Ron Cephas Jones of This Is Us dies at 66

this is us Star Ron Cephas Jones has died. He was 66 years old.

The Emmy winner, who won Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series twice for his role on the NBC drama, died of a “long-term lung problem,” his representative said in a statement to Yahoo Entertainment.

“Throughout his career, anyone who has had the good fortune to know him has felt his warmth, his beauty, his generosity, his kindness and his heart,” the statement read. He began his career at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and his love of theater has been present throughout his career, including his recent Tony-nominated and Drama Desk Award-winning performance for his role in Clyde on Broadway. Ron’s inner beauty and spirit was evident to the massive audience through his multiple Emmy Award winning performance this is us. He is survived by his daughter, actress and singer, Jasmine Cephas Jones, who is best known for her role as Peggy Schuyler in the original Broadway production of Hamilton.

Photographs by William Jones this is usThe biological father of Randall Sterling K Brown. In a touching Instagram post on Saturday, Brown paid tribute to his TV dad, writing in part, “The world is a little less bright. Brother, you are loved. And we will miss you.”

Jones’ television credits have also included roles on shows such as Mr. RobotAnd Looking for AlaskaAnd Truth be toldAnd Law and Order: Organized CrimeAnd better things.

He has also appeared in films such as Dolemite is my nameAnd dog daysAnd holiday calendarAnd Half Nelson.

In May 2020, Jones, a lifelong smoker, received a double lung transplant due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. His interview is in 2021 with The New York Times. The actor spent two months on and off a ventilator, learning how to eat and breathe again. He said he initially did not want to have the surgery, due to the possibility that he would need an oxygen tank for the rest of his career.

“I was in complete denial,” Jones said at the time. “I told myself it would pass, or that I was getting old. I was afraid and didn’t want to change what I wasn’t ready to change.”

He described the idea of ​​never being able to perform again as “worse than death”.

In addition to Brown, the other Jones this is us The co-stars reacted to the loss on Instagram.

Mandy Moore shared a photo of herself with Jones from the show’s finale, calling him “pure magic as a human being and an artist” and saying working with him was “the greatest gift.”

Meanwhile, Chrissy Metz wrote, “Ron, thank you for brightening up every room you walk into. I will never forget you were transformed by your kind heart, wonderful soul, immeasurable talent, and sweet smile. May your transition be one of light and peace. … You truly are the most wonderful cat.” “