James Ransone, the American actor best known for his role as Ziggy Sobotka in HBO’s The Wire, has died at 46.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has ruled his death a suicide by hanging.
Ransone’s career spanned film and television, with notable roles in Generation Kill, It: Chapter Two, The Black Phone, and Sinister.
Born on June 2, 1979, in Baltimore, Maryland, he is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two children.
Ransone had openly discussed his struggles with addiction and trauma.
His passing has prompted tributes from fans and colleagues, highlighting his talent and impact on the industry.
Director Spike Lee, who cast Ransone in Inside Man (2006) and Red Hook Summer (2012), paid tribute to the actor on Instagram: “Rest in Peace to My Dear Brother, Mr. James Ransone. We Rocked Together on Red Hook Summer and Inside Man.”
Mya Taylor, Ransone’s Tangerine co-star, wrote on Instagram:“RIP James Ransone. This hurt me so bad. Such a sweet and funny guy. He helped me deal with fame. He could light up a room with his smile and dimples. So funny and sweet and he will be missed. Love this man so much.”
Madeleine McGraw, who worked with Ransone on The Black Phone films, posted a lengthy tribute on her Instagram stories, describing him as:“Such a beautiful soul, full of passion and so much kindness” and “so genuinely supportive,” writing, “James, you truly changed me. You inspired me in ways I’ll carry forever… Rest in peace, my friend. You were one of a kind.”
Wendell Pierce, Ransone’s co-star from The Wire and Treme, wrote on X: “Sorry I couldn’t be there for you, brother. Rest in Peace James Ransone.”
Filmmaker Larry Clark, whose 2002 film Ken Park featured Ransone, shared a photo on his Instagram stories with the message:“RIP.”
Jamie McPhee who is the wife of the deceased and also shares son Jack, six, and daughter Violet, four, with the late star, posted a sweet image showing him cradling her baby bump.
She wrote in the caption: “I told you I have loved you 1000 times before and I know I will love you again… You told me…
“I need to be more like you and you need to be more like me – and you were so right. Thank you for giving me the greatest gifts – you, Jack and Violet. We are forever.”
Jamie has since shared a fundraiser for the National Alliance on Mental Illness on her social media.