James Ransone Dies of Apparent Suicide at Age 46

The actor, best known for his roles on 'The Wire' and 'It: Chapter Two,' died on Friday.

James Ransone in a suit and tie stands in front of a backdrop featuring a menacing clown face.
Emma McIntyre/FilmMagic

James Ransone has died of an apparent suicide at age 46.

According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, the actor died by hanging on Friday (Dec. 19). A source told TMZ that the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call to a residence and ultimately determined that no foul play was suspected.

Ransone, born in Baltimore in 1979, attended the Carver Center for Arts and Technology from 1993 to 1997 and got his break in the 2002 teen drama Ken Park.

He appeared as Chester "Ziggy" Sabotka in 12 episodes of the second season of The Wire. He starred as Cpl. Josh Ray Person in HBO's Generation Kill and played the older Eddie Kaspbrak in 2019’s It: Chapter Two. His recent work included films like Black Phone 2 and TV shows such as Poker Face.

Following the news, the official HBO account shared a tribute to the actor on their social media, writing, “In loving memory of James Ransone.”

Production company Blumhouse shared a statement to their X account, reading, “We are saddened by the passing of James Ransone. We are grateful to have worked with him on The Black Phone and Sinister movies. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.”

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

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide: help is available. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached 24/7 by calling or texting 988.

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