The entertainment world is mourning the loss of actor James Ransone, best known for his role as Ziggy Sobotka on the acclaimed HBO series The Wire. Ransone died by suicide on Friday, December 21, 2025, at the age of 46.
A Heartbreaking Tribute from a Grieving Wife
Ransone's wife, Jamie McPhee, broke her silence following the tragic news, sharing a poignant tribute to her husband on Instagram. She pinned a link to a GoFundMe campaign aimed at supporting her and their two young children, Jack and Violet.
"I told you I have loved you 1000 times before and I know I will love you again," McPhee wrote alongside a photo of the smiling couple, with Ransone cradling her pregnant belly. She described him as "funny, magnetic, brilliant, and endlessly alive," and an "extraordinary father."
The fundraising page, which had raised over $48,000 by Monday morning, seeks a total of $120,000. Its goal is to provide McPhee with the space to focus on raising their children and protecting their future.
Hollywood Pays Its Respects
News of Ransone's passing prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues and networks. HBO posted a tribute on X, formerly Twitter, with a photo from The Wire and the message, "In loving memory of James Ransone."
Production company Blumhouse, which worked with Ransone on The Black Phone and Sinister, also expressed its sadness. Co-stars and collaborators shared personal memories, including actress Natasha Lyonne, who called McPhee "the best of us," and Wendell Pierce, Ransone's co-star from The Wire, who wrote, "Sorry I couldn't be there for you, brother."
Director Spike Lee and filmmaker Sean Baker also posted heartfelt messages, highlighting the actor's impact on those he worked with.
A Career Defined by Gritty Roles and Personal Struggles
James Ransone built a respected career playing complex, often gritty characters. Beyond his breakout role in The Wire, he recently appeared as the adult Eddie Kaspbrak in It: Chapter Two and had roles in The Black Phone and its sequel. He frequently collaborated with creator David Simon, appearing in Generation Kill and Treme.
Ransone was candid about his personal battles, particularly his past struggle with heroin addiction, which he overcame in 2006. In a 2016 interview, he reflected on sobering up at age 27 and realizing acting was his true calling.
In 2021, he publicly accused a former tutor of sexually abusing him when he was 12 years old, sharing a detailed note on Instagram. He stated that authorities at the time showed little interest in pursuing the case.
According to records cited by media outlets, Ransone's cause of death was listed as hanging. The actor is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two children.
