James Ransone’s Death Ruled a Suicide by Los Angeles Medical Examiner

A fundraising campaign was launched to support his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two young children.

Actor James Ransone, a cast member in "The Son of No One," poses at its premiere during the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, in Park City, Utah, on Jan. 28, 2011. Danny Moloshok/AP Photo

The official cause of death for actor James Ransone has been ruled a suicide by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.

According to the medical examiner’s records, Ransone, 46, died on Dec. 19 in Los Angeles. The manner of death was listed as suicide by hanging.

Ransone was widely recognized for his portrayal of Chester “Ziggy” Sobotka on HBO’s “The Wire,” a role that made him a familiar presence with television audiences. Over the course of his career, he appeared in dozens of television series, including “Generation Kill,” “Treme,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Hawaii Five-0,” and “Poker Face.”

His film credits include 2019’s “It: Chapter Two,” 2021’s “The Black Phone,” and the 2025’s “Black Phone 2.”

In the days after his death, a fundraising campaign was launched to support his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two young children. It describes Ransone as a devoted husband and father whose family was central to his life.

The campaign’s stated goal is to help provide financial stability and allow McPhee to focus on caring for their children—a 6-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl—during an extended period of transition.

“Above all else, he was an extraordinary father,” the fundraiser’s description reads, adding that Ransone’s bond with his children was evident to those who knew him personally.

McPhee also shared a personal tribute to her husband on Instagram, reflecting on their relationship and family. In the post, she expressed gratitude for their life together and for their children, writing that their connection would endure beyond his death. Several actors and colleagues responded publicly in the comments, offering condolences and remembering Ransone’s talent and character.

“I told you I have loved you 1,000 times before and I know I will love you again,” the tribute reads. “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.”

Earlier in his life, Ransone spoke candidly about overcoming substance addiction. In a 2016 interview with Interview Magazine, he described achieving sobriety in his late 20s after years of heroin use.

“I woke up at 27 after being on heroin for five years,” he said “It was like I sobered up and I realized, ‘My job is being an actor. This is crazy!’”

Born in Baltimore in 1979, Ransone built a career marked by character-driven performances and frequent collaborations with independent filmmakers as well as major studios.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, help is available in the United States by calling or texting the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, which operates 24 hours a day.