A Los Angeles County medical examiner report says actor James Ransone, known for roles in “The Wire” and “It: Chapter Two,” died by suicide at 46. The investigation found no signs of foul play and details from his brother describe a history of suicidal ideatio
James Ransone was found unresponsive at a Los Angeles home on Dec. 19, and paramedics declared him dead shortly after arriving. The death investigation later concluded there were no signs of suspected foul play.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner death investigation report—obtained by MISRYOUM USA24 News on July 1—states that the suspected manner of death was suicide. Ransone was 46.
In the same report. investigators noted that his brother told a Los Angeles Police Department officer that the actor had a history of suicidal ideation. In a witness statement. the officer recorded that Ransone had mentioned he needed to “go to a hospital to receive treatment for unspecified mental health issues” before his death.
For those who watched Ransone on screen. the news landed against a backdrop of work that often tugged at the darker corners of human behavior. The Baltimore-born actor appeared in nearly 80 films and TV shows. including Season 2 of the Peacock series “Poker Face. ” and horror films “It: Chapter Two. ” “The Black Phone” and the “Sinister” films.
In the 2019 “It” sequel—also starring Jessica Chastain. Bill Hader. James McAvoy. Isaiah Mustafa. Jay Ryan and Andy Bean—Ransone played the older version of Jack Dylan Grazer’s character. Eddie Kaspbrak. He was perhaps most widely recognized for playing Chester “Ziggy” Sobotka throughout Season 2 of “The Wire,” which aired in 2003. He also appeared on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. ” “Law & Order. ” “Hawaii Five-0. ” HBO’s “Generation Kill. ” and more recently the Paramount+ show “SEAL Team.”.
The report’s details about treatment and suicidal ideation connect with the actor’s own reflections from years earlier. In a 2016 Q&A for Interview magazine. Ransone spoke about the emotional weight he carried while portraying antagonists. saying he wrestled “with the catharsis of acting. ” especially when he played characters that weren’t easy to like.
“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,” he said. He added that he found more catharsis in taking pictures, painting, and making short films because “You have some control.”
After his death, his wife, Jamie McPhee, posted a tribute on Instagram. She wrote, “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.” She continued. “Thank you for giving me the greatest gifts – you. Jack and Violet. We are forever.”.
A death certificate can close a chapter, but the details in an investigation often keep the questions open. Here. the timeline—Ransone’s desire to seek hospital treatment. the statement about a history of suicidal ideation. and the finding of no signs of foul play—leaves a stark picture of a man reaching toward help even as his struggle continued.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.
James Ransone suicide mental health Los Angeles County Medical Examiner Los Angeles Police Department The Wire Poker Face It: Chapter Two entertainment news