James Ransone’s death has been ruled a suicide by hanging by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. The report noted he was found in a shed on his property.
His passing has sparked an outpouring of grief from the “HBO family” and fans who admired his raw, often polarizing performances. Ransone was known for his “unlikable skin”—the ability to find the humanity in erratic, broken, or desperate men.
Iconic Roles and Career Highlights
Ransone’s career was defined by a fierce loyalty to complex storytelling, frequently collaborating with creator David Simon:
- The Wire (Season 2): As Ziggy Sobotka, Ransone delivered a masterclass in tragic desperation. His portrayal of the erratic dock worker remains one of the most discussed and heartbreaking arcs in television history.
- Generation Kill: He starred as Cpl. Josh Ray Person, providing the cynical, fast-talking energy that became the heart of the acclaimed Marine Corps miniseries.
- It Chapter Two: He received widespread acclaim for his portrayal of the adult Eddie Kaspbrak, with critics noting his uncanny ability to mirror the mannerisms of his younger co-star, Jack Dylan Grazer.
- Independent & Horror Cinema: From his award-winning turn in Sean Baker’s Tangerine to his roles in Sinister, The Black Phone, and the upcoming Black Phone 2, Ransone was a mainstay of both indie and genre film.
A Legacy of Advocacy
Beyond his acting, Ransone was respected for his immense courage in discussing personal trauma. In 2021, he revealed he was a survivor of childhood sexual abuse by a former tutor. He was open about how this trauma fueled his past struggles with heroin addiction and mental health, and he became a vocal advocate for male survivors, seeking to break the silence and shame surrounding the issue.
The Black Phone 2
Ransone had recently completed filming for “The Black Phone 2,” reprising his role as Max. The film is currently scheduled for release in late 2025, which will now serve as a final tribute to his cinematic legacy.
