James Ransone, best known for his roles on The Wire and Generation Kill, has died in Los Angeles. He was 46. The Los Angeles medical examiner confirmed his death was by suicide.
Ransone gained widespread recognition for playing Ziggy Sobotka in season two of The Wire and later portrayed Marine Cpl. Josh Ray Person in Generation Kill, both created by David Simon. He also appeared in It Chapter Two, where fans praised his performance among a high-profile cast.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from fans and colleagues. Actor Wendell Pierce, who worked with Ransone on The Wire and Treme, shared a heartfelt message online. Directors including Spike Lee, Larry Clark, and Sean Baker also honored him.
Ransone’s wife, Jamie McPhee, remembered him in a moving post, honoring their two young children and their family.
Born in Baltimore in 1979, Ransone studied at the Carver Center for Arts and Technology before breaking out in Ken Park and later The Wire. In past interviews, he spoke openly about personal trauma, addiction, and the emotional toll of acting, often describing how challenging roles affected his well-being.
His performances left a lasting impression for their intensity and humanity, and he is remembered by many as a deeply committed and talented actor.
