The entertainment world is mourning the sudden and tragic death of James Ransone, the versatile character actor best known for his unforgettable roles as Ziggy Sobotka in HBO’s groundbreaking series The Wire and adult Eddie Kaspbrak in the horror blockbuster IT Chapter Two. Ransone was found dead on December 19, 2025, in a shed on a property in Los Angeles, with authorities confirming the manner of death as suicide by hanging. At just 46 years old, his passing has left fans, colleagues, and loved ones devastated, prompting an outpouring of tributes celebrating his talent and reflecting on his personal struggles.

A recent portrait of James Ransone captures his intense gaze and distinctive presence that defined his on-screen performances.

Born James Finley Ransone III on June 2, 1979, in Baltimore, Maryland, Ransone grew up in the same gritty urban landscape that would later serve as the backdrop for The Wire. The son of Joyce Peterson and James Finley Ransone II, a Vietnam War veteran, he discovered his passion for the arts early on. Struggling in traditional schools, Ransone auditioned for and attended the Carver Center for Arts and Technology in Towson, where he honed his skills in performing arts. This foundation propelled him into a career that spanned nearly 80 credits across television and film, marked by raw intensity and emotional depth.

Ransone’s breakout came in 2003 with his portrayal of Chester “Ziggy” Sobotka in the second season of The Wire. As the impulsive, troubled dockworker entangled in his family’s criminal world, Ziggy became one of the show’s most polarizing yet memorable characters—vulnerable, chaotic, and ultimately tragic. Ransone’s performance earned critical acclaim for its authenticity, drawing from his Baltimore roots. He later reflected on how the role cast a long shadow, with fans forever associating him with Ziggy’s flaws, yet he remained proud of its impact.

Ransone as Ziggy Sobotka in The Wire, a role that showcased his ability to embody complex, flawed characters.

Building on that momentum, Ransone reunited with The Wire creator David Simon for the 2008 miniseries Generation Kill, playing real-life Marine Corporal Josh Ray Person with sharp wit and unflinching realism. His collaborations extended to other HBO projects, including appearances in Treme and Bosch. In film, he gravitated toward indie and horror genres, delivering standout turns in Sean Baker’s acclaimed Tangerine (2015), Spike Lee’s Oldboy remake (2013), and the Sinister franchise (2012 and 2015), where he played a quirky deputy turned lead exorcist.

Perhaps his most widely recognized role came in 2019’s IT Chapter Two, directed by Andy Muschietti. As the adult Eddie Kaspbrak—a hypochondriac risk assessor haunted by childhood traumas—Ransone brought neurotic humor and profound vulnerability to the ensemble cast alongside Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, and Bill Hader. His chemistry with the Losers’ Club elevated the film’s emotional core, earning praise for capturing the essence of the character’s growth from fear to bravery.

Ransone as adult Eddie Kaspbrak in IT Chapter Two, a performance lauded for its blend of comedy and pathos.

Ransone’s later credits included Ethan Hawke’s The Black Phone (2021) and its sequel, as well as roles in V/H/S/85, Small Engine Repair, and Natasha Lyonne’s Poker Face. His work often explored troubled souls navigating darkness, mirroring aspects of his own life that he shared candidly in interviews.

Throughout his career, Ransone was open about personal demons. He battled heroin addiction and alcoholism, achieving sobriety in his late 20s after years of hardship, including periods of debt and instability. In 2021, he publicly alleged childhood sexual abuse by a former tutor, a revelation that highlighted his courage in addressing trauma. Fatherhood—to two children with his wife, Jamie McPhee—brought new purpose, though he admitted it forced him to confront unresolved shame. Colleagues described him as kind, magnetic, and profoundly talented, a “beautiful soul” whose intensity on screen stemmed from genuine empathy.

The circumstances of his death have sparked conversations about mental health in Hollywood. Found in a shed in Los Angeles, with no foul play suspected, the loss feels particularly poignant amid his ongoing contributions to film. Tributes flooded social media, from directors like Spike Lee and Sean Baker to fans recalling his transformative performances. HBO honored him with a simple yet heartfelt remembrance, acknowledging his indelible mark on their landmark series.

Ransone is survived by his wife Jamie McPhee and their two young children. In the wake of his passing, McPhee shared a link to a fundraiser for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), underscoring the family’s commitment to raising awareness. Friends and industry peers have emphasized the need for support systems, reminding that even those who bring light to others can struggle in silence.

James Ransone’s legacy endures through his body of work—roles that humanized the marginalized, the fearful, and the broken. From Baltimore docks to Derry’s sewers, he infused characters with raw humanity, leaving audiences moved and reflective. His untimely departure at 46 is a profound loss, but his contributions to storytelling will resonate for generations.

A poignant image from his later years, reflecting the depth Ransone brought to his craft.

In a career defined by resilience and authenticity, Ransone reminded us of art’s power to heal and reveal. Though gone too soon, his voice—quirky, vulnerable, unforgettable—lives on in the stories he helped tell.