Actor James Ransone has died at the age of 46 after being found dead at a property in Los Angeles. He was best known for playing Ziggy Sobotka in gritty crime drama The Wire
Actor James Ransone has tragically passed away at the age of 46. He was most recognised for his role as Ziggy Sobotka in the globally acclaimed series, The Wire, which concluded in 2008.
Ransone was discovered deceased in a property in Los Angeles. Reports indicate that the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call regarding the incident, with officers stating that no foul play is suspected.
Tributes have flooded in for James, with one fan writing: “Gave the best adult performance in IT: Chapter 2. Among such a talented cast, he stood out as the best transition from the kid performance to the adult one. RIP to a genuine talent.”
“I was so stoked when I discovered he had a main acting role in the new IT. Literal match made in heaven. James was such a talented actor and the kind of guy that always gave the audiences a character they’d never forget.
“I adored Ziggy in The Wire and equally so, his character in Generation Kill. I was hoping him in IT was going to be the career boost he so definitely deserved,” a second added.
A third penned: “Very sad. 46 is so young,” with a fourth adding: “Heartbreaking news. He did a great job in both Sinister films, It Chapter Two, and Black Phone.”
James was a father of two and tributes have also been paid to his family.
“I’m definitely sparing a thought for the family. A few days before Christmas and they lose their father like this. Life will never be the same for them, and surely the holidays will always be a struggle,” one shared.
James previously spoke about his troubled teenage years: “I did not fit in well with all of the kids. Adolescence was a really hard time for me – as I think it is for most kids. It’s so uncomfortable. With normal public schools, I used to have a really hard time with them.
“Then my mom found this school. She was like, ‘Hey, they’re opening this arts school. You can go. You have to audition.’ I would be the first fully graduating class so it would be really easy to get in. I was like, ‘Yes. I’ll do anything to get away from these people.’ I think it saved me as a kid. Going to arts school saved me.
“I still wrestle with the catharsis of acting. I don’t end up playing a lot of likable characters, so I find myself living in a lot of unlikable skin. As a result of that I don’t always feel good. I get a lot more catharsis from taking pictures or painting or making short films. You have some control. I think all art – if it’s good – is a result of really trying to create something that you can’t put into words. Where language ends is where good art begins.”
*If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch.
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