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Actor James Ransone Dies at 46
Los Angeles, CA – Actor James Ransone, known for his impactful roles in “The Wire” and “It: Chapter Two,” has passed away at the age of 46. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed his death on Friday, citing apparent suicide.
Ransone left a significant mark on both television and film. Fans will remember his portrayal of Ziggy Sobotka in the critically acclaimed HBO series “The Wire” and his performance as Eddie Kaspbrak in the horror hit “It: Chapter Two.”
His extensive career also included roles in television series such as “Generation Kill” and “Bosch,” with his final TV appearance noted in a June episode of “Poker Face.” On the big screen, Ransone featured in the “Sinister” horror franchise, “Tangerine,” “Mr. Right,” and the “Black Phone” series of films.
In a 2016 interview with Interview Magazine, Ransone candidly discussed the social challenges he faced during his youth. “I did not fit in well with all of the kids,” he shared, highlighting adolescence as a particularly difficult period. He credited attending an arts school with saving him during those formative years, a path his mother helped him discover after he struggled in traditional public schools.
Ransone later attended film school in New York but admitted to dropping out. After a period of “kicking around” and exploring music, he ultimately found his true calling in acting.
He spoke openly about overcoming personal struggles, stating, “I woke up at 27 after being on heroin for five years. It was like I sobered up and I realized, ‘My job is being an actor.
This is crazy!'”
His sobriety journey began several months before working on “Generation Kill,” an experience he described as transformative. As the son of a Vietnam War veteran, being around young Marines offered him a unique perspective, helping him understand his father in a new light. “A lot of things started to make sense to me in a different way,” he explained, noting the profound personal impact of the role over its career implications.
James Ransone is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two children.
Representatives for Ransone have not yet responded to inquiries.
*If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help.
You can call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. *