Aaron Pierre (left) in 2024; Ron Cephas Jones in 2022.Photo:Paras Griffin/Getty; Dia Dipasupil/Getty
Paras Griffin/Getty; Dia Dipasupil/Getty
Aaron Pierredoesn’t take it lightly that he worked withRon Cephas Jonesin the lateThis Is UsEmmy winner’s final screen project.
“He engaged with me like a father or an uncle, a teacher,” says the actor behindMalcolm Xin National Geographic’sGenius: MLK/X, Jones’ final credited project. Visibly emotional, he adds, “I wasn’t expecting that, so bear with me.”
Jones, whodiedon Aug. 19 of complications from a long-standing pulmonary issue at age 66, played Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad on the anthology series, which airs episodes on Thursdays duringBlack History Month. “He really took his time with me,” continues Pierre, 29. “Any question I might have had, he took the time to answer and engage with me in any conversation.”
Ron Cephas Jones as Elijah Muhammad in Genius: MLK/X.National Geographic/Richard DuCree
National Geographic/Richard DuCree
“I felt incredibly safe working with him, I felt protected working with him, I felt supported working with him,” the British actor adds. “And his impact on my life is something I’ll never forget and something I’ll always treasure. I’m deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to witness his greatness.”
Speaking on behalf of the cast and crew ofGenius: MLK/X, including Harrison,Weruche Opia, Jayme Lawson, Gary Carr, Hubert Point-Du Jour and more, Pierre says, “We celebrate and champion him.”
Aaron Pierre (left) and Ron Cephas Jones in Genius: MLK/X.National Geographic/Richard DuCree
MLK/Xspans Malcolm Little’s youth in Nebraska, his burgeoning activism for Black empowerment and separatism while imprisoned, and ultimately, his 1965assassinationat age 39 in New York City.
Lawson, who plays Malcolm X’s wife, Betty Shabazz, described Cephas Jones as “inspirational” in an interview with the U.K.’sPA news agency. “He still had joy and he was still in a place to receive something from us and to teach us,” the actress recalled.
Ron Cephas Jones in Genius: MLK/X.National Geographic/Richard DuCree
“Getting to know and work with Ron on the wild ride of ‘This Is Us’ was the greatest gift,”Mandy Moorewrote in her owntribute. “He was pure magic as a human and an artist…I will treasure all of the moments forever.”
Pierre, who starred in last year’sFoeoppositePaul MescalandSaoirse Ronan, will next voice the title character inBarry Jenkins’ animated musical prequelMufasa: The Lion King(in theaters Dec. 20), alongside hisGeniuscostar Harrison as Taka, a.k.a. Scar.
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Genius: MLK/Xairs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on National Geographic.
source: people.com
