American actor James Ransone, celebrated for his portrayal of drug dealer Ziggy Sobotka in the acclaimed HBO series The Wire, has died at the age of 46.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Ransone took his own life on Friday, December 19.
Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department attended a residence where they conducted a death investigation, with authorities ruling out any suspicious circumstances.
The character actor, who frequently inhabited roles of men with troubled histories, built a substantial career across both television and film over more than two decades.
The Wire and It star James Ransone dies at 46 as tributes flood in | GETTYHis death was confirmed by officials on Sunday.
Mr Ransone was born in 1979 in Baltimore, Maryland – the very city that served as the primary backdrop for The Wire’s exploration of police work and the drug trade in early 2000s America.
In the critically acclaimed drama’s second season, he portrayed Ziggy, the wayward son of union boss Frank Sobotka, played by Chris Bauer.
His character worked the Baltimore docks before becoming entangled in drug dealing, appearing across 12 episodes.
James Ransone has died at 46
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The role saw Ziggy kill his business partner during an outburst of rage, subsequently confessing to police and ultimately serving a prison sentence.
Mr Ransone secured his first significant screen role in the 2002 teen drama Ken Park, with his casting in The Wire following a year later.
Beyond The Wire, MrRansone carved out a notable presence in Hollywood horror cinema.
He took on the adult version of Eddie Kaspbrak, the Derry-born limousine driver, in the 2019 sequel It: Chapter Two.
James Ransome built a substantial career across both television and film over more than two decades
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The actor also featured prominently in The Black Phone alongside its recently released follow-up, Black Phone 2.
His collaboration with HBO extended to the miniseries Generation Kill, where he portrayed real-life Marine Corporal Josh Ray Person opposite Alexander Skarsgård across all seven episodes.
According to IMDB, Ransone accumulated 77 acting credits throughout his career.
His filmography further included Sinister, the horror anthology V/H/S/85, Small Engine Repair, and What We Found.
He also appeared in Sean Baker’s 2015 breakthrough feature Tangerine.
James Ransone’s death was confirmed on Sunday
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Ransone’s most recent screen appearances came this year, with roles in the Peacock mystery series Poker Face and the horror sequel Black Phone 2.
His television work in recent years also encompassed Seal Team, 50 States of Fright, and The First.
The actor is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their children.
There is some discrepancy in reports regarding the number of children, with some sources indicating one son while others reference two children.
Ransone’s death marks the loss of a versatile performer who built a distinctive career playing complex, often troubled characters across prestige television and genre cinema.
If you or someone you know is struggling, contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
