James Ransone, “The Wire” Actor, Dies at 46, Medical Examiner Says

Actor James Ransone, known for playing Chester “Ziggy” Sobotka on HBO’s “The Wire” and appearing in films including “It: Chapter Two” and “The Black Phone,” has died in Los Angeles. He was 46. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office listed his death on Friday, Dec. 19, and recorded the manner of death as suicide.

Ransone built a career as a high-impact character actor whose work moved between prestige TV and genre films. After an early break in “Ken Park,” he became closely identified with “The Wire” and later worked again on David Simon projects, including “Generation Kill.” His credits also included series such as “Bosch” and “Poker Face,” and his recent film work leaned into horror, where he played roles that mixed menace with damaged vulnerability.

News of his death prompted tributes from colleagues and companies that employed him. HBO posted a photo of Ransone as Ziggy with the caption, “In loving memory of James Ransone.” Blumhouse, which worked with him on “The Black Phone” and the “Sinister” films, said it was “saddened by the passing” and sent condolences to his loved ones. Actor Wendell Pierce, his co-star on “The Wire,” wrote on X, “Sorry I couldn’t be there for you, brother,” followed by “Rest in Peace James Ransone.”

In Baltimore, Simon called Ransone’s death “grievous and awful” in a statement carried by a local outlet, reflecting how closely the actor remained tied to the show that introduced him to many viewers. Police in Los Angeles declined to comment publicly on the case, citing department policy on suicides, according to one report.

Ransone had spoken publicly about painful experiences from his childhood and about addiction, describing how trauma shaped parts of his life. In recent hours, reports noted a fundraiser linked to his widow’s social media supporting the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

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