Actor James Ransone, best known for his memorable roles in The Wire and major films such as It Chapter Two, has died at the age of 46. There was an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans who remembered his range, warmth, and commitment to his craft.
James Ransone passes away at 46
Hollywood is sharing an outpouring of grief following the death of James Ransone. Tributes from collaborators highlight a respected and beloved colleague. Spike Lee, who directed Ransone in Inside Man and Red Hook Summer, honored him on social media, writing, “Rest In Peace To My Dear Brother, MR. JAMES RANSONE. We Rocked Together On RED HOOK SUMMER And INSIDE MAN.” Director Sean Baker, who worked with Ransone on Starlet and Tangerine, posted, “I’ll miss you dearly my friend.”
Costars also shared personal memories. Mya Taylor, his co-star in Tangerine, recalled him as “such a sweet and funny guy” who “could light up a room.” Madeleine McGraw, who acted alongside him in The Black Phone films, described him as “a beautiful soul” and “so genuinely supportive.”
Actor Wendell Pierce, who worked with Ransone on The Wire and Treme, also expressed his condolences, writing, “Sorry I couldn’t be there for you, brother. Rest in Peace James Ransone.”
Ransone rose to prominence by playing Chester “Ziggy” Sobotka on The Wire, giving a performance that left a lasting impact during the show’s Season 2. He later starred as Cpl. Josh Ray Person in HBO’s Generation Kill and played the adult Eddie Kaspbrak in It: Chapter Two. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed James Ransone’s cause of death in its report, stating that he died by suicide. Officials did not release further details.
For those struggling with thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, help is available. You can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Originally reported by Devanshi Basu on Mandatory.
