Who was James Ransone? The Wire actor known for Ziggy Sobotka dies by suicide at 46

American actor James Ransone, best known for his roles in HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Wire and the film It Chapter Two, has died at the age of 46. According to reports from the Los Angeles medical examiner, Ransone died by suicide in Los Angeles on Friday.

Ransone was widely recognised for his powerful portrayal of Chester “Ziggy” Sobotka, a troubled dock worker who turns to petty crime, in the second season of ‘The Wire’. His performance made Ziggy one of the most memorable and complex characters in the series. He later went on to star in HBO’s war miniseries Generation Kill, where he appeared in all seven episodes as real-life Marine Corporal Josh Ray Person, acting alongside Alexander Skarsgård.

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Among those paying tribute was fellow actor François Arnaud, who wrote on Instagram, “RIP James Ransone. Unique actor that I was continuously impressed and inspired by.”

Who was James Ransone?

Born in Baltimore in 1979, Ransone studied at the Carver Centre for Arts and Technology in Towson, Maryland, between 1993 and 1997. He got his early break in the 2002 teen drama Ken Park before landing his defining role on The Wire a year later.

In 2021, Ransone publicly shared that he had been sexually abused by a former tutor employed in Maryland public schools, according to a report by the Baltimore Sun. He later wrote on Instagram that the abuse contributed to struggles with alcohol and heroin addiction. Page Six reported that authorities chose not to pursue criminal charges.

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In recent years, Ransone also featured in It Chapter Two, playing Eddie Kaspbrak. Following news of his death, fans and colleagues flooded social media with tributes, recalling his ability to leave a lasting impact even in ensemble casts that included Bill Hader, Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy and Bill Skarsgård.

In a 2016 interview with Interview Magazine, Ransone reflected on his relationship with acting, saying he would “wrestle with the catharsis of acting.” Speaking about the emotional weight of his roles, he once said, “So I find myself living in a lot of unlikable skin. As a result of that, I don't always feel good.”