Ron Cephas Jones, the award-winning actor best known for his roles in Paid in Full, This Is Us, Mr. Robot, and more has passed away. He was 66.
A representative of Jones confirmed to PEOPLE that he passed away due to a “long-standing pulmonary issue.”
The statement also reads, “Throughout the course of his career, his warmth, beauty, generosity, kindness and heart were felt by anyone who had the good fortune of knowing him. He began his career at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and his love for the stage was present throughout his entire career, including his recent Tony nominated and Drama Desk Award winning performance for his role in Clyde’s on Broadway.”
The New Jersey-born actor got his start on the stage, performing in several productions put on by the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago. He then made his way onto the big screen, starring in movies such as He Got Game, Paid in Full, Across the Universe, Venom, and Dolemite is My Name. He achieved greater recognition with his role as William “Shakespeare” Hill in the hit drama television series This is Us.
Jones is survived by his wife, Kim Lesley, and their daughter, Jasmine Cephas Jones.
