“IT Chapter Two” Actor James Ransone Died at 46 by Suicide – Know His Life Story

On Friday morning, December 19, 2025, people were shocked to hear the news that talented American Actor James Ransone, best known for his unforgettable roles in “The Wire” and “IT Chapter Two”, had passed away. He was just 46 years old at the time of his death.

Throughout his career, James was celebrated for his iconic roles, and damn look. From Ziggy Sabotka to the young Eddie Kaspbrak, his natural acting in every character won every fan’s heart. Beyond his on-screen success, he has a beloved family where peace and strength were built carefully.

Additionally, he has a powerful voice for resilience, speaking openly about his personal battles with addiction and trauma to help others. He leaves behind a legacy of authentic, fearless performances and a family that remembers him as a kind and determined soul.

Let’s break down the complete details about him, where I discuss every aspect of James Ransone’s life while he was actively pursuing his journey to entertain people. And also know how family and fans react after hearing his untimely demise.

Who is James Ransone?

James Ransone is an American actor who is better known for playing iconic characters as Ziggy Sabotka in “The Wire” and Eddie Kaspbrak in “IT Chapter Two”. Through public acclaim, he engaged the whole audience with his appeal skills from 2001 to his last breath, 2025. 

He also has a nickname, PJ. James suddenly committed suicide by hanging on December 19, 2025, at just 46 years old, which shocked family, friends, and fanatics. He breathed his last in Los Angeles, California, U.S. He was known for giving major films like “It Chapter Two”, “Sinister”, “Sinister 2”, “The Black Phone”, “Tangerine”, “The War”, “Generation Kill”, etc. He married Jamie McPhee and had two beautiful children, Jack and Violet.

Let’s have some real facts regarding James Ransone:

Aspect	Details
Real name	James Ransone
Birth date	June 2, 1979
Birth place	Baltimore, Maryland, US
Age	46
Gender	Male
Zodiac sign	Gemini
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Italian, English
Sexual orientation	Straight
Education	George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology (Towson, MD) and School of Visual Arts (New York, NY)
Height	175 cm
Weight	115 pounds
Parents	Joyce (née Peterson) and James Finley Ransone
Profession	Actor
Years Active	2001–2025
Marital status	Married
Spouse	Jamie McPhee
Relationship timeline	2017-2025
Children	2, son Jack (2019) and daughter Violet (2021)
Net worth (2025)	Around $2 million
Died	December 19, 2025
Died place	Los Angeles, California
Cause of death	Hanging
Social media	Instagram

What to Know about Her Early Life

James Ransone’s parents are James Finley Ransone and Joyce Ransone. He was Italian on his mother’s side, but pulled his surname in English from his father’s ancestry. James was born on June 2, 1979, in Baltimore, Maryland, in a quite small heritage-believed family. 

He completed his degree at the George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, located in Towson, Maryland. Later, he attended the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan for just one year. 

His Stunning Career

As Ransone had an early life passion with the arts, specifically theater, fine arts, and filmmaking, he gained everyone’s attention with his ultimate role as Ziggy Sobotka in “The Wire”. This hidden skill showcases raw charm in a gritty Baltimore storyline of 12 episodes of The Wire. He started his career by co-starring in the Larry Clark drama film Ken Park.

He later starred in “Generation Kill” and “Treme,” both HBO dramas that highlighted his versatile role. His television work developed to “Bosch,” highlighting his presence in prestige drama. Ransone also starred in the horror film “Sinister” in a supporting role in 2012. Here are his top-rated films described:

Top Film Lists

Following his passing in late December 2025, fans revised his top filmography, highlighting his unique skill with emotional range. Here is the top list of fans most recognised that James Ransone was one of the best film actors ever had:

Rank	Year	Film	Role	Key Note
1	2006	Inside Man	Steve-O	A Spike Lee heist thriller, often cited as one of Ransone’s best early roles
2	2012	Sinister	Deputy So-and-So	Widely considered his breakout film role in the horror genre
3	2015	Tangerine	Chester	was praised for its “grubby charm”
4	2017	Gemini	Stan	A stylish neo-noir where he played a key supporting role
5	2019	It Chapter Two	Eddie Kaspbrak	His most successful blockbuster, praised for his uncanny resemblance to his younger counterpart
6	2021	The Black Phone	Max	A fan-favorite performance as the eccentric, drug-addled brother of the villain

Married to Jamie McPhee

On September 23, 2017, in Rosewood Beach, Lake Michigan, Ransone married Jamie McPhee. His wife often loves to keep herself out of the public spotlight. While Ransone is a well-known actor, Jamie McPhee maintained a low profile away from Hollywood.

