Jack Osbourne Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Late Actor James Ransone
Los Angeles, CA – Jack Osbourne, 40, the youngest child of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne and television personality Sharon Osbourne, is publicly mourning the passing of his longtime friend, acclaimed actor James Ransone. Ransone, known for his compelling roles in HBO’s acclaimed series The Wire and the horror blockbuster It: Chapter Two, died at the age of 46 on December 19, 2024, in what authorities are investigating as an apparent suicide, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
Osbourne shared a poignant tribute to Ransone on his Instagram account on Wednesday, December 24, 2024, featuring a series of throwback photographs of the two friends and a solo shot of the late actor. “Rest peacefully, James ‘PJ’ Ransone,” Osbourne captioned the emotional post. “I will miss you deeply. The crazy chats, the laughter, all of it. I was so lucky to have called you my friend for 24 years. Damn, we had some wild times. I will always be grateful for you.” The shared images captured candid moments, including the pair enjoying a meal, lounging on a couch, and Ransone engrossed in a phone call, painting a vivid picture of their two-decade-long bond.
Ransone carved out a significant career in Hollywood, gaining critical recognition for his portrayal of Ziggy Sobotka in The Wire (which aired from 2003 to 2008), a role that showcased his raw talent and ability to embody complex characters. Later, he earned widespread recognition for his role as the adult Eddie Kaspbrak in the 2019 horror sequel It: Chapter Two. His sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and among his many fans and colleagues.
Beyond Osbourne’s heartfelt message, tributes poured in from Ransone’s family and other notable figures. Jack Osbourne extended his deepest sympathies to Ransone’s wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two children, Jack and Violet. McPhee herself shared a moving message on Instagram on Sunday, December 21, 2024, expressing her profound loss: “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.” A GoFundMe page has since been established to provide support for McPhee and their young children during this incredibly difficult time, underscoring the community’s desire to assist the grieving family.
Actor Channing Tatum, 45, who co-starred with Ransone in the 2011 crime drama The Son of No One, also shared a touching tribute on his Instagram Stories. Tatum posted a photo of the two from his own 30th birthday celebration in 2010, captioning it, “There ain’t words for these things. But you my friend… was one of the realest. I remember being in every conversation with you and just always being like I wonder what he’s gonna say.!!??? Lololol. I love you PJ I’ll see you on the next one my G.” The Son of No One saw Tatum play a New York City police officer grappling with a dark childhood secret, with Ransone playing a key role in the narrative.
This latest loss comes as another profound blow for Jack Osbourne, who earlier this year, on July 22, 2024, mourned the death of his legendary father, Ozzy Osbourne, at the age of 76. Ozzy’s death was attributed to “out of hospital cardiac arrest” and “acute myocardial infarction,” with coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease with autonomic dysfunction listed as contributing factors. Jack has openly discussed his grief journey, including on the first episode of his podcast, The Osbournes, which he co-hosts with his mother Sharon and sister Kelly. On the podcast, he reflected on the complex nature of grief, stating, “It is both horrible and beautiful in the way that it forces you to unpack and examine things. Like, yeah, it sucks that he’s gone, but also, for me, it has led to a huge amount of gratitude and love and really cherishing moments that at the time you take for granted.” The consecutive losses underscore a challenging period for Osbourne and his family, highlighting the profound impact of these personal tragedies on his life.
