James Ransone Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Cause of Death, Wife, Net Worth, Movies, TV Shows, Height, Family

James Ransone: Profile Summary

Early Life and Roots in Baltimore

James Finley Ransone III was born on June 2, 1979, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the son of Joyce (née Peterson) and James Finley Ransone II. His father was a Vietnam War veteran, a fact that Ransone often reflected on when discussing his family’s history and the discipline and challenges that came with his upbringing.

Educational Background and Artistic Beginnings

Ransone attended the George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology in Towson, Maryland, a prestigious magnet school known for fostering young artistic talent. It was here that he began to hone his skills, graduating in 1997. Following high school, he moved to New York City to further his education, enrolling in the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in Manhattan.

However, Ransone’s path was not a traditional one. He attended SVA for only one year before diving headfirst into the New York City scene. During this time, he worked as an assistant to the famed nightlife photographer Patrick McMullan, a role that allowed him to witness the grit and glamour of New York after dark. He also leaned into his musical interests, playing bass in punk and metal bands, most notably the New York City-based metal band Early Man. This blend of visual arts, music, and photography would eventually coalesce into his unique, high-energy approach to acting.

The Rise to Fame: Early Career and The Wire

James Ransone made his screen debut in the 2001 film The American Astronaut, but it was the following year that he caught the industry’s eye. In 2002, he starred in Larry Clark’s controversial teen drama Ken Park as Tate. The film was known for its graphic and unflinching portrayal of youth, and Ransone’s performance proved that he was not afraid of challenging or polarizing material.

The Impact of Ziggy Sobotka

In 2003, Ransone landed the role that would define his early career: Chester “Ziggy” Sobotka in the second season of the HBO masterpiece The Wire. Set in the declining Baltimore shipping docks, Season 2 focused on the white working class, and Ziggy was its most volatile and tragic figure.

Ziggy was the son of union leader Frank Sobotka, a young man who sought respect but often found only ridicule. Ransone’s portrayal was a masterclass in humanizing a character that could have easily been a mere caricature. He brought a manic, desperate energy to the role, culminating in one of the series’ most heartbreaking storylines

Collaborating with David Simon: Generation Kill and Treme

Ransone’s work on The Wire forged a lasting relationship with creator David Simon and producer Ed Burns. This partnership continued in 2008 with the critically acclaimed miniseries Generation Kill.

In this series, Ransone played the real-life U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Josh Ray Person. Set during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the show was praised for its gritty realism. Ransone’s character provided much of the show’s dark humor and kinetic dialogue, often delivering long, fast-paced monologues from the seat of a Humvee. He later joined another David Simon project, the New Orleans-based drama Treme, playing the character Nick in 2011. These roles solidified Ransone’s reputation as an actor who thrived in realistic, dialogue-heavy ensembles.

Horror Mastery: The Sinister Franchise and It Chapter Two

While many knew him from prestige TV, James Ransone also became a staple in the horror genre. His ability to project anxiety and frantic energy made him a natural fit for supernatural thrillers.

The Sinister Films

In 2012, he appeared in Scott Derrickson’s Sinister as the helpful but increasingly terrified “Deputy.” His performance was so well-received that he was promoted to the lead role in the 2015 sequel, Sinister 2. In these films, he brought a sense of grounded humanity and humor to the genre, providing a “regular guy” perspective that audiences could relate to.

Bringing Eddie Kaspbrak to Life in It Chapter Two

One of Ransone’s most significant commercial successes came in 2019 when he was cast as the adult Eddie Kaspbrak in It Chapter Two. Playing the older version of the character introduced by Jack Dylan Grazer in the first film, Ransone was lauded for his uncanny physical resemblance to Grazer and his impeccable comedic timing. His portrayal of the hypochondriacal, fast-talking Eddie was a highlight of the film, showcasing his range and ability to hold his own alongside A-list stars like Jessica Chastain and Bill Hader.

Independent Cinema and Tangerine

Despite his success in blockbusters, Ransone never abandoned his independent film roots. In 2015, he starred in Sean Baker’s groundbreaking film Tangerine. The movie gained widespread attention for being shot entirely on iPhones and for its focus on trans sex workers in Los Angeles. Ransone played Chester, a complex and erratic pimp.

Other notable film roles included:

• Starlet (2012): Another collaboration with Sean Baker, which won the Robert Altman Award at the Independent Spirit Awards.

