In Memoriam: Remembering James Ransone, Star of The Wire and It: Chapter Two
We are deeply saddened to share the news that actor James Ransone passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025, in Los Angeles. He was 46 years old.
Ransone was a talented and versatile character actor with 77 credits to his name, known for bringing complex and often troubled characters to life on both the big and small screens.
A Memorable Career
Ransone earned critical acclaim for his standout role as the ill-fated dockworker Ziggy Sobotka in the second season of the HBO crime drama The Wire. His powerful and tragic portrayal left a lasting impression on fans of the series.
He was also well known in the horror community for his role as the adult Eddie Kaspbrak in the film It: Chapter Two, and appeared in other popular horror films such as Sinister and The Black Phone.
His other notable television credits included roles in HBO's Generation Kill, as Cpl. Josh-Ray Pearson, as well as appearances in Treme, Bosch, and a recent episode of Poker Face.
Personal Struggles and Legacy
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1979, Ransone was open about his past struggles with addiction and spoke about his journey to sobriety in a 2016 interview.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office ruled his death a suicide. His wife, Jamie McPhee, reportedly posted a fundraiser for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) around the time of his passing, in what appears to be a tribute to his memory and struggles.
James Ransone is survived by his wife and their two children.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. He will be dearly missed in the entertainment community