Home / Arts and Entertainment / Actor Michael Ransone Dies by Suicide at 46
Actor Michael Ransone Dies by Suicide at 46
21 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Actor Michael Ransone, known for 'The Wire,' died by suicide.
- He bravely shared his past experiences with sexual abuse.
- Ransone battled addictions fueled by past trauma.
Los Angeles medical examiner officials confirmed that actor Michael Ransone, aged 46, died by suicide on Friday. Ransone was widely recognized for his impactful portrayal of Chester 'Ziggy' Sobotka in the acclaimed crime drama 'The Wire.' He also featured in HBO's 'Generation Kill' and the film 'It Chapter Two.'
In 2021, Ransone disclosed that he was a victim of sexual abuse by a former tutor during his time in Maryland public schools. He bravely recounted on Instagram how this abuse contributed to his struggles with alcohol and heroin addiction. The Baltimore Sun reported that Ransone had reported the abuse in 2020, though criminal charges were not pursued.
Ransone, born in Baltimore in 1979, attended the Carver Center for Arts and Technology. His acting career began with a co-starring role in the 2002 teen drama 'Ken Park,' followed by his breakout role in 'The Wire' the subsequent year. He often spoke about the challenging catharsis of acting, especially when humanizing unlikable characters.
