Actor James Ransone, best known for his role as Ziggy Sobotka on The Wire, has died at age 46. He was found unresponsive at a Los Angeles property on December 19, with authorities later ruling his death a suicide.
Born in Maryland, Ransone found purpose through acting after struggling in traditional schools, crediting an arts school with changing his life. His career was marked by intense, vulnerable performances in The Wire, Generation Kill, and acclaimed horror films including Sinister, The Black Phone, and It: Chapter Two.
Off screen, Ransone spoke openly about addiction, becoming sober at 27, and later shared his experience of childhood abuse to help others. He is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two children. The Wire creator David Simon called his death “grievous and awful,” praising both his talent and humanity.