James Ransone is an American actor widely respected for his ability to bring troubled, emotional, and deeply human characters to life. Over more than two decades, he built a career defined not by celebrity glamour but by raw, honest performances that stayed with audiences long after the screen faded to black. Whether in crime dramas, war miniseries, or psychological horror films, Ransone carved out a space as one of Hollywood’s most compelling character actors.
He became especially well known for his roles in The Wire, Generation Kill, It Chapter Two, and The Black Phone. Beyond his acting résumé, James Ransone’s life story included personal struggles, recovery, creativity, and a deep commitment to his craft. This biography explores his background, family, career, personal challenges, and lasting legacy.
James Ransone Profile Summary
| Profile Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Finley Ransone III |
| Date of Birth | June 2, 1979 |
| Place of Birth | Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Date of Death | December 19, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 46 years |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, Musician |
| Notable Roles | Ziggy Sobotka (The Wire), Cpl. Josh Ray Person (Generation Kill), Eddie Kaspbrak (It Chapter Two), Max (The Black Phone) |
| Education | George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology; attended School of Visual Arts (NY) |
| Spouse | Jamie McPhee |
| Children | 2 |
| Early Life | Grew up in Baltimore; developed interest in arts, music, and acting |
| https://www.instagram.com/jamesransone/ | |
| Net Worth | $1.5 – $3 million |
Who Is James Ransone?
James Ransone, born James Finley Ransone III, was an American actor and musician. He was known for portraying emotionally intense and psychologically complex characters, often playing outsiders, troubled souls, or morally conflicted individuals. Rather than chasing leading-man roles, Ransone built a reputation for disappearing into his characters.
Within the entertainment industry, he was regarded as a “working actor’s actor” someone admired by peers for authenticity, discipline, and fearlessness. His performances were frequently praised for their realism, especially in gritty dramas and dark-themed projects.
James Ransone Date of Birth and Age
James Ransone was born on June 2, 1979, in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. Growing up in Baltimore played a role in shaping his worldview and later influenced the grounded, street-level realism he brought to many of his performances.
At the time of his death in December 2025, he was 46 years old. Despite not fitting the traditional Hollywood leading-man mold, Ransone proved that talent and emotional depth mattered far more than physical stature.
James Ransone Height
He stood at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) tall.
James Ransone Early Life and Background
James Ransone spent his early years in Baltimore County, Maryland, where he was raised in a working-class environment. His upbringing exposed him to a mix of discipline, creativity, and hardship, all of which later surfaced in the authenticity of his performances. From an early age, he showed a strong interest in the arts.
As a teenager, Ransone gravitated toward music, visual art, and performance, finding creative outlets that allowed him to express emotions he struggled to articulate otherwise. These early artistic instincts later became the foundation for his acting career, particularly his comfort with emotionally demanding roles.
James Ransone Education
Ransone attended the George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology in Towson, Maryland, where he formally studied the arts. The school played a critical role in refining his creative instincts and exposing him to structured artistic training.
After high school, he enrolled at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in Manhattan. Although he did not complete a full degree, his time in New York proved formative. Immersed in a creative environment, Ransone soon realized that acting not visual art was his true calling, prompting him to pursue performance professionally.
James Ransone Family
James Ransone was the son of James Finley Ransone II, a Vietnam War veteran, and Joyce Ransone. His father’s military background introduced discipline and structure into the household, while his mother played a key role in nurturing his creative side.
The influence of his parents shaped both his resilience and emotional complexity. These family dynamics later informed the layered, often conflicted characters he portrayed on screen.
James Ransone Wife and Children
James Ransone was married to Jamie McPhee, whom he wed in 2017. Their relationship was marked by mutual support, especially as Ransone balanced a demanding acting career with family life.
The couple had two children named Billy & Cooper, and Ransone frequently described fatherhood as one of the most grounding and meaningful experiences of his life. Although he avoided public exposure of his children, close friends and colleagues often described him as a devoted and loving father.
James Ransone Acting Career
- Career Beginnings
Ransone began his acting career in the late 1990s, initially taking on small roles in independent films and television. Like many actors, his early years were marked by financial instability and uncertainty, but he remained committed to his craft.
These early roles allowed him to develop his signature style naturalistic, emotionally honest, and often unsettling. Casting directors soon noticed his ability to elevate even minor characters.
- Breakthrough Role in The Wire
James Ransone’s major breakthrough came when he was cast as Ziggy Sobotka in Season 2 of HBO’s The Wire. His portrayal of the troubled dockworker’s son was widely praised for its vulnerability and tragic realism.
The role cemented Ransone’s reputation as a serious actor capable of handling complex material. Ziggy Sobotka remains one of the most memorable characters in the series.
- Major Movies and TV Shows
After The Wire, Ransone continued to build an impressive résumé. He starred in HBO’s war miniseries Generation Kill, portraying a U.S. Marine with unfiltered realism. His work in the Sinister films introduced him to horror audiences.
Later roles included Eddie Kaspbrak (adult) in It Chapter Two, Max in The Black Phone, and standout performances in Tangerine, Bosch, and Poker Face. His career showcased remarkable versatility across genres.
Was James Ransone in Interstellar?
James Ransone did not appear in Interstellar (2014). The confusion likely stems from his association with serious, science-leaning dramas or mistaken identity with other actors.
Verified filmographies confirm that he had no role in the Christopher Nolan film. This misconception highlights how misinformation can spread through social media.
James Ransone Net Worth
At the time of his death, James Ransone’s estimated net worth ranged between $1.5 million and $3 million. His income came primarily from film and television roles rather than endorsements or business ventures.
While not among Hollywood’s highest earners, Ransone maintained a steady career over decades. His financial success reflected consistency, longevity, and respect within the industry.
James Ransone Personal Struggles and Mental Health
Ransone was open about his past struggles with heroin addiction, which began in his twenties. He later entered recovery and maintained sobriety, crediting discipline, family, and creative focus for his turnaround.
In 2021, he publicly revealed that he had been sexually abused as a child, a disclosure that resonated deeply with fans and survivors. His honesty contributed to broader conversations about trauma, recovery, and mental health in the entertainment industry.
James Ransone Death
James Ransone died on December 19, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. Authorities ruled his death a suicide.
His passing shocked fans and colleagues alike, sparking renewed discussions about mental health, especially among artists and performers who often struggle privately despite public success.
Tributes and Legacy
Following his death, tributes poured in from fellow actors, filmmakers, and fans. Many praised Ransone for his fearlessness, kindness, and unmatched ability to portray pain with authenticity.
James Ransone’s legacy lives on through his performances. He remains remembered as an actor who chose honesty over fame and depth over comfort qualities that ensure his work will continue to resonate for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How old was James Ransone?
He was 46 years old at the time of his death. - What is James Ransone best known for?
He is best known for The Wire, Generation Kill, It Chapter Two, and The Black Phone. - Was James Ransone married?
Yes, he was married to Jamie McPhee. - What was James Ransone’s net worth?
His estimated net worth was between $1.5 million and $3 million.
Conclusion
James Ransone’s life was marked by artistic integrity, personal resilience, and unforgettable performances. Though his journey included profound struggles, he transformed pain into powerful storytelling that touched millions.
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