Actor Ron Cephas Jones Dies at 66, Winning Hearts as William ‘Shakespeare’ Hill on ‘This Is Us’
Ron Cephas Jones, a veteran actor known for his role as William ‘Shakespeare’ Hill on the hit TV show ‘This Is Us,’ has passed away at the age of 66. Jones won the hearts of audiences with his portrayal of the character, earning two Emmys for his performance as the biological father of Randall Pearson, played by Sterling K. Brown.
Aside from his work on television, Jones had a prolific career in the world of theater. He was a regular fixture at Chicago’s renowned Steppenwolf Theater and The Public Theater in New York. Known for his talent in Shakespearean productions, Jones also co-starred on Broadway with James Franco and Chris O’Dowd in the 2014 production of ‘Of Mice and Men.’
In 2016, Jones landed one of the most significant roles of his career when he was cast as William Hill on ‘This Is Us.’ Although he was a part of the show’s main cast only in its first season, Jones continued to make appearances throughout the series. Notably, he delivered a memorable speech in the show’s heart-wrenching penultimate episode, which could be seen as a thesis for the entire series. For his outstanding performance, Jones received two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Guest Star in a Drama Series, including one in 2020 alongside his daughter and Hamilton co-star, Jasmine Cephas Jones, for the Quibi series ‘#freerayshawn.’
After gaining national recognition through ‘This Is Us,’ Jones expanded his presence in the world of film and television. He showcased his talents in projects such as Marvel’s Luke Cage, Mr. Robot, Stephen King’s ‘Lisey’s Story,’ Better Things, Law And Order: Organized Crime, and Dolemite Is My Name, among others.
Reflecting on his Emmy nominations in 2020, Jones expressed his gratitude and joy at receiving recognition from his peers. He believed it was a testament to his lifelong dedication to his craft and was delighted to have more opportunities to work with his colleagues.
Jones’s last screen credit was in the AppleTV+ series ‘Truth Be Told,’ where he acted alongside Octavia Spencer. His representative issued a statement to People, announcing his passing and emphasizing his contributions to the entertainment industry.
The loss of Ron Cephas Jones has left a void in the acting world, but his legacy will live on through his remarkable performances and the impact he made on audiences worldwide. His talent, dedication, and passion for his craft will continue to inspire aspiring actors for generations to come.
