James Ransone, the character actor known for his portrayal of Ziggy Sobotka in the acclaimed HBO series The Wire and Eddie Kaspbrak in the horror film It: Chapter Two, died Friday in Los Angeles. He was 46 years old.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner determined Ransone died by suicide, with the cause of death listed as hanging. The actor was found dead on December 19, 2025.
Ransone is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two children: son Jack, age 6, and daughter Violet, age 4.
Born June 2, 1979, in Baltimore, Maryland, Ransone attended the Carver Center for Arts and Technology before pursuing his acting career. His breakthrough role came when he was cast as Ziggy in The Wire Season 2, appearing in 12 episodes of the critically acclaimed crime drama created by David Simon.
On The Wire, Ransone played Ziggy Sobotka, a dock worker whose impulsive behavior and criminal schemes made him one of the most memorable characters of the show’s second season. The role established him as a distinctive character actor capable of bringing complexity to flawed individuals.
Following his success on The Wire, Ransone continued working with Simon on the HBO miniseries Generation Kill. His final television appearance came in June 2025, when he appeared in an episode of Poker Face.
Ransone built a substantial career in horror films, portraying Eddie Kaspbrak in the Stephen King adaptation It: Chapter Two. He also appeared in Sinister and The Black Phone. His other film credits included Tangerine, directed by Sean Baker, and roles in projects by filmmaker Spike Lee.
Throughout his career, Ransone was candid about his personal struggles. “I woke up at 27 after being on heroin for five years,” Ransone said in an interview. “It was like I sobered up and I realized: ‘My job is being an actor. This is crazy!'”
Ransone reported abuse to police in March 2020, and in 2021, he publicly disclosed that he had been sexually abused by a tutor when he was 12 years old. The abuse occurred in 1992. No charges were filed against the alleged abuser.
News of Ransone’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from collaborators and fellow actors. Filmmaker Sean Baker, who directed Ransone in Tangerine, posted a tribute on social media. Spike Lee and David Simon also expressed their grief at the loss.
Ransone’s versatility as an actor allowed him to move seamlessly between television drama, independent cinema, and mainstream horror. Beyond his most recognized roles, he appeared in numerous productions that showcased his range.
The actor’s work in Tangerine, directed by Baker, demonstrated his commitment to boundary-pushing independent cinema. The film became a landmark in low-budget filmmaking and earned critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of Los Angeles street life.
In Generation Kill, Ransone’s performance brought humor and humanity to the Iraq War miniseries. His portrayal of a Marine during the invasion showcased his ability to balance dramatic intensity with moments of levity, earning praise from both critics and military veterans.
The actor’s openness about his past struggles with addiction and trauma made him a voice for those facing similar challenges. His willingness to discuss difficult subjects publicly reflected a broader commitment to breaking down stigma around mental health and substance abuse in the entertainment industry.
The entertainment community continues to mourn the loss of an actor whose performances resonated with audiences and whose personal courage in confronting his demons inspired many. His legacy lives on through his memorable characters and the two young children he leaves behind.