Hollywood Mourns: Spike Lee and Stars Share Heartfelt Tributes to James Ransone, Gone Too Soon at 46

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The entertainment world is grieving the tragic loss of actor James Ransone, who passed away by suicide on Friday, December 19, at the age of 46.

Best known for his roles in the acclaimed series The Wire and the horror film It Chapter Two, Ransone leaves behind his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two children.

Ransone gained prominence with his portrayal of Ziggy Sobotka in HBO’s The Wire. His talent was further showcased in Spike Lee’s 2006 film Inside Man, and as Cpl. Josh Ray Person in the HBO series Generation Kill.

Recently, Ransone reprised his role as Max in Black Phone 2, a sequel to the 2021 horror film featuring Ethan Hawke. He also appeared in an episode of Peacock’s Poker Face.

Following the news of his untimely death on Sunday, December 21, tributes poured in from filmmakers, co-stars, and others, including Spike Lee and Anora director Sean Baker, honoring the actor’s life and contributions to the industry.

Scroll down to read how Hollywood remembered Ransone:

Spike Lee

“Rest In Peace To My Dear Brother,MR. JAMES RANSONE. We Rocked Together On RED HOOK SUMMER And INSIDE MAN. 🙏🏾💙🙏🏾💙🙏🏾💙🙏🏾💙🙏🏾💙🙏🏾💙🙏🏾💙🙏🏾💙🙏🏾💙🙏🏾,” the acclaimed director wrote alongside a photo of himself and Ransone via Instagram on Sunday.

Sean Baker

“I’ll miss you dearly, my friend,” the Oscar winner shared alongside an old photo of him and Ransone.

Baker directed Ransone in 2012’s Starlet and 2015’s Tangerine.

Wendell Pierce

The Wire actor wrote via X, “Sorry I couldn’t be there for you , brother. Rest in Peace James Ransone.”

Mya Taylor

“RIP James Ransone,” Ransone’s Tangerine costar wrote in an Instagram post. “This hurt me so bad. Such a sweet and funny guy. He helped me deal with fame. He could light up a room with his smile and dimples. So funny and sweet and he will be missed. Love this man so much.”

Madeleine McGraw

Ransone’s Black Phone and Black Phone 2 costar shared an emotional tribute to the actor in an Instagram Story.

“I’m struggling to put into words the profound emptiness I’m feeling since learning of James Ransone’s passing,” McGraw, 17, wrote. “My heart is absolutely shattered. At the premiere of the first The Black Phone, James pulled me and my parents aside and spent nearly 45 minutes talking with us. He was so genuinely supportive and he took the time to share heartfelt advice with my parents about how to guide and protect me in this industry.”

“That night, I spoke to so many people, but his conversation is the only one etched in my memory forever. He was such a beautiful soul. Full of passion and so much kindness,” she continued.

“When he returned for his cameo in Black Phone 2, he was just as humble and grateful, lighting up with pure excitement to be back on the Black Phone set,” McGraw went on. “We got to catch up, laugh, and connect again, and he was exactly the same: that radiant, passionate man overflowing with love for me, for his craft, and for his family.”

She concluded, “James, you truly changed me. You inspired me in ways I’ll carry forever. And I promise, with everything in me, to live by the wisdom you shared with me that night at the premiere. I already miss you so deeply. Rest in peace, my friend. You were one of a kind.”

Blumhouse

James Blum’s production company, Blumhouse, wrote via X, “We are saddened by the passing of James Ransone. We are grateful to have worked with him on The Black Phone and Sinister movies. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.”

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