John Christopher Jones, an Actor’s Actor Who Lived With Parkinson’s, Has Died

John Christopher Jones, an actor’s actor who was a founding member of Shakespeare & Company, died Monday, September 15 after a long battle with Parkinson’s. His translations of The Cherry Orchard and A Month in the Country ran at Classic Stage Company; the former won a Lortel Award for Best Revival. At Shakespeare & Company, Jones performed the roles Troilus, Antipholus of Ephesus, Hal, Proteus, Mercutio, Macbeth, Cloten, Lavatch, Gravedigger, Grumio, Elbow, and Porter. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in March 2003, Jones worked throughout his illness; his recent appearances include episodes of Evil and New Amsterdam. He was featured in the inspiring documentary Me to Play, which followed him and fellow actor Dan Moran, who also lived with Parkinson’s, as they rehearsed and performed Samuel Beckett’s Endgame at Classic Stage.