Ron Cephas Jones, the two-time Emmy Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated actor, has sadly passed away at the age of 66. According to his representative, Jones had been dealing with a long-standing pulmonary issue. The news was confirmed on Saturday, leaving fans and the entertainment industry in shock and mourning the loss of a beloved talent.

Jones was widely known for his role as William Hill on the popular NBC drama series "This Is Us." It was in this role that he showcased his exceptional acting skills and won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2018 and 2020. His portrayal of William, a cancer-stricken musician who reconnects with his adult son, touched the hearts of viewers worldwide.

His representative released a statement honoring Jones, describing him as a warm-hearted, generous, and kind individual. The statement also highlighted Jones' love for the stage, which was evident throughout his career. He received a Tony nomination and won a Drama Desk Award for his role in the Broadway play "Clyde's."

Jones leaves behind his daughter, Jasmine Cephas Jones, who is also an actress known for her role in the musical "Hamilton." In a historic moment, both father and daughter won Emmy Awards in the same year, making them the first-ever father-daughter duo to achieve this feat.

Jasmine Cephas Jones recently revealed that her father had undergone a double lung transplant in 2021 due to his battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This health struggle further highlights the immense strength and resilience Jones possessed.

His co-stars from "This Is Us" expressed their deep sadness and paid tribute to Jones. Sterling K. Brown, who played his on-screen son, mourned the loss on Instagram, describing Jones as a wonderful person and expressing his love and admiration. Chrissy Metz, another co-star, remembered him as a kind-hearted spirit, thanking him for brightening every room he entered. Mandy Moore, who played his on-screen wife, called him pure magic as both a person and an artist. They all extended their condolences to Jasmine and the rest of Jones' family and friends.

Jones' talent extended beyond "This Is Us." He had notable roles in shows like "Mr. Robot" and "Luke Cage." He also played a father figure to Octavia Spencer's character in Apple TV's "Truth Be Told." Spencer shared her heartbreak and expressed her love for Jones, praising him as an incredibly talented actor and a kind human being.

Throughout his career, Jones dedicated himself to the theater, even returning to Broadway after his lung transplant. He once said that the idea of not performing again was worse to him than death. His love for the stage was evident in his numerous performances, both on and off Broadway.

Born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey, Jones initially intended to study jazz but found his passion for theater during his sophomore year at Ramapo College. He later moved to New York, where he became a regular collaborator at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, an influential hub for poetry and performing arts. His breakout role came in 1994 in the play “Holiday Heart” by Cheryl West.

Jones' impact on the entertainment industry extended beyond his acting career. He had memorable appearances in films such as “Half Nelson” and "Dolemite Is My Name," showcasing his versatility as an actor.

The news of Ron Cephas Jones' passing has left a void in the hearts of his fans, colleagues, and the entertainment industry as a whole. His remarkable talent, kind spirit, and undeniable presence on both the stage and screen will be deeply missed.