'Emancipation' Actor Cedric Beastie Jones Dead at 46

Cedric ‘Beastie’ Jones, who starred in the movie Emancipation and was a boxer, has died. He was 46.

The actor and athlete’s death was confirmed by his boxing gym on Sunday.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Beastie Boxing Gym Founder, Cedric 'Beastie' Jones,” his company said in a statement published on Instagram.

“Cedric was a loving father, devoted husband, caring son, brother, community leader, and incredible friend who inspired others," the statement continued. "He genuinely wanted everyone to become the best version of themselves. He was a gift. Cedric had dedicated his life to helping people in and out of the gym.”

Jones was remembered as someone who “inspired and helped people achieve what they previously thought impossible," the statement read.

The post, which contained a photo of the entrepreneur smiling, ended by adding, “Thank you for building our community, Cedric. We will always miss you.”

According to information shared by his gym, Jones died on Oct. 16. 

Following the news of his passing, Emancipation director Antoine Fuqua expressed his condolences on social media. 

“R.I.P to my good brother and friend. You were always the light in the room and on the set,” he began on Instagram. 

Fuqua’s tribute included a screen recording of Jones praying. 

“You will be deeply missed and forever loved. MAY THE WIND ALWAYS BE UNDER YOUR WINGS CHAMP as you ascend into the Heavens. Dream team forever🙏🏿💪🏿✊🏿,” Fuqua continued.

During Jones’ prayer, he seemingly explained how he was given the nickname “Beastie.”

“The beast in me is because of the God in me,” the actor said. 

He also expressed gratitude for his loved ones and for his ability to help others.

"I thank you for my wife, I thank you for my kids, I thank you for those who are positive individuals in my life," he said. "I pray for growth, I pray for prosperity, I pray for strength, I pray that I'm able to motivate and inspire people to be better — not just in the gym, but in life."

Jones is survived by his wife Barbie Jones and their children Brooklyn, Braxton and Bryston. A GoFundMe was established to support his family.

A cause of death has not been publicly shared. 

Last week, his wife asked supporters to gather in his honor for a run from Beastie Gym to Manhattan Beach Pier. Those who attended the Oct. 22 event were encouraged to wear black and white in solidarity with the Jones family.  

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“I really can’t wrap my head around this. I am truly going to miss you friend. God please watch over his beautiful wife and family 🙏🏽,” Basketball Wives star Jennifer Williams wrote in the comment section of Cedric’s last Instagram post.  

In addition to the 2022 film Emancipation, starring Will Smith, Jones also starred in The Terminal List, The Magnificent Seven, Southpaw, Princess of the Row and Marshall County.

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