James Ransone, beloved ‘The Wire’ actor who portrayed a gritty Baltimore dock worker, tragically died by suicide at 46, leaving Hollywood mourning and his family in grief.
Ransone’s Role in ‘The Wire’
James Ransone portrayed Ziggy Sobotka, son of dock worker Frank Sobotka played by Chris Bauer, in season two of HBO’s ‘The Wire’ from 2002 to 2008. Ransone appeared in 12 episodes, bringing authenticity to the Baltimore ports’ criminal underbelly. The series, created by David Simon, examined police, criminals, and institutions amid city crime. Co-stars included Wendell Pierce as Detective Bunk Moreland, Dominic West, Idris Elba, and the late Lance Reddick.
Sorry I couldn’t be there for you , brother. Rest in Peace James Ransone pic.twitter.com/Xt384kbWJJ
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) December 22, 2025
Wendell Pierce’s Tribute
Wendell Pierce, 62, posted an emotional tribute on X Sunday after Ransone’s Friday death. “Sorry I couldn’t be there for you, brother. Rest in Peace James Ransone,” Pierce wrote alongside a photo of Ransone in a white shirt staring at the camera. Pierce’s breakout role as Bunk Moreland defined his career in the acclaimed series that ran for six seasons.
Hollywood Tributes Pour In
Spike Lee shared an Instagram photo with Ransone, writing, “Rest In Peace To My Dear Brother, MR. JAMES RANSONE. We Rocked Together On RED HOOK SUMMER And INSIDE MAN.” Mya Taylor from ‘Tangerine’ (2015) posted, “RIP James Ransone. This hurt me so bad. Such a sweet and funny guy… Love this man so much.” Madeleine McGraw, Ransone’s ‘Black Phone’ co-star, said on Instagram Story, “My heart is absolutely shattered. James, you truly changed me.”
Details of Death and Family
LA County Medical Examiner listed Ransone’s cause of death as hanging in a shed. The ‘Generation Kill’ actor battled addiction prior to his passing. He leaves behind wife Jamie McPhee and two children. McPhee posted, “I told you I have loved you 1000 times before and I know I will love you again. You told me – I need to be more like you and you need to be more like me – and you were so right.”
Support for Ransone’s Family
McPhee shared a GoFundMe to aid her and children Jack and Violet “navigate life after an unimaginable loss.” The page seeks help for the mother of two facing sudden tragedy. Ransone’s death underscores mental health struggles in Hollywood, where stars face intense pressures. Resources like the 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline offer 24/7 support nationwide.
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‘The Wire’ actor James Ransone dies by suicide at 46
James Ransone’s widow breaks silence following the actor’s suicide