Celebrities React to James Ransone’s Death at 46: Spike Lee, More

Hollywood is mourning the loss of actor James Ransone, who died by suicide on Friday, December 19. He was 46.

The Wire and It: Chapter Two actor is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two children.

Ransone first rose to fame in HBO’s The Wire as Ziggy Sobotka. He later appeared in Spike Lee’s 2006 movie Inside Man and as Cpl. Josh Ray Person in HBO’s Generation Kill.

The actor’s most recent credits were reprising the role of Max in Black Phone 2, a sequel to the 2021 horror movie starring Ethan Hawke, and an episode of Peacock’s Poker Face.

As news of Ransone’s death broke on Sunday, December 21, filmmakers, costars and more paid tribute to the actor, including Spike Lee and Anora filmmaker Sean Baker.

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.”

Natasha Lyonne

After Ransone’s wife, Jamie McPhee, paid tribute to the late actor on Instagram, Lyonne commented on McPhee’s post, “Love you with everything I got and holding our beloved brilliant peejo with grace gratitude and cosmic peace into this life and the next – family forever ♾️ beautiful jamie you are the best of us we love you.”

Julia Fox

Fox also commented on McPhee’s tribute to her late husband, writing, “Giving you the biggest virtual hug and I hope you are wrapped in warmth and love 💕 we got your back with whatever you need.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.