James Ransone, Actor Known for Roles in The Wire and It: Chapter Two, Dies by Suicide at 46

James Ransone, the actor best known for playing Ziggy Sobotka on HBO’s The Wire and appearing as the adult Eddie Kaspbrak in It: Chapter Two, has died. He was 46.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner listed Ransone’s death as an apparent suicide. He died on Friday, Dec. 19.

Born June 2, 1979, in Baltimore, Maryland, Ransone was the son of Joyce (née Peterson) and James Ransone II. He gained wide recognition for his work on The Wire and later joined the ensemble cast of It: Chapter Two, based on Stephen King’s novel, alongside the younger version of Eddie portrayed by Jack Dylan Grazer.

Ransone’s film credits also included The Black Phone (2021) and its sequel Black Phone 2, as well as Sean Baker’s 2015 film Tangerine. He also appeared in projects such as Sinister.

On television, he made guest appearances on series including Law & Order and Hawaii Five-0, and most recently appeared on Natasha Lyonne’s Poker Face. Early in his career, he starred as Tate in the 2002 teen series Ken Park.

Following news of his death, HBO posted a tribute on X with a photo from The Wire, writing, “In loving memory of James Ransone.” Blumhouse also shared a statement on X, saying it was “saddened” by his passing and grateful to have worked with him on The Black Phone and Sinister, adding that its thoughts were with his loved ones.

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