James Ransone Dies at 46: The Wire and It Chapter Two Star Remembered
James Ransone, the highly acclaimed American actor who brought so much depth and intrigue to his role as the character Ziggy Sobotka within the critically acclaimed HBO television series The Wire, has passed away in his sad and far too young age of just 46 years, leaving the world in shock with his decision to end his life in the manner of a suicide by hanging in the Los Angeles, California, area on the date of December 19, 2025.
James Finley Ransone III was born on June 2, 1979, in Baltimore, Maryland. However, the Baltimore where Ransone was born would later provide the gritty backdrop to the critically acclaimed drama The Wire, which is counted among the greatest TV dramas of all time. He was always an artsy kid and went on to attend the George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, followed by a stint at the highly prestigious School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. However, his youth was also riddled with issues such as addiction in his mid 20s, but his talent and hard work made him one of the most ‘versatile’ character actors of his generation.
Ransone initially achieved mainstream success as the character Chester Ziggy Sobotka in The Wire, in which he appeared in every episode in the second season, a total of twelve episodes. Ziggy was a flawed, hot headed longshoreman whose personality traits were so unlikable yet so very memorable that he remains one of the most talked about characters in The Wire saga, securing Ransone his hallmark for his performance’s intense absorption into the character’s being, making The Wire a show in television history to remember in the annals of time, long after the show concluded its successful seasons.
Beyond The Wire, he has had an eclectic acting career that has fully demonstrated his talent and passion for playing complex roles. Notable appearances include playing Corporal Josh Ray Person in the HBO series Generation Kill, which was based on the Iraq War and portrayed the tough conditions faced during such conflict, earning critical acclaim for acting. He has appeared in different TV series such as Treme, Bosch, Poker Face, Law & Order, and others.
The celluloid screen saw a profound presence by Ransone in independent films as well as mainstream cinema. He acted in the acclaimed film Tangerine by Sean Baker in 2015, which was a colorful and original film that pushed the boundaries of cinematography by using smart phones, in addition to chipping away at a notable role in the horror genre in films like Sinister in 2012 and Sinister 2 in 2015. Acting in films based on Stephen King novels, especially as adult Eddie Kaspbrak in It Chapter Two in 2019, introduced him to mainstream audiences, alongside a studded cast that included Bill Hader, Jessica Chastain, and James McAvoy. More recently, he acted in The Black Phone in 2021 and its sequel in 2025, amplifying his talent in reinforcing genre cinema through authentic performances.
Nonetheless, despite his professional success, Ransone’s life has also been marked by intense personal pain that he has talked about with remarkable candor. In May 2021, he chose to share on social media that he was once sexually abused as a child by his math tutor. This affected him significantly throughout his life since he has also struggled with what can be considered instances of alcoholism and heroin use. He has also talked about the effects that this has on his personal worldview and artistic expression.
His candor about difficult issues has also made him very popular because it has raised awareness about issues that affect others. Indiat Ransone’s willingness to discuss his own struggles was one part of a larger fight he had been dealing with in regards to his own mental health up until the time of his death. The film industry and everyone in it was shocked and saddened by reports of his death, with multiple tributes rolled out in praise of his work, not to mention the connection he was able to build with his audience, not just through his professional work, but through his own struggles and discussion of them in order to help raise awareness for issues which affect so many people, not just in film, but in everyday life.
After his death, the issue of the need for greater provision for mental health care within the entertainment community has once again come into focus, with tributes pouring in for Ransone from fans and peers who reflect on the importance of being aware of those behind the camera. Ransone’s death serves as a reminder that even those who experience success with their art are not exempt from their own pain, that those who bring so much joy to others are often fighting their own secret battle. His wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two kids are left behind, as well as the memories that reflect on Ransone’s role first as a father, then as a partner.
This is James Ransone will be remembered not only for the roles he took on but also for the level of emotion and authentic passion that he brought with him in each one of those roles, whether it was in a TV series that was gritty or in a horror movie that sent chills down the spine. His is a legacy that will be remembered as one of passion and fearlessness in dealing with the human condition in all its forms.
And as viewers head back to watch some of the titles that he featured in in the past some of which include The Wire as well as It: Chapter Two it will not only be worth their while as viewers but also as a tribute to the man himself.
FAQs
Who was James Ransone?
James Ransone was an American actor best known for his role as Ziggy Sobotka in HBO’s The Wire, as well as roles in It: Chapter Two, The Black Phone, Sinister, Generation Kill, Bosch, and Poker Face.
When was he born?
He was born June 2, 1979 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
When did James Ransone die?
He died on December 19, 2025, at age 46.
How did James Ransone die?
His death was ruled a suicide by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Cause of Death Details
The medical examiner listed the cause of death as suicide by hanging. His body was found in a shed at his Los Angeles home.
What were his most famous roles?
Television and Movies:
- Ziggy Sobotka The Wire (Season 2)
- Cpl. Josh Ray Person Generation Kill
- Appearances in Bosch, Poker Face, Treme, Law & Order, Hawaii Five 0
- Eddie Kaspbrak It Chapter Two
- Max The Black Phone (and its 2025 sequel)
- Roles in Sinister and Sinister 2, Tangerine, Prom Night, Mr. Right
Was he married / does he have a family?
Yes, he was married to Jamie McPhee and they had two children together.
Did he share personal struggles publicly?
Yes, in 2021, Ransone revealed he was a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, which he said contributed to long-term trauma and struggles with addiction earlier in life. He later became sober.
What about his legacy?
Fans and colleagues remember him for his versatile, intense performances across TV and film from gritty drama (The Wire, Generation Kill) to horror favorites (It: Chapter Two, the Black
Was there any official statement from family?
Yes, his wife Jamie McPhee shared emotional tributes and has been promoting mental health awareness in his memory.
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