Alright, gather ’round folks, ’cause we’ve got some news that hits right in the heart. Do you know that guy Ron Cephas Jones, the one who brought that magic to “This Is Us”? Well, he’s left us, gone too soon, passing away on the 19th of August. A true actor, a true legend. Now, let’s talk about those shiny trophies – those Emmy awards. Ron snagged one in 2018, and guess what? Lightning struck twice ’cause he grabbed another in 2020, both for his stellar guest-acting stint in “This Is Us.” Oh, and not to forget, his daughter Jasmine hopped on the Emmy train that very same year. Talk about a family affair, right?
Who Was Ron Cephas Jones?
The news broke when a spokesperson for Ron sent out the word. “Ron Cephas Jones, the beloved and talented actor, bid farewell at the age of 66, thanks to a persistent lung issue.” That’s some heavy news, folks. You know, Ron had this way of lighting up the stage and screen. He kicked off his journey at Nuyorican Poets Cafe, and that stage bug never let him go. Remember his powerful performance in the musical “Clyde’s On Broadway”? That Tony nomination and Drama Desk Award were proof that this guy had it in his bones.
But here’s the kicker: Ron’s not just an actor; he’s a force of nature. His soul shone through every frame of his Emmy-winning masterpiece, “This Is Us.” And speaking of family, he leaves behind his daughter Jasmine, who’s got a piece of that legendary spirit too.
Now, let’s rewind a bit to 2021. In an interview with The New York Times, Ron opened up about his battle with chronic obstructive lung disease. Tough break, right? But the previous year, he got himself a new lease on life – a lung transplant at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center that practically doubled his lung capacity. That’s some next-level medical magic.
In a throwback chat on Today in 2000, Ron spilled the beans about how performing in “Clyde’s on Broadway” was his secret weapon in his recovery game. “No miracle claims here, but boy, was I fortunate. Top-notch doctors got my back. Still, bouncing back was no walk in the park. Recovery’s an ongoing gig, a lifelong hustle,” Ron shared with a chuckle. “No sprinting with those fresh lungs, my friends. It’s a journey that demands constant TLC – meds, and therapy all the way.”
And let’s not forget, this Jersey native wasn’t a one-hit-wonder. He strutted his stuff in “Mr. Robot” (2015-2016), brought the heat in “The Get Down” (2016-2017), added some flavor to “Luke Cage” (2016-2018), and made his mark in “Looking for Alaska” (2019) and “Truth Be Told” (2019-2023). So there you have it, a life full of passion, talent, and heart. Ron Cephas Jones – a name that’ll keep resonating through screens, stages, and our memories. Rest easy, maestro, you’ve earned it.