James Ransone, Star of The Wire and It Chapter Two, Dies at 46
Los Angeles, Sunday, 21 December 2025.
James Ransone, the versatile actor celebrated for his standout performance as Ziggy Sobotka in HBO’s The Wire, has died by apparent suicide at age 46. Known for bringing depth to complex characters in both television and the It horror franchise, his sudden passing in Los Angeles marks a tragic loss for the entertainment industry.
Circumstances of Death
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that Ransone died on Friday, December 19, 2025, in Los Angeles [1][4]. The official cause of death was listed as suicide by hanging, and authorities noted the location of the tragic event as a shed [1][7]. The investigation by the medical examiner is currently listed as open, though the manner of death has been identified [4].
A Career Defined by Grit and Range
Ransone’s career was anchored by his compelling portrayal of Chester “Ziggy” Sobotka in the second season of HBO’s The Wire in 2003 [4][6]. His performance as the impulsive, ill-fated dock worker brought a raw vulnerability to the gritty crime drama, establishing him as a significant talent in the industry [6]. Following this breakout role, he continued his collaboration with HBO, starring as Corporal Josh Ray Person in the miniseries Generation Kill, where he played a real-life Marine in a narrative focused on the 2003 invasion of Iraq [6].
Personal Struggles and Public Advocacy
Despite his on-screen success, Ransone was candid about his disillusionment with Hollywood and his personal battles. In a 2019 interview, he admitted to nearly leaving the entertainment industry in 2017 to pursue theology, citing dissatisfaction with the business [2]. He was also open about his history of substance abuse, revealing that he had been sober since 2006 after struggling with a heroin addiction that ended at age 27 [1][7].
Family and Memorial
Following the news of his passing, Ransone’s wife, Jamie McPhee, utilized social media to post a fundraiser for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) [7][8]. Ransone is survived by McPhee and their two children [1][2].
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org [4][6].