James Ransone, the American actor best known for playing Chester 'Ziggy' Sobotka in the HBO crime drama The Wire, has died in Los Angeles at the age of 46. The Los Angeles medical examiner reported that his death on Friday was by suicide.
Ransone's role as the dock worker turned petty criminal in season two of David Simon's acclaimed series earned him widespread recognition. He later worked with Simon again in Generation Kill, portraying Marine Cpl Josh Ray Person. More recently, he appeared in It Chapter Two as Eddie Kaspbrak.
News of his death prompted tributes from colleagues and fans. Wendell Pierce, who acted alongside Ransone in The Wire and Treme, wrote: 'Sorry I couldn't be there for you, brother.' Film-makers Spike Lee, Larry Clark and Sean Baker also expressed their condolences.
Ransone's widow, Jamie McPhee, shared a tribute on social media, thanking him for their two children and writing: 'I have loved you 1000 times before and I know I will love you again.'
Born in Baltimore in 1979, Ransone attended the Carver Center for Arts and Technology. He disclosed in 2021 that he was sexually abused by a former tutor, which he said contributed to his struggles with addiction.
