How THIS IS US Actor Helped Viewer Forgive Absent Father
By Movieguide® Contributor
Fans and colleagues are mourning the loss of THIS IS US actor Ron Cephas Jones, who died over the weekend.
“Beloved and award-winning actor Ron Cephas Jones has passed away at the age of 66 due to a long-standing pulmonary issue,” a representative confirmed to People. “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.”
Jones had previously spoken about his battles with pulmonary issues, including a double lung transplant.
“I don’t want to say a miracle, but I was very fortunate,” he said in 2022. “I had great doctors. It still was a very difficult and arduous recovery. I’m recovering for the rest of my life.”
Many are remembering Jones for his role as William “Shakespeare” Hill on THIS IS US, where he played a former drug addict who reconnects with the son he abandoned as a baby.
Variety editor Clayton Davis is one of many viewers who resonated with that story.
“Like so many in our society, I had a very complicated relationship with my father, one that I struggled with until his passing in December 2021,” he explained, adding that he was not as forgiving towards his father as the characters were in THIS IS US.
Before a cross-country move, Davis visited his father — “the last time we would see each other.”
He and his family arrived in their new home on Father’s Day that year.
“I didn’t typically text him to wish him ‘Happy Father’s Day,’ but I did this time,” Davis recalled. “His response, which would be the second-to-last message I would ever receive from him before his passing, was, ‘I never stopped loving you.’”
He continued, “My dad seldom showed vulnerability or said things like ‘I love you.’ Sometimes, such a little blip can give you the motivation to let it all go. That day, I did.”
The power of the THIS IS US plot points out why it’s so important to include biblical values in entertainment.
The power of forgiveness is one of the most enduring lessons in the Bible. Movieguide® reported:
Forgiveness seems to be unique to Judaism and Christianity, however. Jesus, the Creator God, came to forgive us our sins. The Old Testament or Hebrew Bible talks about God’s patience and forgiveness throughout, such as the poignant book of the Bible – HOSEA.
Though many people may not admit it, taking revenge or thoughts of revenge are a constant part of the fallen human condition. This is why Christianity is so extraordinary. Not only did Jesus forgive us to set us free from the bondage of taking revenge, but he calls upon us in His great LORD’S PRAYER and throughout His ministry to forgive others as He has forgiven us.
What a joy it is to be delivered of that through the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Jesus forgives us so we can not only forgive our friends but also our enemies.
Davis’ story of forgiveness is also an example of the media’s power to influence viewers to do good.
“Watching Jones’ expert skill in conveying William’s struggles and eventual success in sobriety allowed me some semblance of walking a path of patience and acceptance of the hands that life deals us, no matter how slighted we feel by them,” he shared.
Movieguide® reported on the powerful impact media can have on viewers:
Research shows that children imitate, even from the moment of birth. Children follow the examples that are set for them, not only in real life, but also in literature. Parables are examples of teaching tales people have used to help children learn how to live. Research shows that the entertainment media provide “scripts” for a child’s future behavior.
In general, these laboratory studies demonstrate that when you present to children a filmed model of someone doing something, children are more likely to do that something after having seen the film. Experiments have shown that withdrawn children can even learn to socialize better if they are shown a video of a child gradually starting to make friends.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
