'The Wire' actor James Ransone dies of suicide at 46
What's the story
James Ransone, the American actor best known for his role as Chester "Ziggy" Sobotka in The Wire, has died at the age of 46. Per the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, he died by hanging on Friday. The news of his death has left fans and colleagues mourning across social media platforms. Actor François Arnaud (Heated Rivalry) led the condolences online.
Career highlights
Ransone's career: From 'The Wire' to 'It: Chapter Two'
Ransone's career took off with his role in the 2002 teen drama Ken Park. He then landed a significant role in The Wire, where he played a dock worker turned petty criminal in the show's second season. His other notable works include Generation Kill, It: Chapter Two, Black Phone 2, V/H/S/85, Small Engine Repair, and What We Found.
Personal battles
Ransone's personal struggles
In 2021, Ransone revealed online that he was sexually abused by a former tutor in Maryland public schools. He said the abuse contributed to his struggles with alcohol and heroin addiction. Page Six reported that Ransone had informed the authorities about the abuse in 2020, but they didn't pursue criminal charges. Despite these battles, he continued to deliver memorable performances. If you or anyone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts, you can connect with AASRA at 022-27546669 (24 hours).