who played Kate Pearson, posted a photo of herself with Ron and the This Is Us protagonists.
She thanked him for “brightening every room” he entered.
Chrissy wrote, “Ron, thank you for brightening up every room you came into. I will never forget and have been changed by your kind heart, amazing mind, immeasurable talent and beautiful smile.
May your transition be full of light and peace. Sending all my love to Jasmine and his loved ones during this time. You really are the coolest cat.’
In memoriam: Ron Cephas Jones passed away at the age of 66 due to a long-term lung condition, according to a rep for the actor; seen in This is us
Ron died at age 66 after complications from a long-term lung condition, according to People.
A rep for the actor told the outlet through an official statement, “Throughout his career, his warmth, beauty, generosity, kindness and heart have been felt by all who were fortunate enough to know him.”
The statement ended with, “He began his career at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and his love of the stage has been present throughout his career, including his recent Tony-nominated and Drama Desk Award-winning performance for his role in Clyde’s on Broadway.”
Best known for his Emmy award-winning guest role on the hit NBC drama This Is Us, Ron has been acting since his first screen appearance in the 1994 film Murder Magic.
The talented late actor is survived by his daughter, 34-year-old Hamilton star Jasmine Cephas Jones.
Truly starting out as a bona fide thespian, Ron got his start on stage after performing at the Nuyorican Poets Café starring in the 1994 production of the play Holiday Heart.
The versatile actor would later play the titular character in Shakespeare’s Richard III in New York City at the Public Theater, in addition to appearing in several stage productions in Chicago, among others.
After years of accumulating acting credits in various movies and television shows, the Luke Cage star caught the world’s attention with his portrayal of Randall Pearson’s biological father in This Is Us.
Experienced actor: The late This Is Us star was nominated for an Emmy four times in a row for his performance in the NBC series
Dating Dad: The late This Is Us star was close to his only daughter, Jasmine Cephas Jones; seen in June 2021
While his acting career was picking up, the stage and movie star started dating British singer Kim Lesley.
Although the couple never tied the knot during their relationship, Kim gave birth to Ron’s only daughter Jasmine in 1989.
The doting dad proudly pointed out that Jasmine was his “superstar daughter” when they made the announcement together 2021 Emmy Nominees.
The pair made Emmy history with their wins, as they became the first father and daughter duo to take home a collective Emmy in the same year in the history of the well-known awards program.