American actor James Ransone, best known for his gritty portrayal of Ziggy Sobotka in HBO’s acclaimed crime series The Wire, has died at the age of 46, sending shockwaves through the global film and television community.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that Ransone’s death has been ruled a suicide. No further details were released by authorities at the time of reporting.
Ransone built a respected career across television and film, earning praise for his intense, emotionally layered performances in projects that often explored the darker edges of the human experience.
Beyond The Wire, he was widely recognised for his roles in HBO’s war drama Generation Kill, as well as major films including It: Chapter Two, The Black Phone, and Sinister, where his raw screen presence left a lasting impression on audiences.
Born on June 2, 1979, in Baltimore, Maryland, Ransone remained closely connected to his roots, with The Wire—also set in Baltimore—becoming a defining chapter of his career.
He is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two children, who have received an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues following the announcement of his death.
In past interviews, Ransone spoke candidly about his struggles with addiction and personal trauma, a honesty that many admirers say made his performances even more authentic. Tributes continue to pour in, celebrating not only his talent, but the emotional depth and vulnerability he brought to every role.
