Celebrity Info
James Ransone’s story unfolds like a grittier, more intense version of a Lifetime movie—only instead of melodrama, it’s raw truth. Think of it as the grown-up cousin of Jim Carroll’s The Basketball Diaries, with James Ransone at the center of a life that’s equal parts chaos and creativity. Born and raised in Baltimore, James Ransone—often called PJ by those close to him—was always a bit different: sensitive, artistic, and deeply in tune with the pulse of underground culture. Early on, James Ransone channeled his energy into music, playing in several punk bands inspired by legendary acts like Fugazi. But acting soon called, and James Ransone answered with roles in indie films that pushed boundaries—like the surreal sci-fi musical The American Astronaut (2001) and Harmony Korine’s provocative Ken Park (2002).
It was James Ransone’s unmistakable presence—his intensity, restless energy, and that unmistakable Bawl’more drawl—that landed him the role of Ziggy Sobotka in Season 2 of The Wire (HBO, 2002–08). The performance put James Ransone on the map, even if the show itself didn’t hit mainstream ratings success. After leaving the series, he kept working steadily, taking on memorable supporting roles—like the compulsive, dirt-obsessed sex addict in John Waters’ A Dirty Shame (2004), and a frantic criminal in Spike Lee’s Inside Man (2006). While James Ransone’s career was gaining momentum, his personal life was unraveling. A move to New York City spiraled into a serious heroin addiction, something James Ransone struggled with until he realized escape might require an extreme reset.
And so, in one of the more dramatic turns of his life, James Ransone teamed up with David Simon and Ed Burns—the creative minds behind The Wire—and relocated to Namibia for eight months to film Generation Kill (HBO, 2008), a war miniseries based on a Rolling Stone journalist’s real-time account of the 2003 Iraq invasion. It was grueling, immersive, and exactly what James Ransone needed. The experience helped pull him back from the edge.
From there, James Ransone shifted into a new phase—still edgy, still authentic, but grounded. He played a tattooed farmer with dreams of fashion in HBO’s How To Make It in America (2010–2011), and brought depth to the role of a laid-back stoner transplanted to post-Katrina New Orleans in Simon’s Treme (HBO, 2010–13). Then came a string of powerful performances: the semi-autobiographical Red Hook Summer (2012) and the intense remake of Oldboy (2013), solidifying James Ransone’s place in Spike Lee’s informal troupe of go-to actors.
Now, James Ransone is clean, focused, and fully present—dressed up not just in appearance, but in purpose. The journey hasn’t been easy, but James Ransone has made it through, and he’s ready for whatever comes next.
When it comes to James Ransone’s filmography, one standout performance definitely shines through — his highest rated movie is Tangerine from 2015, which received widespread acclaim and really put James Ransone on the map for many critics and audiences alike. It’s no surprise that this particular film remains a highlight in James Ransone’s career, thanks to its bold storytelling and dynamic direction. On the other end of the spectrum, James Ransone also had a less successful outing with The Perfect Age of Rock ‘n’ Roll, released back in 2009, which ended up being his lowest rated film to date. While James Ransone has taken on a variety of roles over the years, these two projects mark the extremes in terms of critical reception. Still, James Ransone continues to be a compelling presence in independent cinema.
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