Big Brother' Star Mickey Lee Dies at 35 – Details

The reality television industry is in mourning after losing one of its most beloved rising stars, taken far too soon.

Mickey Lee, the bold and beloved contestant from Season 27 of CBS's "Big Brother," died on Christmas Eve at just 35 years old, sending shockwaves through the reality TV world and beyond.

Her death was confirmed by a heartbreaking Instagram post from her family, shared two days later on December 26, 2025. "With profound sadness, the family of Mickey Lee announces her transition on Christmas in the early evening," the statement began.

A Star Who Stole America's Heart

Lee wasn't just a houseguest. She was a phenomenon. Her family's tribute praised the unforgettable mark she left both on television and in real life.

"Mickey captured the hearts of audiences nationwide through her appearance on Big Brother, where her authenticity, strength, and spirit left a lasting impression on fans and fellow cast members alike," they shared.

Grateful for the support pouring in, her family asked for privacy during their time of mourning and promised to share memorial details at a later date. "Mickey's light, legacy, and impact will never be forgotten," they concluded.

Just Hours Earlier, Her Family Pleaded for Privacy

What makes the timing even more heartbreaking is that just hours before announcing her death, Lee's family had shared a deeply emotional message asking for privacy as they faced an unfolding medical crisis.

Posted to Instagram on December 25, the note was titled "A Loving Request from Mickey’s Family" and expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love they had received. It asked supporters to refrain from calls, texts, and messages so the family could focus on Lee's care and on each other.

They also requested quiet and uninterrupted time, adding that updates would be shared when possible. The post ended with a brief but emotionally jarring line, "Have a Merry Christmas."

GoFundMe Launched Days Before Her Death

On December 22, just two days before Lee's passing, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support her urgent medical care and, tragically, what would become funeral costs.

Now titled "Help Support Mickey Lee's Family After Her Transition," the fundraiser had raised more than $36,500 of its $40,000 goal by December 27.

"Mickey recently suffered a sudden and devastating medical emergency, experiencing a series of cardiac arrests. She has since transitioned, surrounded by loved ones," the page explained.

Donations were requested to cover hospital bills, family lodging, travel, and burial arrangements. Organizers added that the funds would go "directly to Mickey's family to help ease this burden during an unimaginably difficult time."

She Lit up the 'Big Brother' House and Viewers' Screens

Lee's season of "Big Brother" earned her a loyal fan base — and her absence is already being felt.

Described on the fundraiser as "one of the most talked-about houseguests of Season 27," Lee was known for her "bold gameplay," fearless charisma, and "undeniable star power."

She wasn't just a reality star — she was "vibrant, strategic, fearless, and unapologetically herself."

From Jacksonville to Atlanta: A Life That Touched Thousands

Though born in Jacksonville, Florida, Lee called Atlanta home — and there, her presence ran deep.

A self-described experience curator, she was a creative force behind everything from private events to major productions, known for making people feel seen and celebrated.

"She made people feel seen, celebrated, and inspired. Atlanta felt her impact deeply, and those who knew her know just how much love she gave to her community," the GoFundMe page read.

Final Instagram Clip Shows a Smiling, Thriving Lee

Just six days before her death, on December 18, Lee appeared upbeat and energetic in a short Instagram video, promoting her guest spot on the iHeartRadio podcast "Hip Hop United LLC."

She spoke passionately about her work in Atlanta's event scene, showing no visible sign of distress, just days before the fatal medical emergency.

Family Asks the World to Carry Lee's Light Forward

As grief continues to pour in from across the country, Lee's family has asked the public to hold them in their thoughts — and to remember her not just for how she died, but for how she lived.

The GoFundMe campaign urges supporters, "Let's honor her legacy by surrounding her family with the same love, warmth, and support that Mickey so freely gave to others."

Her sudden loss joins a growing list of celebrity tragedies this season, including the recent death of James Ransone.

Ransone, the actor whose troubled brilliance lit up some of television's darkest dramas, has died at the age of 46. His body was discovered in a Los Angeles shed on Friday, December 19.

Following confirmation of his death, Ransone's private battles, celebrated screen career, and close family have all returned to public attention, this time, in mourning.

Official Ruling, Grim Details, and No Signs of Foul Play

According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, the actor's death was officially ruled a suicide, with the manner listed as hanging. Records list the place of death as a shed in Los Angeles.

His case, number 2025-19778, remains open, although the body has been cleared for release. The report names Gerardo Meza as the investigating officer, with Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Richard Ou assigned to the case.

TMZ reported that the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call following the death. Officers completed a formal death investigation report. No foul play was suspected.

A Signature Role and a Haunting Legacy

Ransone was best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Ziggy Sobotka in season two of HBO's "The Wire," a raw, unstable character that earned him a lasting fan base and critical attention.

Over the years, Ransone continued working with HBO, returning in 2008 for the acclaimed miniseries "Generation Kill," in which he played U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Josh Ray Person.

His Wife's Shattering Farewell: 'We Are Forever'

Two days after his death, Ransone's wife, Jamie McPhee, posted a devastating tribute on social media. Dated December 21, the message painted a portrait of love and irreplaceable 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," she wrote.

A GoFundMe campaign launched shortly afterward describes Ransone as a "beloved husband, father, and friend", emphasizing that "his family was the center of his life." As of Monday, December 22, the fund had raised $41,789 — 35 percent of its $120,000 goal — to support McPhee and their children.

From Indie Films to Cult Horror and Critical Fame

Beyond his television acclaim, Ransone carved out a bold film career that veered between independent cinema and major horror franchises.

He appeared in the controversial "Ken Park," the Sundance hit "Tangerine," and the box office horror successes "Sinister," "Sinister 2," and "The Black Phone." He also played the adult Eddie Kaspbrak in the Stephen King sequel "It: Chapter Two."

His very first on-screen role came in 2001 with the cult space-western "The American Astronaut." In the hours after news of his death broke, tributes poured in from those who had worked with him.

HBO posted a tribute image on X, reading, "In loving memory of James Ransone." Production company Blumhouse added, "We are saddened by the passing of James Ransone. We are grateful to have worked with him [...] Our thoughts are with his loved ones."

A Candid Voice on Addiction and Survival

Ransone never shied away from his past. In a 2016 interview, he spoke openly about his battle with heroin addiction, a struggle that began in his early 20s.

"I woke up at 27 after being on heroin for five years. It was like I sobered up and I realized, 'My job is being an actor. This is crazy!'" he said. He credited his eventual sobriety with giving him the stability to take on the responsibilities that came with his later roles, including "Generation Kill."

A Childhood Secret Publicly Revealed

In 2021, Ransone made headlines when he accused a former middle school tutor of sexually abusing him in 1992, when he was a child.

He reported the allegations to Baltimore County police. Though prosecutors declined to press charges, Ransone remained outspoken about his decision to come forward.

"The bigger issue for me is that he was around other children. This isn't really about me as a victim anymore," he told The Baltimore Sun at the time. Authorities later confirmed that no charges were filed.

His passing leaves behind not only a legacy of iconic roles but also a family broken by grief and a fandom stunned by the loss of someone who always seemed to give everything onscreen.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.