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Ron Cephas Jones has died aged 66 from complications of a long-standing lung problem, according to People.
A rep for the actor told the outlet via an official statement, “Throughout his career, his warmth, beauty, generosity, kindness and heart have been felt by all who have been fortunate enough to to know him.”
The statement ended with: “He began his career at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and his love for 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-winning guest role on the hit NBC drama This Is Us, Ron had been acting since his first film appearance in the 1994 film Murder Magic.
The late accomplished actor is survived by his daughter, 34-year-old Hamilton star Jasmine Cephas Jones.
In memoriam: Ron Cephas Jones died today aged 66 due to a long-standing lung problem, according to a rep for the actor; seen in October 2021
Accomplished actor: The late This Is Us star was nominated for an Emmy four times in a row for his performance on the NBC series
Truly a beginner as a bona fide comedian, Ron made his stage debut after performing at the Nuyorican Poets Café in the lead role in the 1994 production of the stage play Holiday Heart.
The versatile actor would go on to play the titular character in Shakespeare’s Richard III in New York at the Public Theater, in addition to appearing in several stage productions in Chicago, among others.
After years of garnering acting credits in various movies and TV shows, the Luke Cage star captured the world’s attention with his portrayal of Randall Pearson’s (Sterling K. Brown) biological father on This Is Us.
As his acting career gained momentum, the stage and film star began dating British singer Kim Lesley.
Although the couple never married for the duration of 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 jointly announced the 2021 Emmy nominees.
He was referring to the fact that they both won Emmys in 2020 – Jasmine for her performance in the Quibi series #FreeRayshawn, and Ron for This Is Us.
When announcing the award nominations, the Hamilton singer joked that her dad embarrassed her, to which Ron replied, “I’m sorry darling… But we kind of marked the ‘history of television last year’. I mean, I know I’m biased, but I think your Emmy is the best Emmy in the world.”
Dating Dad: The late This Is Us star was close with his only daughter, Jasmine Cephas Jones; seen in June 2021
Stage Star: Although best known for his role in This Is Us, Ron has had a prolific career in theatre, getting his start in comedy with stage productions; seen in 2014 in a production of ‘Of Mice And Men’
Leaving a Legacy: Nominated four times for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for This Is Us, Ron will take home the coveted award twice; seen in This Is Us
Million Dollar Smile: The Looking For Alaska star made it clear how proud he was of his daughter for winning her own Emmy; seen in August 2019
Continuing their heartwarming father-daughter banter when the 2021 Emmy nominations were announced, the Blindspotting actress joked that her Emmy admired her father’s Emmy, “a lot.”
With a dry sense of wit, the Dolemite Is My Name actor replied, “Wait a minute, which one?” Because I have two.
The couple made Emmy history with their wins, being the first father and daughter duo to win joint Emmys in the same year in the famed awards program’s history.
Tributes to the late actor are already pouring in on social media, with many who knew him remembering Ron for his genuine spirit.
The Photograph actress has yet to publicly comment on her father’s sad passing.