James Ransone, a versatile actor known for his raw, emotionally charged performances on television and film, has died at the age of 46. Ransone earned lasting recognition for his portrayal of Chester “Ziggy” Sobotka in the second season of HBO’s landmark series The Wire, a role that cemented his reputation as a fearless character actor willing to inhabit deeply flawed, troubled figures.
According to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Ransone died on Friday, December 19, 2025. His death was ruled a suicide. Further details surrounding the circumstances were released through official public records over the weekend. His passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and reflection across the entertainment industry, where he was widely respected for his commitment to authenticity and emotional honesty.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1979, Ransone discovered acting at a young age and later attended the Carver Center for Arts and Technology in Towson. He frequently credited arts education with giving him direction during a turbulent adolescence. In interviews, Ransone described performance as both a refuge and a challenge, offering him purpose while demanding intense emotional vulnerability.
His screen career began in the early 2000s, including an early appearance in the controversial indie drama Ken Park. However, it was his role as Ziggy Sobotka in The Wire that brought him critical attention. As the impulsive and tragic son of a dockworkers’ union leader, Ransone delivered a performance that captured insecurity, recklessness, and quiet despair, making Ziggy one of the show’s most unforgettable characters.
Following The Wire, Ransone continued working steadily across television and film. He reunited with Wire creator David Simon in the HBO miniseries Generation Kill, portraying Marine Corporal Josh Ray Person, a role based on a real-life figure. The performance showcased a different side of his talent, blending dark humor with the psychological strain of war.
Ransone later reached a broader audience with his role as the adult Eddie Kaspbrak in the 2019 blockbuster It Chapter Two. Among an ensemble cast, his portrayal stood out for its vulnerability and nervous energy, reflecting the lingering trauma of childhood fear. His film credits also included Sinister, The Black Phone, Black Phone 2, and Sean Baker’s critically praised indie film Tangerine. On television, he appeared in series such as Bosch, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Hawaii Five-0, Treme, SEAL Team, and most recently, an episode of Poker Face in 2025.
Throughout his career, Ransone spoke openly about personal struggles that shaped both his life and his work. In past interviews, he revealed that he battled heroin addiction in his twenties and achieved sobriety at age 27. He often described acting as emotionally demanding, noting that many of his roles required him to inhabit “unlikable” or damaged characters, which sometimes blurred the line between performance and personal experience.
In 2021, Ransone publicly disclosed that he had been sexually abused as a child, alleging the abuse occurred in the early 1990s while he was a student in Maryland. He stated that the trauma had a lasting impact on his mental health and substance use. His decision to speak openly about the experience was widely seen as an effort to confront stigma and acknowledge the long-term effects of childhood abuse.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from colleagues and collaborators. Director Spike Lee, who worked with Ransone on multiple projects, remembered him as a passionate and committed artist. Other actors and filmmakers shared messages praising his originality, intensity, and the sincerity he brought to every role.
James Ransone is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two children. His legacy endures through a body of work defined by courage, empathy, and an unflinching willingness to explore the darker corners of the human experience.
