James Ransone
James Ransone lived from 1979 to 2025, a career spanning 28 years. Their work continues to be celebrated by fans worldwide.
A member of the Generation X generation, James Ransone was born in 1979 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA and went on to become a celebrated Actor.
James Finley Ransone III (June 2, 1979 – December 19, 2025) was an American actor and musician. He was best known for his roles as Ziggy Sobotka in the second season of the drama series The Wire, United States Marine Corps Cpl. Josh Ray Person in the war drama miniseries Generation Kill (2008), The Deputy in the supernatural horror films Sinister (2012) and Sinister 2 (2015), Chester in Tangerine (2015), the adult Eddie Kaspbrak in It Chapter Two (2019), and Max in The Black Phone movies. Descr
"His portrayal of Ziggy Sobotka in The Wire's second season remains one of his most iconic and critically acclaimed performances, establishing him as a compelling actor capable of embodying complex, tragic characters." — About James Ransone
| Metric | James Ransone | Avg Actor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 46 | 53 | -7 yrs |
| Career length | 28 yrs | ~35 yrs | -7 yrs |
| Based on 3888 Actor profiles in our database | |||
See also
Facts about James Ransone
Did you know that James Ransone lived in a tent during the filming of "Tangerine" to fully immerse himself in his character's circumstances?
- He overcame a significant battle with drug addiction early in his career, a struggle he has openly discussed in interviews.
- Before his acting career took off, Ransone was a musician, playing bass in a post-hardcore band called The Machismo.
- He initially auditioned for the role of Nick Sobotka in "The Wire" before ultimately being cast as the memorable Ziggy Sobotka.
- For his role as Chester in "Tangerine," Ransone lived in a tent in Los Angeles to better understand his character's homelessness.
- A native of Baltimore, Ransone drew on his personal experiences and observations of the city to bring authenticity to his "The Wire" character.
His portrayal of Ziggy Sobotka in The Wire's second season remains one of his most iconic and critically acclaimed performances, establishing him as a compelling actor capable of embodying complex, tragic characters. This role, alongside his work as Josh Ray Person in Generation Kill, showcased his raw talent and distinct screen presence, solidifying his early career.
His legacy is defined by his commitment to portraying complex, often morally ambiguous characters with raw authenticity, leaving a lasting impression in critically acclaimed dramas and genre films alike.