In a recent episode of the popular rewatch podcast That Was Us, Mandy Moore paid tribute to her late co-star Ron Cephas Jones and his incredible portrayal of William Hill on the hit show This Is Us. It was an emotional moment as the trio, including Sterling K. Brown and Chris Sullivan, revisited the impactful episode titled “Pilgrim Rick” from Season 1.
The scene where William shares deep, introspective thoughts with Olivia struck a chord with fans. Moore eloquently read William’s powerful lines about cherishing life’s fleeting moments, capturing the essence of his character’s wisdom and vulnerability.
Brown couldn’t help but get choked up as he reflected on Jones’ profound understanding of his character, even after his passing at the age of 66 due to a pulmonary issue in August 2023. Moore fondly remembered filming a hiking scene with Jones, noting his struggle to breathe and how it added an extra layer of authenticity to their on-screen connection.
Ron Cephas Jones had a rare gift of embodying William’s journey with a deep, innate connection that resonated with viewers. His presence on This Is Us will always be cherished, and his legacy lives on through his impactful performance.