James Finley Ransone III, an American actor celebrated for his intense and memorable performances on television and in film, has died at the age of 46.
This was reported by the TMZ server.
It: Chapter 2 actor James Ransone has died by suicide
Authorities in Los Angeles confirmed that Ransone died by suicide on Friday, with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office citing hanging as the cause of death. Police responded to a call at the residence where a death investigation was underway and foul play was not suspected, according to TMZ.
Ransone’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans around the world.
Born on June 2, 1979 in Baltimore, Maryland, Ransone began his career in the early 2000s, quickly establishing himself as a versatile character actor with an impressive screen presence.
His role and legacy
His breakthrough role came in the critically acclaimed HBO crime drama ‘The Wire’, portraying Chester “Ziggy” Sobotka in the series’ second season. Ziggy, the brash and troubled son of a longshoreman trapped in Baltimore’s criminal underworld, became one of the show’s indelible characters, thanks in no small part to Ransone’s nuanced performance over 12 episodes.
“The Wire” itself has since been widely recognized as one of the greatest television dramas of its era, known for its unflinching portrayal of systemic dysfunction and its richly drawn cast.
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Ransone’s work extended far beyond his early HBO success. He went on to work with the network on other major productions, including the intense Iraq War miniseries Generation Kill (2008), in which he played Corporal Josh Ray Person, and later recurring parts on Treme and the crime series Bosch.
These roles showcased his ability to inhabit a wide range of characters, from hardened soldiers to complex urban figures, earning him respect in the industry and among audiences.
On the big screen, Ransone made a significant impact on genre film. He appeared in the supernatural horror films Sinister (2012) and Sinister 2 (2015), delivering performances that balanced terrifying intensity with grounded realism.
In 2019, he reached an even wider audience with the role of adult Eddie Kaspbrak in It: Chapter Two, the sequel to the highly successful adaptation of Stephen King’s novel. Ransone’s portrayal of Eddie, one of the Losers Club who reunites to face the malevolent force known as Pennywise, was widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance among Hollywood heavyweights such as Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Bill Hader and Bill Skarsgard.
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His other notable film credits include Tangerine (2015), an acclaimed indie comedy drama, and Black Phone (2021), a horror thriller in which he played Max, a character that added to his reputation for choosing diverse and challenging projects. His work spanned more than two dozen films and numerous television appearances, reflecting a career characterized by scope and dedication to craft.
Off screen, Ransone has been open about his personal struggles, including struggles with addiction and the long-term effects of trauma. He got sober in the mid-2000s and spoke openly about his recovery and resilience in interviews, helping to destigmatize discussions of mental health in the entertainment community.
James Ransone is survived by his wife Jamie McPhee and their child. His death sparked renewed conversations about mental health support for artists and those dealing with trauma.
