How Did Ron Cephas Jones Die? This Is Us Star Had a ‘Long-Standing’ Illness

Ron Cephas Jones’ cause of death

Ron Cephas Jones’ cause of death was revealed in a statement by his representative announcing his death on August 19, 2023. “Beloved and award-winning actor Ron Cephas Jones has passed away at the age of 66 due to a long-standing pulmonary issue,” his rep shared.

“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,” the statement continued. “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 statement concluded, “Ron’s inner-beauty and soul was evident to the huge audience from his multi-Emmy award winning performance on This is Us. He is survived by his daughter Jasmine Cephas Jones.”

Prior to his death, Jones was open about his health struggles and revealed his diagnosis in an interview with the The New York Times in 2021. In May 2020, he received a double-lung transplant at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center after years of privately battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He went on to spend nearly two months on and off a ventilator while learning how breathe, eat, and walk again. He told the Times that his love of acting is what fueled his recovery: “My whole life has been the stage,” Jones said. “The idea of not performing again seemed worse to me than death.”

The Law & Order: Organized Crime star also discussed his recovery in an interview with Today in June 2022, noting that it wasn’t an easy journey. “I don’t want to say a miracle, but I was very fortunate. I had great doctors. It still was a very difficult and arduous recovery. I’m recovering for the rest of my life,” Jones told the publication at the time. “You don’t get new lungs and start running track. It’s a procedure that you have to constantly work on your body. Medication is involved and therapy.” 

Jones was grateful to the support of his This is Us co-stars and producers, who were there for him throughout his health battles. “You cats held me when I was struggling and you didn’t let me go,” he said on his final day on set, per Entertainment Weekly. “You’ve been there for a very difficult part of my life. I’m a walking miracle.”

This Is Us cast reactions to Ron Cephas Jones’ death

Following his death on August 16, 2023, Ron Cephas Jones’ fellow This Is Us cast members took to social media to share their condolences and tributes to the late actor. Sterling K. Brown, who played the biological son of Jones’ character on the series, shared a photo of the father-son duo on Instagram. “Brother, you are loved. And you will be missed. Keep them laughing in the next phase of existence, and I’ll see you when I get there. ❤️✌🏿✊🏿,” he wrote alongside the photo.

Mandy Moore, who played matriarch Rebecca Pearson on the series, shared a photo of her last scene with Jones from the series finale to Instagram. “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,” she captioned the photo. “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.”

She continued, “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.”

Jon Huertas, who played Moore’s on-screen husband Miguel in the later seasons of This is Us, called Ron “one of the most talented and warm men” that he’s ever worked with. “So giving, both personally and artistically. You will be missed not only by me but the world will miss your spirit,” he wrote on Instagram. “But the remarkable gift of having you grace our stages and screens will live on in our hearts forever. Love ya @cephasjaz. … You’re on to the next performance.”

Chrissy Metz, who played Kate Pearson on the series, shared a photo of Jones with a heartfelt caption of her own. She thanked the actor for “brightening every room” he walked into. “I’ll never forget and have been changed by your kind heart, amazing spirit, immeasurable talent and beautiful smile,” Metz wrote. “May your transition be full of light and peace. Sending all of my love to Jasmine & his loved ones during this time. You are truly the coolest cat 🐈‍⬛❤️🎭”

This Is Us: Lessons in Life and How to Live

For more about This Is Us, check out the beloved NBC show’s official companion book, This is Us: Lessons in Life and How to Live. The book highlights heartfelt scenes from the beginning of the This Is Us journey, including over 140 pages of quotes, lessons and exclusive photos taken from season 1 to season 3 of the Golden Globe and Emmy-winning series. This Is Us: Lessons in Life and How to Live is split into six sections dedicated to loving, healing, losing, showing up, decision making and living, with thoughtful tips and examples pulled from the on-screen lives of Jack, Rebecca, Kate, Kevin and Randall Pearson. This makes the perfect gift for yourself, friends or family members who are a fan of the NBC series—especially as viewers reminisce on the show’s most memorable moments ahead of the finale.

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