The entertainment world is mourning the loss of actor James Ransone, best known for his roles in The Wire and It: Chapter Two. His wife, Jamie McPhee, has publicly honoured his memory with a deeply personal and bittersweet social media tribute.
A Poignant Farewell on Instagram
Known affectionately as 'Skipper' to friends, McPhee posted a throwback photo on Sunday. The image captured the couple happily preparing for the arrival of one of their two children. Their son Jack is now 6, and their daughter Violet is 4.
In the emotional caption, McPhee wrote, "I told you I have loved you 1000 times before and I know I will love you again." She reflected on his wisdom, quoting him: "You told me - I need to be more like you and you need to be more like me - and you were so right." She concluded her message by thanking him for their children, stating, "Thank you for giving me the greatest gifts - you, Jack and Violet. We are forever."
An Outpouring of Support from Hollywood
McPhee's post prompted an immediate flood of condolences from Ransone's colleagues and friends in the industry. Actress Natasha Lyonne, who worked with Ransone on an episode of Poker Face, expressed her love and support. "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," she wrote.
Actress Julia Fox also offered comforting words: "Giving you the biggest virtual hug and I hope you are wrapped in warmth and love. we got your back with whatever you need."
In a practical show of support, a family friend launched a GoFundMe fundraiser for McPhee and the children. The campaign had already raised more than $114,000 by Monday afternoon.
Remembering James Ransone's Life and Struggles
James Ransone passed away on December 19 at the age of 46. The Maryland native, who married copywriter Jamie McPhee in 2017, had a career spanning acclaimed television and major film projects.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has listed his cause of death as an apparent suicide. Ransone had been candid about his lifelong battles, linking his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction to childhood sexual abuse.
In a 2009 essay for Malibu magazine, he wrote about confronting his past: "There were a lot of things going on inside me that I hadn't faced, or at the very least, refused to acknowledge for a long time. There were a lot of hard corners in me that needed to be softened." He noted that taking responsibility led to remarkable outcomes.
He achieved sobriety roughly six or seven months before filming the 2008 HBO miniseries Generation Kill, as he shared in a 2016 interview.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. In Canada, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. For local mental health and crisis resources, visit dontcallthepolice.com. Outside North America, please contact the International Association for Suicide Prevention.
