James Ransone, known for his role as Ziggy Sobotka in the popular TV series “The Wire,” has passed away at 46 years old. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed that Ransone died by suicide on Friday.
Ransone was recognized for his portrayal of Sobotka, a character involved in organized crime, on “The Wire.” He also appeared in TV series such as “Bosch” and “Poker Face,” as well as in the miniseries “Generation Kill,” depicting a Rolling Stone journalist embedded with American troops in Baghdad during 2003.
Among his notable film credits are various horror movies, including “It: Chapter Two,” “The Black Phone,” “Black Phone 2,” and installments from the “Sinister” franchise.
In a 2016 Interview magazine feature, Ransone shared details about his unconventional career journey, mentioning his decision to drop out of film school at 19 and his transition from photography to acting gigs. He expressed that his role in “Generation Kill” not only marked a turning point in his acting career but also helped him better understand his family background, particularly his father’s experience as a Vietnam War veteran.
Ransone also opened up about his past struggles with addiction, which he conquered prior to filming “Generation Kill.”
Following his passing, tributes from Ransone’s loved ones, including his wife Jamie McPhee, flooded social media platforms. Pierce, a fellow actor, expressed remorse for not being able to support Ransone in his time of need.
A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to aid Ransone’s wife and children in the wake of this tragedy.
Efforts to reach Ransone’s representatives for comments by The Associated Press on Sunday were unsuccessful.