SHOCK AND HEARTBREAK: James Ransone — the haunting face of The Wire and IT: Chapter Two — has died at 46 in a confirmed suicide, sending shockwaves through Hollywood and leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions

James Ransone, Actor Known for Roles in The Wire and It: Chapter Two, Dies by Suicide at 46

Ransone played the character Ziggy Sobotka in the hit HBO series ‘The Wire,’ and the elder version of Eddie Kaspbrak in ‘It: Chapter Two’

James Ransone attends the Premiere Of Warner Bros' "Annabelle Comes Home" at Regency Village Theatre on June 20, 2019 in Westwood, California.
James Ransone on June 20, 2019. Credit: Jon Kopaloff/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • James Ransone has died at the age of 46
  • According to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner, the actor died on Friday, Dec. 19, in an apparent suicide
  • Ransone was known for his roles in The Wire and It: Chapter Two

James Ransone, an actor known for his roles in The Wire and It: Chapter Two, has died. He was 46.

According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Ransone died on Friday, Dec. 19, in an apparent suicide.

James Ransone attends the Premiere Of Warner Bros. Pictures' "It Chapter Two" at Regency Village Theatre on August 26, 2019 in Westwood, California.
James Ransone attends the premiere “It Chapter Two” in 2019. Jon Kopaloff/Getty 

Ransone was born in Baltimore, Md., to Joyce (née Peterson) and James Ransone II on June 2, 1979.

He played the character Ziggy Sobotka on the hit HBO series The Wire, and the elder version of Eddie Kaspbrak in It: Chapter Two, the sequel to the horror film It, based on Stephen King‘s novel. (The younger version of the role was portrayed by Jack Dylan Grazer.)

James Ransone discusses ""IT: Chapter 2" and "The First" with Build Brunch at Build Studio on October 12, 2018 in New York City
James Ransone in 2018. Roy Rochlin/Getty

Ransone’s other film credits included 2021’s The Black Phone — as well as this year’s sequel Black Phone 2 — and Sean Baker‘s 2015 film Tangerine.

He also made appearances on TV series, including Law & Order, Hawaii Five-0 and, most recently, Natasha Lyonne‘s Poker Face.

Ransone got his break starring as Tate in the 2002 teen series Ken Park.

Following the news of his death on Sunday, HBO shared a tribute on X. Alongside a photo of Ransone in The Wire, the network wrote, “In loving memory of James Ransone.”

Production company Blumhouse also remembered Ransone on X, writing: “We are saddened by the passing of James Ransone. We are grateful to have worked with him on The Black Phone and Sinister movies. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.

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