The entertainment world is in mourning following the tragic news that actor James Ransone, best known for his unforgettable role as Ziggy Sobotka in HBO’s The Wire, has passed away at the age of 46.
According to reports from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Ransone was found dead on Friday, December 19, 2025. The cause of death has been officially confirmed as suicide by hanging.
A Legacy of Intense Performances
James Ransone was widely respected as a versatile character actor who brought a raw, jittery energy to every role. While he appeared in dozens of projects, he is most fondly remembered for:
- The Wire (Season 2): As Chester "Ziggy" Sobotka, he portrayed the tragic, impulsive son of a dockworker, delivering one of the most heartbreaking character arcs in television history.
- It: Chapter Two: He gained mainstream recognition as the adult Eddie Kaspbrak, perfectly capturing the mannerisms of the younger character while providing much-needed comedic relief and emotional depth.
- Generation Kill: He starred as Cpl. Josh Ray Person in the acclaimed HBO miniseries about the Iraq War.
- The Black Phone: Most recently, he appeared as Max in the hit 2021 horror film and its 2025 sequel.
Struggles and Advocacy
Behind the scenes, Ransone was remarkably open about his personal battles. In 2021, he went public with accounts of childhood sexual abuse he suffered at the age of 12, explaining how the trauma contributed to his past struggles with heroin addiction and mental health.
He had been sober since 2006 and often used his platform to speak about the "lifetime of shame" survivors carry, hoping to provide solace to others facing similar demons. His wife, Jamie McPhee, recently shared a fundraiser for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), underscoring the family's commitment to mental health awareness.
