James Ransone, ‘The Wire’ actor, dead at 46
James Ransone, the American actor best known for his role on The Wire, has died aged 46.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office published a report that indicated Ransone died by suicide on December 19th.
Ransone’s wife, Jamie McPhee, has since taken to Instagram to mourn her late husband whom she shared two children.
Taking to Instagram, McPhee wrote, “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. Thank you for giving me the greatest gifts – you, Jack and Violet. We are forever.”
Following the tragic news of Ransone’s passing, a GoFundMe has already been set up to help raise vital funds for his family. As of writing, it has raised over $42,000 of its $120,000 goal.
Ransone’s career kicked off in 2002 when he starred in Larry Clark’s movie Ken Clark, before landing the role as Ziggy Sobotka in The Wire in 2003. He also appeared in the John Waters film, A Dirty Shame, and Spike Lee’s The Inside Man.
The actor established himself as a leading name in the world of horror, appearing in Sinister and Sinister 2, as well as portraying Eddie Kaspbarak in It Chapter 2 in 2019.
In 2021, Ransone accused his former tutor of sexually abusing him as a 12-year-old over a six-month period in Maryland in 1992, which he said caused him to battle addiction problems with alcohol and heroin later in life.
According to Page Six, Ransone had reported his former tutor to authorities in 2020 before going public with his allegations, but they chose not to press charges.
Ransone is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two children.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the Samaritans have a helpline which can be reached on 116 123. In the US, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline have a helpline which can be reached on 988.
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