• Inside Man (2006): A supporting role as a bank robber in the Spike Lee heist film.

• The Black Phone (2021): Reunited with Scott Derrickson to play the character Max.

Personal Life: Marriage, Family, and Sobriety

James Ransone’s personal life was marked by both significant struggle and deep devotion. He was married to Jamie McPhee, and the couple had two children. Ransone was known to be a private but dedicated family man, often prioritizing his roles as a husband and father.

Overcoming Addiction

Ransone was famously transparent about his past. By the age of 27, he had developed a severe heroin addiction and had accumulated $30,000 in debt. However, in 2007, he made the life-changing decision to get sober. He remained clean for the rest of his life, often speaking about how sobriety allowed him to reclaim his career and find peace in his personal life.

Advocacy and Personal Hardships

In May 2021, Ransone shared a deeply personal revelation on social media, alleging that he had been sexually abused by a math tutor in 1992. Though he reported the allegations to the Baltimore County police in 2020, they declined to pursue charges due to the statute of limitations and other investigative hurdles.

The Death of James Ransone

Tragedy struck the entertainment world on December 19, 2025, when James Ransone was found dead at his residence in Los Angeles. He was 46 years old. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, the cause of death was determined to be suicide by hanging.

Guardian’s news was first reported by outlets like TMZ and later confirmed by major news organizations including The Guardian and The New York Post. His passing led to an outpouring of grief from his colleagues. HBO released a statement honoring his work on The Wire and Generation Kill, describing him as a “unique actor” whose presence on set was always “inspired and inspiring.”

James Ransone Net Worth

At the time of his death in late 2025, James Ransone’s net worth was estimated to be between $1.5 million and $3 million. While he appeared in major studio films like It Chapter Two, much of his wealth was built through consistent work in high-quality television and independent cinema.

Selected Filmography and Television Credits

Major Film Roles

• The American Astronaut (2001) – Sticky

• Ken Park (2002) – Tate

• Inside Man (2006) – Steve-O

• Prom Night (2008) – Detective Nash

• Sinister (2012) – Deputy So-and-So

• Oldboy (2013) – Dr. Tomel

• Tangerine (2015) – Chester

• Sinister 2 (2015) – Ex-Deputy So-and-So

• It Chapter Two (2019) – Eddie Kaspbrak

• The Black Phone (2021) – Max

• V/H/S/85 (2023) – Captain Evans

• The Black Phone 2 (2025) – Max (Posthumous Release)

Key Television Appearances

• The Wire (2003) – Ziggy Sobotka (12 episodes)

• Generation Kill (2008) – Cpl. Josh Ray Person (7 episodes)

• How to Make It in America (2010) – Tim

• Treme (2011) – Nick

• Low Winter Sun (2013) – Damon Callis

• Bosch (2016) – Eddie Arceneaux

• Mosaic (2018) – Michael O’Connor

• The First (2018) – Nick Fletcher

• Poker Face (2023) – Role in “The Orpheus Syndrome”

Conclusion

James Ransone’s death at the age of 46 is a profound loss to the arts. He was an actor who never took the easy route, choosing instead to inhabit characters that were messy, complicated, and deeply human. From the docks of Baltimore to the terrifying sewers of Derry, he brought a specific, restless intelligence to every frame he occupied.

He will be remembered not only for his iconic roles in The Wire and It Chapter Two but also for his personal journey of recovery and his advocacy for survivors of trauma. James Ransone was a man who lived and worked with his heart on his sleeve, leaving behind a body of work that will continue to challenge and move audiences for decades to come.

FAQs about James Ransone

Who was James Ransone?

James Ransone was a highly respected American actor known for his roles in The Wire, Generation Kill, Sinister, and It Chapter Two.

When did James Ransone die?

He passed away on December 19, 2025, at the age of 46.

What was James Ransone’s cause of death?

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed his cause of death as suicide by hanging.

Who was James Ransone’s wife?

He was married to Jamie McPhee, with whom he had two children.

What was his most famous role?

He is most famous for playing Ziggy Sobotka in Season 2 of The Wire and the adult Eddie Kaspbrak in It Chapter Two.

Was James Ransone in The Black Phone?

Yes, he played the character Max in the 2021 film and reprised the role for the sequel, The Black Phone 2.

Where was James Ransone born?

He was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland.Did James Ransone have a history of addiction? Yes, he was open about his past struggle with heroin addiction and had been sober since 2007.