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James Ransone's wife remembers actor following his death: 'We are forever'

3:11
'The Wire' actor Michael K. Williams dead at 54
Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images
ByMason Leib
December 22, 2025, 10:56 PM

The wife of "The Wire" actor James Ransone is remembering her late husband following his death at age 46.

Jamie McPhee posted a tribute to Instagram on Sunday remembering her husband, who died by suicide on Dec. 19, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

"I told you I have loved you 1000 times before and I know I will love you again," McPhee wrote in the post's caption, alongside a photo of her and Ransone.

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"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," she added, referencing the couple's children.

James Ransone seen atNew Line Cinema Presents the World Premiere of IT CHAPTER TWO at Regency Village Theatre, Los Angeles, Aug. 26, 2019.
Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images

Ransone, a Baltimore native, was best known for playing Chester "Ziggy" Sobotka, a Baltimore dock worker and criminal, in season 2 of "The Wire."

In addition to "The Wire," Ransone played a variety of roles in shows including "Treme," "Low Winter Sun," "How to Make It in America," "Bosch" and "Generation Kill." He also took on an array of film roles in titles such as "It Chapter Two," Inside Man," "In a Valley of Violence," and "Sinister and "Sinister 2."

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Ransone had previously spoken about the difficulties he faced in his personal life over the years.

In 2016, the actor discussed his past substance abuse issues and getting sober in his 20s in an interview with Interview magazine.

"I woke up at 27 after being on heroin for five years. It was like I sobered up and I realized, 'My job is being an actor. This is crazy!'" he said at the time.

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Tributes for Ransone poured in following his death from high-profile directors like Spike Lee and Sean Baker, with whom Ransone had worked in the past.

"Rest In Peace To My Dear Brother, MR. JAMES RANSONE. We Rocked Together On RED HOOK SUMMER And INSIDE MAN," Lee wrote in an Instagram post featuring him and Ransone.

"Anora" director Baker also shared a photo of himself with Ransone. "I'll miss you dearly my friend," Baker wrote.

ABC News has reached out to Ransone's representative for comment.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide -- free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text the national lifeline at 988.

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