James Ransone, the talented character actor who captivated audiences with his portrayal of the troubled Ziggy Sobotka in HBO’s groundbreaking 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. Officials determined the cause of death to be suicide by hanging, marking a tragic end to a career that spanned more than two decades in film and television.
James Ransone From Baltimore to Breakthrough
Born James Finley Ransone III on June 2, 1979, in Baltimore, Maryland, the actor’s roots in the city that would later serve as the backdrop for his most iconic role seemed almost destined. His father, James Finley Ransone II, was a Vietnam War veteran, and his mother was Joyce Peterson. Growing up in Baltimore gave Ransone an authentic connection to the gritty urban landscape that “The Wire” would later depict with unflinching realism.
Ransone’s artistic journey began at the George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology in Towson, Maryland, where he studied from 1993 to 1997. He later attended the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, though he left after one year to pursue acting opportunities. His dedication to his craft paid off when he landed his first significant role in Larry Clark’s controversial 2002 teen drama “Ken Park,” where he portrayed the character Tate.
The Role That Defined a Career
Just one year after his film debut, Ransone secured the role that would become his calling card. In 2003, he joined the cast of “The Wire” for its celebrated second season, embodying Chester “Ziggy” Sobotka with remarkable depth and authenticity. The character, a dockworker struggling in Baltimore’s declining industrial landscape, resonated powerfully with viewers.
Across 12 episodes, Ransone portrayed Ziggy’s descent from a frustrated worker seeking respect to a desperate criminal making increasingly poor decisions. His performance captured the character’s vulnerability, humor, and ultimate tragedy. The arc reached its devastating climax when Ziggy, after enduring constant humiliation from both criminals and coworkers, committed murder in a moment of explosive rage. The haunting final scenes showing Ziggy’s horror at his own actions and his subsequent confession demonstrated Ransone’s dramatic range. His last appearance showed the character serving his prison sentence during the season finale, leaving an indelible mark on one of television’s most acclaimed series.
Building a Diverse Career
Following “The Wire,” Ransone continued to build an impressive resume across multiple genres. In 2006, he appeared in Spike Lee’s heist thriller “Inside Man” alongside Denzel Washington and Clive Owen, playing the bank robber Steve-O.
His collaboration with HBO continued in 2008 when he starred in the miniseries “Generation Kill,” based on journalist Evan Wright’s account of the early stages of the Iraq War. Ransone portrayed real-life Marine Corporal Josh Ray Person across all seven episodes, working alongside Alexander Skarsgård. The role showcased his ability to bring authenticity to military characters and further established his reputation as a versatile performer.
Throughout the 2010s, Ransone maintained steady work in both independent and mainstream projects. He appeared in recurring roles on HBO’s “Treme” (10 episodes) and “How to Make It in America” (7 episodes), demonstrating his comfort in ensemble casts. In 2013, he took on the lead role of Damon Callis in AMC’s crime drama “Low Winter Sun.”
Horror and Mainstream Success
Ransone found particular success in the horror genre. He first appeared in 2012’s “Sinister” as the quirky Deputy So-and-So, providing comic relief in the supernatural thriller. The film’s success led to 2015’s “Sinister 2,” where his character was promoted to the lead role as Ex-Deputy So-and-So, attempting to protect a family from supernatural forces.
His most high-profile role came in 2019 when he joined the ensemble cast of “It Chapter Two,” the conclusion to the adaptation of Stephen King’s epic horror novel. Ransone portrayed the adult version of Eddie Kaspbrak, the hypochondriac member of the Losers’ Club, sharing the role with young actor Jack Dylan Grazer. The film grossed over $470 million worldwide, introducing Ransone to a broader international audience.
More recently, he appeared in “The Black Phone” (2021), another horror success, and returned for a cameo in its 2025 sequel “Black Phone 2.” His television work continued with appearances in “Bosch” (8 episodes), “SEAL Team” (5 episodes), and a 2025 episode of “Poker Face.”
Personal Struggles and Legacy
Ransone had been candid about facing personal challenges throughout his life. He publicly acknowledged struggling with heroin addiction in his twenties, accumulating significant debt before achieving sobriety around age 27. His openness about recovery made him a relatable figure to fans dealing with similar issues.
In May 2021, Ransone shared on Instagram that he had been sexually abused by a math tutor in 1992. He reported these allegations to Baltimore County police in March 2020, though prosecutors ultimately declined to pursue charges following their investigation.
The actor is survived by his wife and two children, who now face the unimaginable loss of a husband and father.
Industry Reactions
News of Ransone’s death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with colleagues and fans expressing grief and sharing memories of working with the dedicated actor. His contributions to some of television and film’s most memorable projects have left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, immediate help is available:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988 (available 24/7)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- International Association for Suicide Prevention: Visit https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/ for worldwide resources
- For additional resources, visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources
You are not alone. Help is available, and recovery is possible.
This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.
