James Ransone tributes flood in after death of ‘The Wire’ star

Tributes from directors, co-stars, and fans have been pouring in for actor James Ransone—best known for playing Ziggy Sobotka in the TV show The Wire—after he was found dead, aged 46, on Friday, December 19. 

What To Know

According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Ransone died by suicide.

Ransone’s acting career spanned more than 20 years (2001–2025), earning critical acclaim as Ziggy Sobotka in Season 2 of The Wire. He appeared in a variety of roles—from Tate in Ken Park (2002), to major horror films like Sinister and It: Chapter Two, as well as HBO’s Generation Kill. 

Ransone is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and two children, according to The New York Post.

What People Are Saying

Director Spike Lee, who cast Ransone in Inside Man (2006) and Red Hook Summer (2012), paid tribute to the actor on Instagram: “Rest In Peace To My Dear Brother, Mr. James Ransone. We Rocked Together On Red Hook Summer And Inside Man.” 

Filmmaker Larry Clark, whose 2002 film Ken Park featured Ransone, shared a photo on his Instagram stories with the message: “RIP.”

Sean Baker, director of Anora (2024), best picture at the 2025 Oscars, as well as Tangerine (2015) and Starlet (2012) in which Ransone had roles, posted on Instagram: “I’ll miss you dearly my friend.” 

Mya Taylor, Ransone’s Tangerine co-star, wrote on Instagram: “RIP James Ransone. This hurt me so bad. Such a sweet and funny guy. He helped me deal with fame. He could light up a room with his smile and dimples. So funny and sweet and he will be missed. Love this man so much.”

Madeleine McGraw, who worked with Ransone on The Black Phone films, posted a lengthy tribute on her Instagram stories, describing him as: “Such a beautiful soul, full of passion and so much kindness” and “so genuinely supportive,” writing, “James, you truly changed me. You inspired me in ways I’ll carry forever… Rest in peace, my friend. You were one of a kind.”

Wendell Pierce, Ransone’s co-star from The Wire and Treme, wrote on X: “Sorry I couldn’t be there for you, brother. Rest in Peace James Ransone.”

What Happens Next

In the wake of Ransone’s death, his wife Jamie McPhee posted a fundraiser for the National Alliance on Mental Illness in her social media profile.