The entertainment world is mourning the loss of actor James Ransone, who passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 46. Best known for his memorable portrayal of Chester "Ziggy" Sobotka on the acclaimed HBO series The Wire, Ransone's death was confirmed by authorities on December 21, 2025.
Details from Los Angeles
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Ransone died by suicide. The report states the actor was found in a shed, and the cause of death was listed as hanging. The tragic news has sent shockwaves through the film and television community where Ransone was a respected figure.
A Career Defined by Gritty Roles
James Ransone's breakthrough role came in 2003 during the second season of The Wire. He appeared in 12 episodes as Ziggy Sobotka, a volatile dock worker whose arc from smuggler to murderer became a standout storyline in the gritty Baltimore drama.
He later reunited with series creator David Simon for the HBO miniseries Generation Kill, playing Marine Cpl. Josh Ray Person. In a 2016 interview with Interview magazine, Ransone spoke candidly about his past struggles, revealing he had battled heroin addiction and achieved sobriety months before filming the demanding project.
One of his most prominent recent roles was playing the adult version of Eddie Kaspbrak in the 2019 horror film It: Chapter Two. His final television credit was an episode of the series Poker Face, which aired in June 2025.
Industry Tributes and Personal Legacy
Following the news, tributes poured in from colleagues and studios. HBO posted a photo of Ransone from The Wire on the social media platform X with the caption, "In loving memory of James Ransone."
Production company Blumhouse, which worked with Ransone on films like Sinister and The Black Phone, also expressed condolences, stating they were "saddened by the passing" and that their thoughts were with his loved ones.
Ransone is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two children. The Baltimore-born actor's career, marked by intense and often complex characters, leaves a lasting impression on audiences and the industry he served.
