Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of suicide, sexual abuse, and substance addiction
Hollywood actor James Ransone, best known for his role in the crime drama series The Wire and the horror sequel film It: Chapter Two, died at the age of 46.
On Sunday, December 21, 2025, multiple U.S. media outlets reported the sudden death of James, citing the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, which stated that the actor died by suicide on Friday, December 19.
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A few hours later, his wife, Jamie McPhee, confirmed the heartbreaking news on Instagram.
Honoring James’ life, Jamie shared a heartfelt message saying: “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.”
In 2021, the late actor opened up about his experience with childhood sexual abuse in a lengthy Instagram post.
James said that his former tutor, Timothy Rualo, repeatedly sexually abused him at his childhood home in Phoenix, Maryland in 1992.
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He further shared that the trauma led to years of alcoholism and heroin addiction.
James began his acting career in the early 2000s with roles in independent films such as Ken Park, before rising to prominence as Chester “Ziggy” Sobotka in the second season of HBO’s critically acclaimed drama The Wire.
He later appeared as Cpl. Josh Ray Person in the HBO miniseries Generation Kill and took on notable roles in shows such as Bosch, SEAL Team, and Poker Face.
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His film credits include Sinister (2012) and Sinister 2 (2015), Tangerine (2015), and horror hits The Black Phone (2021) and its follow-up Black Phone 2 (2025), among others.
In 2019, he portrayed the adult Eddie Kaspbrak in It: Chapter Two.
To those who are seeking either someone to talk to or professional help because of mental health issues, you may call National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline: 1553, Landline (02) 7-989-8727 and mobile number 0966-351-4518.
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