James Ransone, best known for his role as Ziggy Sobotka in HBO's 'The Wire,' has died by apparent suicide at age 46. The actor, who also appeared in 'IT Chapter Two' and 'The Black Phone,' was found dead by hanging in Los Angeles on December 19. Hollywood figures including Spike Lee have paid tribute to his memorable performances.
James Ransone, born on June 2, 1979, in Baltimore, built a career marked by intense, often troubled characters in independent films and television. He attended the George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology in Towson, Maryland, from 1993 to 1997, and later studied at Manhattan's School of Visual Arts. His breakthrough came with the 2002 teen drama 'Ken Park,' directed by Larry Clark, followed by roles in John Waters' 'A Dirty Shame' (2004) and Spike Lee's 'Inside Man' (2006).
Ransone gained widespread recognition for portraying Chester 'Ziggy' Sobotka, a hapless dock worker and petty criminal, in 12 episodes of 'The Wire' Season 2 in 2003. The character's arc culminated in a violent outburst, leading to his confession and imprisonment. He later played Cpl. Josh Ray Person in HBO's 2008 miniseries 'Generation Kill.' In horror, Ransone embodied the adult Eddie Kaspbrak in 'IT Chapter Two' (2019) and the deputy in 'Sinister' (2012) and 'Sinister 2' (2015), recently reprising his role as Max in 'Black Phone 2' (2025).
Other credits include Sean Baker's 'Tangerine' (2015) and 'Starlet' (2012), 'Oldboy' (2013), and TV appearances in 'Poker Face,' 'Bosch,' and 'Hawaii Five-0.' Ransone was open about his struggles with mental health, including a 1992 sexual assault accusation against a former tutor and recovery from a five-year heroin addiction.
Following his death on December 19, 2025, in Los Angeles, tributes poured in. Spike Lee, who directed him in 'Inside Man' and 'Red Hook Summer' (2012), posted on Instagram: 'Rest In Peace To My Dear Brother, MR. JAMES RANSONE. We Rocked Together On RED HOOK SUMMER And INSIDE MAN.' Larry Clark shared a photo from 'Ken Park' with 'RIP,' and actress Mya Taylor, his co-star in 'Tangerine,' wrote: 'RIP James Ransone... Such a sweet and funny guy. He helped me deal with fame... Love this man so much.'
Ransone is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their son. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's report confirmed the cause as hanging. For support, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available at 988.