McPhee issued a heartfelt statement after his death, reflecting on their life together. Details on their relationship remain private. Jamie McPhee shared details and photos on Instagram.

Openly expressing childhood traumas and Bad Addiction

Every strong story has a harsh, offensive reality. James Ransone is no different from that. Ransone shares his childhood trauma on his Instagram fans by writing that he was sexually molested for around half of year by his math tutor. This happened in 1992, in his childhood days, when he was around 14 years old. 

That’s why, at the age of 27, with lots of depression and anxiety attacks, he became addicted to drag. He also had a debt of $30,000, but shortly he was discharged from all of the struggles.

In March 2020, he filed a complaint with the Baltimore County Police. But after an investigation, the police declined to pursue the matter. According to the police, the Baltimore County School System was notified about the complaint; school officials acknowledged being informed of a “concern” but declined to specify what action was taken.

Unknown facts about James Ransone

• James was the player in NYC’s mental band “Early Man. 
• He overcame a more than four years of his drag addiction.
• He saved his neighbor from a rapist.
• James had Italian, German, English, Irish, and Swedish ancestry.
• His best friend is Jason Dill.
• He won the OFTA Television Award.
• He also won the “Independent Spirit Robert Altman” Award.

The Unimaginable Day: The Untimely Death

Maybe James Ransone was not dealing with his childhood trauma, and attempted suicide. He was found dead by hanging. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, there was no foul play indicated. 

He had spoken about his trauma on Instagram and also shared many interviews in which he had attempted suicide many times. With his lifelong mental health challenges, it may be tough for him sometimes to be alive. He attributed his following struggles with heroin directly to his trauma. Hope his story would encourage others who have an earlier, challenging disorder in their regular lives.

What is the main Reason for James Ransone’s Death?

The real cause of James Ransone’s death is suppressed from his death. Many critics claim that he did not overcome his childhood trauma of sexual abuse and addiction to drugs. However, the main reason is not expressed by either family or the medical examiner. 

James Ransone’s Social Media

James Ransone has an Instagram account where no posts are available with 167K followers. However, any other platform did not show any of his official accounts, like Facebook, Twitter, or others.

From his Wife Jamie McPhee’s Statement

Following James Ransone‘s death by suicide in December 2025, his wife, Jamie McPhee, posted a heartfelt tribute on her Instagram by expressing endless love and supportive father of their two children. 

She writes, 

“I told you I have loved you 1000 times before and I know I will love you again. You told me – I need to be more like you and you need to be more like me – and you were so right.  Thank you for giving me the greatest gifts –  you, Jack and Violet. We are forever.”

Family and Friends Tough Time

Many people from the film and television world, including directors Andy Muschietti and Sean Baker, actor Wendell Pierce, and the Osbourne family, have paid tribute to him. They are remembering him for his talent, kindness, and as a beloved friend and colleague.

Social Media Tribute

Social media is full of heartfelt tributes from his wife, other family members, co-stars, and fans. All admire his throughout journey of amazing skills, talent, and kind behavior. Fans recognised him as a true gem of a person. Many celebrities share their grief over James Ransone‘s demise, including Bill Hader.

Final Wrap

James Ransone brought passion to every role he embraced — from the unforgettable Ziggy Sobotka on “The Wire” to heartfelt performances in films like ” It: Chapter Two”, “The Black Phone”, “Sinister”, and many others. He was a committed artist and a beloved friend and family man. He is also loved by fans and friends.

His passing is a profound loss — not just of a gifted performer, but of a person who, despite his own inner battles. May his work and memory continue to inspire us, and may his family, especially his wife and two young children, find strength and peace as they grieve.

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