American actor James Ransone, widely acclaimed for his transformative role as Ziggy Sobotka in the HBO masterpiece The Wire, has died at the age of 46, per metro.co.uk.
His death was confirmed on Sunday, with the Los Angeles Medical Examiner ruling the cause as suicide. Police attended Ransone’s residence on Friday; however, officials have stated that no foul play is suspected.
Born in Baltimore, Ransone built a prolific career across television and film, often portraying complex, troubled characters with a raw vulnerability. He is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two children. McPhee has since shared a fundraiser for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on her social media channels.
Ransone’s breakthrough came in the 2002 drama Ken Park, but it was his haunting performance in the second season of The Wire that cemented his reputation. As Ziggy, the impulsive and tragic son of a dock union leader, Ransone provided the emotional “beating heart” of the season, embodying a specific brand of Shakespearean tragedy.
His television credits were extensive, including, Generation Kill: Playing Cpl. Josh Ray Person; Treme: Reuniting with David Simon for the New Orleans-based drama.
Also, How to Make It in America and Bosch and Poker Face: His final TV appearance, which aired earlier this year.
On the big screen, Ransone was a fixture in the horror genre. He starred in the Sinister franchise and earned praise as the adult Eddie Kaspbrak in the 2019 blockbuster It Chapter Two. His final film credit will be a cameo in the upcoming The Black Phone 2, having reprised his role from the 2021 original.
The news has prompted a wave of tributes from former colleagues. Wendell Pierce, who starred alongside him in both The Wire and Treme, shared a poignant message on X: “Sorry I couldn’t be there for you, brother. Rest in Peace.”
Director Spike Lee, who cast Ransone in Inside Man, also paid his respects, while 17-year-old actress Madeline McGraw, his Black Phone co-star, described him as a “beautiful soul” who offered her invaluable guidance.
Ransone was notably candid about his personal history, speaking openly about surviving childhood abuse and his subsequent journey through addiction to sobriety. Fans have noted that his bravery in discussing these traumas “fundamentally changed” how many processed their own experiences.
•Featured image: James Ransone/Nichole McCall/Avalon
