James Ransone, the American actor who gave Ziggy Sobotka a heartbreaking performance in “The Wire” and whose credits included such hits as “It Chapter 2” and “Black Phone,” has died. He was 46 years old.
Ranson was found dead in Los Angeles on Friday and the death was ruled a suicide, according to a county coroner’s report. A GoFundMe has also been set up to support his family. He is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and two children, Jack and Violet.
The loss was hard on fans and colleagues alike, with his wife Jamie McPhee expressing their sadness in a message shared on Instagram, writing, “I’ve said I love you 1000 times and I know I’ll love you again. You told me I needed to be more of you and you needed to be more of me, and you were right. Thank you, Jack and Violet for the greatest gift. We are forever.”
From Baltimore roots to standout roles
Born in Baltimore on June 2, 1979, Ranson attended the George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology and later studied at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. His early film work included Larry Clark’s Ken Park (2002), John Waters’ Dirty Shame (2004), and Spike Lee’s Inside Man (2006).
But for many viewers, it was the acclaimed HBO series The Wire that won him over. Ransone played Chester “Ziggy” Sobotka for 12 episodes in the show’s second season, bringing a nervous, flawed humanity to a character who could be frustrating one moment and heartbroken the next. He then appeared in HBO’s Iraq war miniseries Generation Kill, playing Corporal Josh Ray Parson in all seven episodes.
Horror works and extensive filmography
Ransone also became a familiar face in the horror world, playing the adult Eddie Kaspbrak in IT Chapter 2 (2019), as well as appearing in Sinister (2012) and Sinister 2 (2015). Most recently, he reprized his role as Max from Black Phone 2 in The Black Phone (2021).
His other film work includes everything from Prom Night (2008) and Old Boy (2013) to Sean Baker’s Starlet (2012) and Tangerine (2015). His credits include Mr. Right (2015), Ti West’s Valley of Violence (2016), Gemini (2017), and V/H/S/85 (2023).
Condolences flooded in
When the news spread, condolences poured in from the director and co-stars. Spike Lee posted on Instagram: “Rest In Peace Dear Brother James Ransone. We rocked together on ‘Red Hook Summer’ and ‘Inside Man.'”
Director Scott Derrickson (“Sinister,” “Black Phone”) reflected on their long creative relationship and paid tribute to them on his Instagram Story. “Words cannot describe the sense of loss. He appeared in five films, all of which he gave unforgettable performances,” Derrickson wrote. “I’m grateful to have known him. I miss him so much already.”
Posted on: Chapter 2 Director Andy Muschietti: “PJ, I’m so lucky to have met you and to be your friend. I’ll miss you, Hermano ❤️”
Sean Baker, who directed Ranson in Tangerine and Starlet, wrote, “Dear friend, we will miss you.”
Mya Taylor, who worked with Ransone on Tangerine, said: “Rest in peace James Ransone. I’m so hurt. He was such a kind and funny man. He helped me deal with fame. He could light up a room with his smile and dimple. So funny and kind and I will miss him so much. I love this man so much.”
Madeline McGraw (Black Phone, Black Phone 2) wrote on her Instagram Stories, “I’m having a hard time putting into words the deep emptiness I’ve felt since learning of James Ransone’s death. My heart is completely shattered,” before adding, “James, you truly changed me.”
Wendell Pierce (The Wire) shared on X: “Sorry I couldn’t be by your side, brother. Rest in peace, James Ransone.”
I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you, brother. May James Ranson rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/Xt384kbWJJ
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) December 22, 2025
If you or someone you know needs support, we can get it for you. In Australia, Lifeline is available on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. In the United States, you can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
James Ransone “Sinister”
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