Celebrities pay tribute to James Ransone

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Celebrities pay tribute to James Ransone

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Writer: Heidi Hsia

Gone too soon at 46

23 Dec - Just a week following the death of Rob Reiner, Hollywood is mourning again, this time for the passing of "The Wire" and "IT: Chapter II" actor, James Ransone.

On Instagram, director Spike Lee, who directed Ransone in two movies including 2006's "Inside Man," expressed, "Rest In Peace To My Dear Brother, MR. JAMES RANSONE. We Rocked Together On RED HOOK SUMMER And INSIDE MAN."

Sean Baker, who directed Ransone in "Starlet" (2012) and "Tangerine" (2015), expressed, "I'll miss you dearly my friend."

Sean Baker with James Ransone

Wendell Pierce, who worked with Ransone in "The Wire" and "Treme", posted on X, "Sorry I couldn't be there for you, brother. Rest in Peace James Ransone."

Meanwhile, Madeleine McGraw, who starred with Ransone in "The Black Phone," posted, "I'm struggling to put into words the profound emptiness I'm feeling since learning of James Ransone's passing. My heart is absolutely shattered."

James Ransone in "IT: Chapter II"

"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."

"When he returned for his cameo [in the sequel], he was just as humble and grateful, lighting up with pure excitement to be back on the set. 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. 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."

Madeleine McGraw was truly affected by the passing

Ransone was found dead by hanging on 19 December in Los Angeles, having apparently died by suicide. He is survived by wife Jamie McPhee and their two kids.

McPhee herself posted, "I told you I have loved you 1000 times before and I know I will love you again. You told me - I need to be more like you and you need to be more like me - and you were so right. Thank you for giving me the greatest gifts - you, Jack and Violet. We are forever."

He was 46.