James Ransone coroner report shows actor's mental health struggles
This article discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
"The Wire" actor James Ransone wanted to seek mental health treatment before his death by suicide at 46.
According to a Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner death investigation report obtained by USA TODAY on July 1, Ransone's brother told an officer with the Los Angeles Police Department that the actor had a history of suicidal ideation. Ransone had mentioned needing to "go to a hospital to receive treatment for unspecified mental health issues," the officer noted from the brother's witness statement.
Ransone was discovered unresponsive at a Los Angeles home the afternoon of Dec. 19, and paramedics declared him dead shortly after arriving at the scene. The report found "there were no signs of suspected foul play."
The Baltimore-born actor appeared in nearly 80 films and TV shows, including Season 2 of the Peacock series "Poker Face" and horror movies "It: Chapter Two", "The Black Phone" and the "Sinister" films.
In the 2019 "It" sequel – which also starred Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, James McAvoy, Isaiah Mustafa, Jay Ryan and Andy Bean – he portrayed the older version of Jack Dylan Grazer's character, Eddie Kaspbrak.
Though perhaps best known 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."
James Ransone struggled with playing 'unlikable' characters
In a 2016 Q&A for Interview magazine, Ransone admitted that he'd wrestled "with the catharsis of acting," especially while portraying antagonists on the screen.
"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. "I get a lot more catharsis from taking pictures or painting or making short films. You have some control."
His wife, Jamie McPhee, spoke out in an Instagram post days after Ransone's death, writing, "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."
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call 988 any time day or night, or chat online. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: James Ransone coroner report shows actor's mental health struggles
Reporting by KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published July 1, 2026 at 9:05 PM.