Amariyah Mallory 
Hollywood lost another great actor this past weekend. Two-time Emmy winner Ron Cephas Jones passed away during the evening of Saturday, Aug. 19th, due to a longtime battle with health issues.
The actor died from a long-standing pulmonary issue, his representative Kaitlyn Horton confirmed to USA TODAY. Mr. Jones spent about two-months recovering from a double lung transplant in 2020 because of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The actor appeared in various film and television shows throughout his career, such as the prison guard in Spike Lee’s He Got Game (1998) or his role in Marvel’s television show “Luke Cage.” One of his most notable credits includes the hit show “This Is Us,” for which he was nominated for four Emmy’s and earned two wins.
Mandy Moore, who played the role of Randall’s adoptive mother wrote out a heartfelt message remembering Jones.
“Getting to know and work with Ron on the wild ride of ‘This Is Us’ was the greatest gift- he was pure magic as a human and an artist…I will treasure all of the moments forever. Even though he wasn’t around set as much as we all wished, he was such an intrinsic part of the fabric of the show, it’s like he was always there. I’ll never forget how special it was to film this particular episode and welcome him back to say a proper goodbye to our TIU family and the whole experience. I am just so sad. My thoughts and love are with Jasmine and his family and friends. Love you, @cephasjaz.” Moore wrote in an Instagram caption.
After receiving surgery, Jones returned to Broadway to re-master breathing and walking at the same time. He is no stranger to the stage. Jones gave decades of his life to Broadway, often in off-Broadway plays in New York, including a title turn as Shakespeare’s “Richard III” at The Public Theater, and in roles with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company here in Chicago.
“The idea of not performing again seemed worse to me than death,” Jones said.
Jone’s legacy will continue to live on through his daughter, American-British actor Jasmine Cephas Jones known for her role as “Peggy” in Hamilton and lead role in the show “Blindspotting.”
By Amariyah Mallory, Whitney Young, Sophomore
Instagram: Dancemari_
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