Los Angeles: Actor James Ransone, best known for his powerful performances in The Wire and It: Chapter Two, has died at the age of 46, sending shockwaves through Hollywood and among fans worldwide.
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, Ransone died on Friday, December 19, 2025, and his death has been ruled a suicide. The news has prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues, collaborators, and viewers who admired his raw, deeply human performances.
Born on June 2, 1979, in Baltimore, Maryland, James Ransone built a respected acting career that spanned more than two decades. Known for his intensity, vulnerability, and authenticity, he carved a unique space for himself as a character actor capable of leaving a lasting impression in even the most complex roles.
A Career Marked by Powerful Performances
Ransone rose to prominence with his portrayal of Chester “Ziggy” Sobotka in Season 2 of HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Wire. His performance as the troubled dockworker’s son — impulsive, desperate for respect, and ultimately tragic — remains one of the show’s most unforgettable character arcs. Critics and fans alike praised Ransone for bringing emotional depth and realism to the role.
Following The Wire, Ransone continued to demonstrate remarkable range across television and film. He appeared as Cpl. Josh Ray Person in HBO’s war drama Generation Kill, further solidifying his reputation as a compelling dramatic actor.
His film credits included notable roles in horror and thriller genres, such as Sinister (2012) and Sinister 2 (2015), as well as Adult Eddie Kaspbrak in It: Chapter Two (2019). More recently, he appeared as Max in The Black Phone (2021) and its sequel Black Phone 2 (2025).
On television, Ransone featured in popular series including Bosch, Poker Face, SEAL Team, and 50 States of Fright, consistently earning praise for his grounded and emotionally resonant performances.
Personal Struggles and Resilience
Behind his professional success, Ransone’s life was marked by profound personal struggles. In 2021, he publicly shared that he was a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, revealing that the trauma had deeply affected him and contributed to years of substance addiction.
In candid interviews and social media posts, Ransone spoke about battling alcoholism and heroin addiction in his early adult life. He later described a turning point in his late twenties, when he committed to sobriety and rediscovered his passion for acting, crediting that decision with saving both his career and his life.
His openness about trauma and recovery resonated with many fans, who admired not only his talent but also his honesty and courage.
Tributes Pour In
James Ransone is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two children, Jack and Violet. In a heartfelt social media post, McPhee paid tribute to her late husband, expressing deep love and gratitude for their life together. “We are forever,” she wrote, thanking him for their children and shared memories.
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry. Director Spike Lee, who worked with Ransone on Inside Man and Red Hook Summer, remembered him as a gifted actor and close collaborator. The Wire co-star Wendell Pierce and many others also shared messages honoring Ransone’s talent, kindness, and impact.
Fans around the world have taken to social media to mourn his passing, with many revisiting his iconic performance as Ziggy Sobotka — a role that continues to define The Wire’s enduring legacy.
A Lasting Legacy
James Ransone’s death is a sobering reminder of the mental health struggles faced by many in the public eye and beyond. His willingness to speak openly about trauma, addiction, and recovery made him a voice of honesty and vulnerability in an industry that often hides pain behind success.
As Hollywood and fans continue to mourn, Ransone is being remembered not only as a talented actor, but as a deeply human presence whose work will live on.
Support and Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, help is available. In the United States, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988, or via online chat at 988lifeline.org. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
James Ransone’s performances — and the honesty with which he lived his life — will continue to inspire audiences for years to come.