The actor James Ranson, star of series and films, has died
22 december 2025 в 20:37
James Ranson, a well-known actor remembered for his vibrant roles in the series «The Wire», - as well as in the films «It: Chapter Two» and «The Black Phone», - passed away in December 2025 at the age of 46. Following this tragic news, numerous tributes poured in from fans and colleagues, and attention was drawn to Ranson’s personal life.
Learn more about him and his family below.
Ranson was an American actor who was highly respected for his emotionally charged performances in film and television. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he began his acting career in the late 1990s and gradually built a career playing complex, often troubled characters. His major breakthrough came with the release of the HBO series «The Wire», - where his role as Ziggy Sobotka made him one of the most memorable characters on the show.
Since then, Ranson continued to appear in critically acclaimed projects, including «Generation Kill», - «Sinister», - «It: Chapter Two», - «The Black Phone», - and «Tangerine». He was known for fully immersing himself in his roles, often choosing dark, character-driven stories over traditional leading roles.
Ranson was married to Jamie McPhee, a creative consultant and his longtime partner, whom he married in September 2017 after several years of being together.
McPhee mostly avoided media attention, intentionally keeping her family life private. After his death, she publicly paid tribute to him in an emotional Instagram post, expressing her everlasting love and gratitude, as well as thanking him for the family they created together.
Ranson and his wife had two children: a son, Jack, born in May 2019, and a daughter, Violetta, born in May 2021.
Throughout his career, Ranson sought to keep his family life away from public scrutiny, rarely discussing his children to protect their privacy. In her message after his death, McPhee thanked him for the «greatest gifts— you, Jack, and Violetta», - emphasizing how important they were in his life. A GoFundMe campaign organized by a close friend raised tens of thousands of dollars to support McPhee and the children in their lives after the loss.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or is contemplating suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1−800−273-TALK (8255)
Learn more about him and his family below.
Ranson was an American actor who was highly respected for his emotionally charged performances in film and television. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he began his acting career in the late 1990s and gradually built a career playing complex, often troubled characters. His major breakthrough came with the release of the HBO series «The Wire», - where his role as Ziggy Sobotka made him one of the most memorable characters on the show.
Since then, Ranson continued to appear in critically acclaimed projects, including «Generation Kill», - «Sinister», - «It: Chapter Two», - «The Black Phone», - and «Tangerine». He was known for fully immersing himself in his roles, often choosing dark, character-driven stories over traditional leading roles.
Ranson was married to Jamie McPhee, a creative consultant and his longtime partner, whom he married in September 2017 after several years of being together.
McPhee mostly avoided media attention, intentionally keeping her family life private. After his death, she publicly paid tribute to him in an emotional Instagram post, expressing her everlasting love and gratitude, as well as thanking him for the family they created together.
Ranson and his wife had two children: a son, Jack, born in May 2019, and a daughter, Violetta, born in May 2021.
Throughout his career, Ranson sought to keep his family life away from public scrutiny, rarely discussing his children to protect their privacy. In her message after his death, McPhee thanked him for the «greatest gifts— you, Jack, and Violetta», - emphasizing how important they were in his life. A GoFundMe campaign organized by a close friend raised tens of thousands of dollars to support McPhee and the children in their lives after the loss.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or is contemplating suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1−800−273-TALK (8255)
© Smirnova Olga
