Ron Cephas Jones (1957 – 2023) was an acclaimed American actor known for his Emmy-winning role as William Hill on This Is Us (2016 – 2022). With a career spanning decades, he captivated audiences in television, film, and theater.
Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Jones attended Ramapo College, initially studying jazz before shifting to theater. After graduation, he lived in various cities before settling in New York in 1985. There, he immersed himself in the Nuyorican Poets Cafe scene, which launched his acting career. His breakthrough came in 1994 with Holiday Heart, and he became a respected stage performer, appearing in Richard III and Prometheus Bound. In 2022, he earned a Tony nomination for Clyde’s.
Jones also left his mark on television, with roles in Mr. Robot, Luke Cage, and Truth Be Told. His film credits included Half Nelson (2006) and Dolemite Is My Name (2019). In his later years, he battled health issues, undergoing a double lung transplant in 2020. He passed away in 2023 at 66 due to complications from a pulmonary condition.
His legacy lives on through his performances and his daughter, actress Jasmine Cephas Jones. He remains celebrated for his depth, warmth, and powerful screen presence.