Actor James Ransone, who portrayed Ziggy Sobotka in the acclaimed TV series “The Wire,” has passed away at 46. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed that Ransone died by suicide on Friday.
Ransone was widely recognized for his role as Sobotka, a character involved in organized crime, on “The Wire.” Additionally, he showcased his talent in other television series such as “Bosch,” “Poker Face,” and “Generation Kill,” a miniseries depicting a Rolling Stone reporter embedded with American troops in Baghdad in 2003.
Among his notable film appearances, Ransone starred in several horror films including “It: Chapter Two,” “The Black Phone,” “Black Phone 2,” and two installments of the “Sinister” series.
In a 2016 interview with Interview magazine, Ransone shared his unconventional career trajectory, recounting his decision to leave film school at 19 and delve into photography before venturing back into acting. His involvement in “Generation Kill” marked a turning point in his perception of himself as an actor and deepened his understanding of his family background, particularly his father’s experience as a Vietnam War veteran.
Ransone also candidly discussed his battle with addiction, which he triumphed over prior to filming “Generation Kill.”
Following his tragic passing, tributes poured in from Ransone’s loved ones, including his wife Jamie McPhee, who expressed her profound love and gratitude for their family on social media. Actor Wendell Pierce also mourned Ransone’s death, regretting not being able to provide support.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist Ransone’s wife and children during this challenging time.
Efforts to reach Ransone’s representatives for comment were made by The Associated Press on Sunday.
If you or someone you know is struggling, various helplines and resources are available for support in Canada. This includes the Suicide Crisis Helpline, Quebec’s suicide prevention line, Kids Help Phone, the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, and resources provided by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.