James ransone the wire star dies age 46 in apparent suicide 20251222 p5pqea.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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James Ransone, actor who starred in The Wire and It: Chapter Two, dies age 46

Mikala Theocharous
Mikala Theocharous

The Wire star James Ransone has died. He was 46.

Ransone was found unresponsive at a home in Los Angeles on Friday (Saturday AEST).

His cause of death was ruled as suicide, according to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner.

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James Ransone at AOL HQ on October 17, 2016 in New York City.

The Wire star James Ransone has died aged 46. FilmMagic

The star is best known for playing Ziggy Sobotka in The Wire, a drama series that ran from 2002 to 2008.

Ransone appeared in 12 episodes of the show, according to IMDB, starring in the second season of the series.

By 2003, he had also acted in other projects, including small parts in CSI Law and Order and bigger roles in Generation Kill, Bosch, and Poker Face.

He also starred in films Prom Night, IT: Chapter Two, Sinister and Sinister 2.

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Actor James Ransone as Ziggy  in The Wire

Actor James Ransone as Ziggy Sobotka in The Wire.  The Wire/HBO

The actor previously discussed his mental health battles and struggles with addiction.

In 2021, Ransone revealed in an instagram post that he was a survivor of sexual abuse, posting a picture of an email he sent to his alleged abuser.

He added that the abuse led him to "a lifetime of shame and embarrassment," which contributed to his struggles with alcohol and drugs.

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James Ransone The Theatre At The Ace Hotel on June 24, 2015 in Los Angeles, California.

The actor previously discussed his mental health battles and struggles with addiction. WireImage

James Ransone

Ransone was hailed as a hero for saving a woman from being sexually assulted outside his New York apartment in 2006. Getty

Ransone got sober in 2006 and reported the sexual abuse in 2020.

The same year he got sober, Ransone was hailed as a hero for saving a woman from being sexually assaulted outside his New York apartment, according to The Sun.

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He heard someone crying for help, so he grabbed a metal bar and ran outside, confronting the attacker.

"I did what anybody would have done," he said at the time.

"I pictured my mom, my girlfriend and every girl I've ever loved and thought, 'Vengeance is mine.'"

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Fans have started giving tributes to Ransone, calling him an "incredible actor."

He is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee and his two children.

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.

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