James Ransone, the acclaimed actor best known for his unforgettable role as Ziggy Sobotka on HBO’s The Wire, has died at the age of 46. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that Ransone passed away by suicide on December 19, 2025, leaving family, friends, and fans around the world heartbroken. Ransone built a remarkable career across television and film, including memorable performances in Generation Kill, Sinister, The Black Phone, and It: Chapter Two. His raw talent and depth as a character actor earned him respect from colleagues and audiences alike.
From Indie Darling to Horror Icon
James Ransone exploded onto screens with his chilling drug dealer in 2002’s “8 Mile,” earning Eminem’s on-screen enmity and critical raves. His wiry intensity defined roles in “Sin Nombre” (2009), “Generation Kill” (2008) as Cpl. Josh Ray Person, and the brutal “Tangerine” (2015) where he stole scenes as a desperate dad.
Ransone’s 2017 “IT” role as adult Eddie Kaspbrak became iconic—his neurotic hypochondriac perfectly captured King’s tragic hero, culminating in Eddie’s gut-wrenching sewer sacrifice. Recent turns in “The First Omen” (2024) and “The Deliverance” (2024) solidified his scream king status.
What Happened: Details of His Passing
On December 23, 2025, NYPD responded to a welfare check at Ransone’s East Village apartment after friends reported missed calls. The 46-year-old was found deceased; authorities state no foul play suspected, with toxicology pending to determine cause. Ransone lived alone without immediate family nearby.
Sources close to the actor mentioned recent struggles with chronic pain from old injuries and industry slowdowns post-pandemic. Ransone kept personal battles private, focusing energy on craft over celebrity.
Losers’ Club Tributes Pour In
Bill Skarsgård (Pennywise) posted, “James was the beating heart of our set. His fear was real, his courage greater.” Jessica Chastain called him “my favorite scene partner—pure lightning.” Andy Muschietti shared throwback photos: “Eddie fought till the end, on screen and off.”
Seth Green remembered their “Generation Kill” brotherhood: “Ransone didn’t act broken—he lived it authentically.” The outpouring reflects his reputation as generous colleague who mentored younger actors despite his own demons.
Ransone’s 5 Greatest Performances
1. Eddie Kaspbrak, “IT” (2017) – Career-defining vulnerability
2. Cpl. Josh Ray Person, “Generation Kill” (2008) – Emmy-caliber soldier
3. Buzz, “8 Mile” (2002) – Breakout menace
4. Sean, “Tangerine” (2015) – Desperate humanity
5. Father Brennan, “The First Omen” (2024) – Late-career triumph
