Source TOI
LOS ANGELES — James Ransone, the versatile American actor best known for his portrayal of Chester “Ziggy” Sobotka in the acclaimed HBO series The Wire, has died at the age of 46.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Ransone passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025. According to official reports, the actor was found dead at his residence in Los Angeles. The cause of death has been ruled as suicide by hanging.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to a call at the residence and completed a death investigation report. Authorities have stated that no foul play is suspected in the incident.
A Career of Depth and Complexity
Born in Baltimore in 1979, Ransone rose to prominence with his breakout role in the second season of The Wire. As the erratic and tragic Ziggy Sobotka, he earned widespread praise for humanizing a deeply flawed character within the show’s gritty exploration of the Baltimore docks.
He continued his collaboration with creator David Simon in the 2008 miniseries Generation Kill, where he played real-life Marine Cpl. Josh Ray Person. Ransone’s film career was equally diverse, ranging from indie hits like Tangerine to major horror franchises. He notably played the adult version of Eddie Kaspbrak in It: Chapter Two (2019) and appeared in Sinister, The Black Phone, and its upcoming sequel.
Openness About Personal Struggles
In recent years, Ransone became known for his candidness regarding his personal life and mental health. In 2021, he shared a powerful and painful account on social media regarding childhood sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of a tutor. He attributed his past struggles with heroin addiction and alcoholism to the trauma of that experience. Having achieved sobriety in 2006, he often spoke about the weight of his roles and the emotional toll of playing “unlikeable” or haunted characters.
Tributes Pour In
News of his passing has led to an outpouring of grief from the Hollywood community. HBO released a statement honoring his memory, while former co-stars and directors shared their condolences. Wendell Pierce, who worked with him on The Wire and Treme, wrote on social media, “Sorry I couldn’t be there for you, brother.”
Ransone’s wife, Jamie McPhee, posted a touching tribute on Instagram, sharing a photo of the couple along with their two children. “I have loved you 1000 times before and I know I will love you again,” she wrote. “We are forever.”
James Ransone is survived by his wife and their two young children.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. In the US, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Internationally, please contact your local emergency services or mental health support organizations.
