James Ransone, Acclaimed Actor from The Wire and It: Chapter Two, Dies at 46
James Ransone, the acclaimed actor known for his memorable performances in The Wire, It: Chapter Two, The Black Phone and more, died by suicide on December 19, 2025, at the age of 46. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the cause of death as suicide by hanging.People.com+1
Tributes from fans and colleagues around the world have poured in, mourning the loss of a versatile and deeply respected performer whose work spanned television, film, and genre projects.Spokesman-Review
Career Highlights
Ransone rose to prominence with his breakthrough role as Chester “Ziggy” Sobotka in The Wire Season 2 (2003), bringing depth and nuance to the gritty HBO crime drama. Over the years, he built a diverse acting resume in both television and film.Spokesman-Review+1
Some of his most notable credits include:
| Project | Year | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Wire | 2003 | Ziggy Sobotka | Breakthrough TV role, 12 episodes |
| Generation Kill | 2008 | Cpl. Josh Ray Person | HBO miniseries, 7 episodes |
| It: Chapter Two | 2019 | Eddie Kaspbrak | Shared with Jack Dylan Grazer |
| The Black Phone | 2021 | Max Shaw | Horror thriller |
| Black Phone 2 | 2025 | Max Shaw | Final on-screen appearance |
He also appeared in horror favorites such as Sinister (2012) and Sinister 2 (2015), the indie film Tangerine (2015), and TV series including Poker Face, Law & Order, Hawaii Five-0 and SEAL Team.Spokesman-Review+1
Early Life and Background
Born June 2, 1979, in Baltimore, Maryland, James Finley Ransone III developed his passion for performance at an early age. He attended the George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, where he initially studied theater before exploring fine arts. Later, he briefly attended the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan.People.com+1
Before his acting career took off, Ransone worked behind the scenes in photography and performed in punk rock bands, showcasing his creative versatility.Extra
Personal Struggles and Openness
Ransone was candid about his personal struggles, particularly his battles with addiction and trauma. He spoke publicly in earlier interviews about overcoming heroin addiction and the emotional toll it took on his life and career. In 2021, he also shared a deeply personal account of childhood sexual abuse, acknowledging its long-lasting impact.Indiatimes+1
His openness about mental health resonated with many fans and highlighted the challenges faced by artists navigating both personal and professional pressures.E! Online
Legacy and Tributes
News of Ransone’s passing has sparked an outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues, and fellow actors, with many remembering him as a gifted performer whose work left a lasting impression across genres. Social media has been filled with tributes celebrating his legacy and the emotional depth he brought to his roles.Spokesman-Review