James Ransone, the American actor best known for portraying Ziggy Sobotka in HBO’s acclaimed series The Wire, has died at the age of 46. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, Ransone’s death on December 19, 2025, has been ruled a suicide by hanging at his Los Angeles residence, with police reporting no signs of foul play.
Ransone’s career spanned more than two decades, with his breakout role as Ziggy in the second season of The Wire earning strong recognition. He went on to appear in numerous television and film projects, including HBO productions such as Generation Kill and Treme, as well as horror films like It: Chapter Two and The Black Phone and its 2025 sequel.
Born James Finley Ransone III in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1979, he trained in the arts before breaking into the industry in the early 2000s. Over the course of his career, Ransone earned respect for his versatility and depth in portraying complex characters across genres. He is survived by his wife and two children.
His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans, and industry peers, many highlighting his memorable performances and the emotional honesty he brought to his roles.