James Ransone Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Kids, Movies, Death, Net Worth

by Mulei Lawrence · 12/22/2025

James Ransone

James Ransone Biography

James Finley Ransone III (June 2, 1979 – December 19, 2025) was a respected American actor known for his intense, versatile work in television and film. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and began acting in the early 2000s, earning his first screen credit in The American Astronaut (2001). Ransone’s breakout role came as Ziggy Sobotka in The Wire, the critically acclaimed HBO crime drama that defined his rising career.

After The Wire, Ransone appeared in the war drama miniseries Generation Kill (2008) as Corporal Josh Ray Person, showcasing his ability to portray complex, emotionally charged characters. He continued building his resume with varied roles on television, including appearances in Treme, Low Winter Sun, Bosch, and Poker Face.

In film, Ransone demonstrated range across genres. He played the adult Eddie Kaspbrak in It: Chapter Two (2019), a role that connected him with a global horror franchise. His other notable film credits include Sinister (2012) and Sinister 2 (2015), Tangerine (2015), and the supernatural thriller The Black Phone (2021) as Max, later reprising the role in the 2025 sequel.

Throughout his life, Ransone also grappled publicly with personal struggles, including addiction and trauma from childhood abuse, which he discussed in interviews. Despite these challenges, he achieved sobriety and continued to work steadily, earning respect for his craft and commitment.

On December 19, 2025, Ransone died by suicide at age 46 in Los Angeles, leaving behind a wife and two children. His passing prompted widespread tributes from fans and peers, emphasizing his unique talent and the emotional depth he brought to every role.

James Ransone Age at Death | How Old Was James Ransone?

James Ransone was 46 years old when he died on December 19, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. He was born on June 2, 1979, in Baltimore, Maryland, and spent 46 years building his acting career. His age reflects a lifetime of work that included acclaimed roles in The Wire, Generation Kill, It: Chapter Two, and The Black Phone franchise. Ransone’s age highlighted both his experience and the impact he made across film and television before his death at 46.

James Ransone Height | How Tall was James Ransone?

James Ransone stood about 5 feet 9 inches tall (175 cm). This height placed him around average among male Hollywood actors. His stature suited his varied roles, from Ziggy Sobotka in The Wire to the adult Eddie Kaspbrak in It: Chapter Two. Moreover, his height complemented his on-screen presence in action, drama, and horror films, reinforcing his versatility across genres.

James Ransone Wife | Jamie McPhee & Their Family Life

James Ransone was married to Jamie McPhee, and they shared a private life focused on family. Their relationship remained largely out of the public eye throughout his career. Together, they raised two children, choosing to protect their family’s privacy amid Hollywood attention. Moreover, McPhee supported Ransone through his personal struggles, including addiction recovery and advocacy for mental health awareness. In the days before his death, she highlighted support for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, reflecting her care for both family and broader community issues. Their partnership spanned years, and she became an important figure in his life off-screen.

James Ransone Children: Family & Kids of the The Wire Star

James Ransone had two children with his wife, Jamie McPhee, a son and a daughter whom he deeply loved. Although he kept his family life private, he often spoke about fatherhood with pride and affection in interviews. Moreover, he balanced his acting career with fatherly responsibilities, prioritizing time with his kids when possible. Today, his children remain part of his lasting legacy and personal story.

James Ransone Family | Parents & Siblings

James Ransone was born to James Finley Ransone Jr. and Joy Ransone in Baltimore, Maryland. His father worked in construction, while his mother supported the family and encouraged his artistic interests. Moreover, he grew up with siblings who shared his early life in Maryland. Although he kept family details mostly private, his upbringing in a close household helped shape his values and work ethic. Overall, Ransone’s family played an important role in his foundational years and influenced his journey into acting and emotional depth on screen.

James Ransone Death & Suicide Claims | Cause of Death

How did James Ransone die?

Actor James Ransone died by suicide at age 46 on December 19, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, his cause of death was suicide by hanging, and there was no evidence of foul play.

Ransone was best known for his roles as Ziggy Sobotka in The Wire and Eddie Kaspbrak in It: Chapter Two. His death shocked fans and colleagues across film and television. Moreover, he had openly discussed personal struggles, including past addiction and trauma, in interviews before his death in 2025. His passing sparked tributes and renewed conversation about mental health challenges faced by performers.

James Ransone Movies and TV Shows | Filmography

James Ransone built a dynamic and memorable filmography across movies and television, showing range from drama to horror. He became known for his work in The Wire and continued acting steadily through the 2010s and 2020s.

Notable Movies:

The American Astronaut (2001) – Early film role
Ken Park (2002) – Breakthrough indie appearance
Sinister (2012) – Deputy role in horror
Sinister 2 (2015) – Reprised horror character
Tangerine (2015) – Critically praised role
Mr. Right (2015) – Supporting performance
In a Valley of Violence (2016) – Western genre
It: Chapter Two (2019) – Adult Eddie Kaspbrak
The Black Phone (2021) – Role as Max
Black Phone 2 (2025) – Returned as Max in the sequel

TV Shows:

The Wire (2003) – Ziggy Sobotka across Season 2
Generation Kill (2008) – Cpl. Josh Ray Person
How to Make It in America (2010–2011) – Recurring role
Treme (2011–2012) – Recurring drama role
Low Winter Sun (2013) – Cast member
Bosch (2016) – TV series appearance
Poker Face (2025) – Recent television role

James Ransone The Wire | Ziggy Sobotka Role & Legacy

James Ransone gained major recognition for his role as Ziggy Sobotka on The Wire, one of HBO’s most acclaimed crime dramas. He starred in season two, portraying the troubled, unpredictable son of Frank Sobotka. Moreover, his performance captured both humor and deep emotional conflict, earning praise from critics and fans alike. Ransone’s Ziggy became a memorable character in the series’ examination of Baltimore’s dockworkers, crime, and systemic challenges. Additionally, this role helped establish his reputation in television drama and opened doors to future projects in film and TV. Today, James Ransone’s work on The Wire remains one of his most defining performances in a celebrated ensemble cast.

James Ransone Net Worth 2025

James Ransone’s estimated net worth in 2025 is around $2 million, earned through his acting career in films and television. He gained wealth from roles in The Wire, Sinister, It: Chapter Two, and other notable projects. His income comes primarily from acting, reflecting steady work in Hollywood over two decades. Ransone’s net worth highlights his successful career as a respected and versatile actor.