‘This Is Us’ Cast And Octavia Spencer Remember Ron Cephas Jones: “A Wonderfully Kind Human Being”

This is us And Truth be told cast members are among those in Hollywood who remember Ron Cephas Jones, who died at age 66.

The actor’s representative confirms this in a statement People magazine on Saturday that Jones died “due to a long-standing lung ailment.” The Hollywood Reporter also contacted his representative.

Following the news of his death, several of his former costars, including Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz, and Octavia Spencer, took to social media to pay tribute to the stage and screen actor.

Moore, who starred as Rebecca Pearson on the hit series This is us with Jones, wrote on Instagram, “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.”

She continued, “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 to 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.”

Brown, who played William Hill’s (Jones) biological son Randall Pearson This is us, the actor also recalled: “Life imitated art today, and one of the most wonderful people the world has ever seen is no longer with us. @cephasjaz passed away and the world is a little less bright. Brother, you are loved. And you will be missed. Keep them laughing in the next phase of existence, and I’ll see you when I get there.

This is us star Metz, who played Kate Pearson, thanked Jones for “brightening up every room you entered.” Her sweet tribute continued, “I will never forget and have been changed by your kind heart, wonderful spirit, 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.

The show’s creator Dan Fogelman also took to social media to remember Jones: “A huge loss. Ron was the best of the best – on screen, on stage and in real life. The coolest. The easiest hang and laugh. And my god: what an actor. I don’t think I’ve ever turned a single shot of him into part…because everything he did was perfect.

Spencer, who starred opposite Jones Truth be told for three seasons, shared on Instagram, “I am heartbroken to lose my dear friend and colleague Ron Cephas Jones. 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.”

Read more tributes below.