It has been confirmed that Emmy winning-actor Ron Cephas Jones has sadly passed away at the age of 66.
Jones was a scene-stealing supporting actor for decades before a late-career surge blossomed for the Harlem actor with his role as the estranged father of Sterling K. Brown's Randall Pearson on This Is Us. The supporting role saw Jones win the Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series Emmy award twice, in 2018 and 2020.
Ron also had memorable roles in Luke Cage, playing Bobby Fish, and in Mr. Robot as Romero. He also played Jack, Eddie Brock's boss in Venom.
Cephas Jones was also originally cast as The Wizard in Shazam! but was forced to drop out of the project due to scheduling issues.
His professional career spanned 29 years, with 21 theatrical roles and 22 television show appearances.
He is survived by his daughter, Jasmine Cephas Jones, who previously starred in the Broadway Musical, Hamilton. In 2020, they became the first father-daughter Emmy winners in the same year.
According to People, he passed away "due to a long-standing pulmonary issue."
On Instagram, Brown expressed his sorrow, adding that Jones will be missed.
"Life imitated art today, and one of the most wonderful people the world has ever seen is no longer with us."
“Ron Cephas Jones has 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."