Actor James Ransone – best known for portraying Chester “Ziggy” Sobotka on HBO’s acclaimed crime drama “The Wire” and Eddie Kaspbrak in the horror hit “It: Chapter Two” – was found dead in his Los Angeles home on Friday, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed. Authorities say the manner of death was suicide by hanging, and no foul play is suspected. Ransone’s sudden passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from co-stars, directors and fans alike.
Through his performance as Ziggy on HBO’s acclaimed crime drama The Wire, Ransone established him as a compelling, emotionally layered actor. In 2019, the actor joined the star-studded cast of It: Chapter Two as grown-up Eddie Kaspbrak, a role originated by Jack Dylan Grazer, in the blockbuster horror franchise. His credits also include The Black Phone and its sequel, as well as Sinister, Tangerine and the HBO miniseries Generation Kill.
In the wake of the news, tributes from peers captured the depth of respect Ransone earned over his two-decade career.
Director Spike Lee, who worked with Ransone on Inside Man and Red Hook Summer, wrote on Instagram, “Rest In Peace To My Dear Brother, Mr James Ransone. We rocked together on Red Hook Summer and Inside Man.”
Fellow director Sean Baker, who cast him in Starlet and Tangerine, added, “I’ll miss you dearly my friend.” Larry Clark simply wrote, “Rip,” alongside a photo of Ransone from Ken Park. Co-star Mya Taylor remembered him as “a sweet and funny guy… he could light up a room with his smile and dimples. He will be missed.”
Ransone’s wife, Jamie McPhee – with whom he shares two children, Jack and Violet – shared an emotional tribute on social media, writing, “I told you I have loved you 1000 times before… Thank you for giving me the greatest gifts — you, Jack and Violet. We are forever.”
Prior to his death, Ransone had been open about his past struggles with drug addiction and childhood sexual abuse. He was 46.