James Ransone Dies at 46: 'The Wire,' 'IT Chapter Two,' and 'The Black Phone' Actor's Tragic Passing

James Ransone Dies at 46: Remembering the Versatile Actor Behind 'The Wire,' 'IT Chapter Two,' and 'The Black Phone'The entertainment industry is reeling from the heartbreaking news that James Ransone, the acclaimed actor renowned for his intense and memorable performances, has passed away at the age of 46. According to reports from major outlets like TMZ, Variety, and Deadline, James Ransone died on December 19, 2025, in Los Angeles, with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruling the cause as suicide by hanging. This tragic loss has sparked an outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues, and the broader Hollywood community, highlighting the profound impact Ransone had through his work in television and film.Born James Finley Ransone III on June 2, 1979, in Baltimore, Maryland, Ransone's connection to his hometown played a pivotal role in his breakout role. He attended the Carver Center for Arts and Technology in nearby Towson, where he honed his craft before briefly studying at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. His early career included small roles in shows like "Law & Order" and films such as Larry Clark's controversial "Ken Park" (2002), but it was his portrayal of Chester "Ziggy" Sobotka in Season 2 of HBO's groundbreaking series The Wire that catapulted him to critical acclaim.In The Wire (2003), Ransone's Ziggy was a complex, tragic figure—a dock worker struggling with inadequacy, impulsivity, and a desperate need for respect in Baltimore's gritty underworld. Many consider Season 2 one of the show's most underrated, and Ransone's raw, vulnerable performance as Ziggy remains one of its standout elements. Fans often revisit Ziggy's arc for its emotional depth, cementing Ransone's reputation as a character actor capable of portraying profound inner turmoil.Following The Wire, Ransone continued to shine in HBO projects. In 2008, he delivered a riveting performance as Corporal Josh Ray Person in the miniseries Generation Kill, based on the real-life experiences of U.S. Marines during the Iraq War. His fast-talking, irreverent marine earned praise for its authenticity and humor amid chaos. He later appeared in recurring roles on Treme and Bosch, showcasing his versatility across genres.Ransone's film career flourished with a string of supporting roles in notable projects. He appeared in Spike Lee's Inside Man (2006), Sean Baker's acclaimed Tangerine (2015) as Chester, and even earned a Film Independent Spirit Award nomination for his work. But it was his foray into horror that introduced him to a new generation of fans.In 2012, Ransone played the quirky Deputy (often referred to as "Deputy So-and-So") in Scott Derrickson's Sinister, starring alongside Ethan Hawke. The role was so beloved that he reprised it as the lead in the 2015 sequel Sinister 2. Derrickson collaborated with Ransone again in 2021's The Black Phone, where he portrayed Max, the eccentric brother of the film's villain (played by Ethan Hawke). Ransone returned for the 2025 sequel The Black Phone 2, marking one of his final on-screen appearances.Perhaps his most high-profile role came in 2019 with Andy Muschietti's IT Chapter Two, the blockbuster adaptation of Stephen King's horror epic. As the adult Eddie Kaspbrak—one of the Losers' Club members haunted by Pennywise the Dancing Clown—Ransone starred opposite heavyweights like Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Bill Hader, and Bill Skarsgård. His portrayal of the hypochondriac, anxiety-ridden Eddie brought humor, heart, and heroism to the ensemble, earning widespread praise. Scenes like Eddie's confrontations with Pennywise became fan favorites, solidifying Ransone's place in modern horror history.Throughout his career, spanning nearly 80 credits on IMDb, Ransone appeared in diverse projects including Poker Face Season 2, SEAL Team, V/H/S/85, and Small Engine Repair. His ability to embody flawed, relatable characters—often with a mix of vulnerability and edge—made him a go-to for directors seeking authenticity.Beyond his professional achievements, Ransone was open about his personal struggles. He spoke candidly about overcoming heroin addiction, achieving sobriety at age 27, and in 2021, revealed he was a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. These disclosures resonated deeply with fans, many of whom credited him with inspiring their own journeys toward healing and sobriety. His honesty underscored the importance of mental health awareness, especially in an industry often plagued by unspoken pressures.Ransone is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their children. In the wake of his passing, tributes have flooded social media, with fans rewatching The Wire, IT Chapter Two, and The Black Phone to celebrate his legacy. One X user described him as "a magnetic force of nature on and off screen," while others highlighted how his openness about trauma changed lives.This tragic news serves as a somber reminder of the mental health challenges many face, even those in the spotlight. Resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available 24/7 for anyone in need. James Ransone's contributions to film and television—from gritty dramas like The Wire to terrifying horrors like IT Chapter Two and The Black Phone—will endure, ensuring his talent lives on.Rest in peace, James Ransone (1979-2025). Your performances touched countless lives.