Hollywood tragedy: 'The Wire' star James Rensone dead after apparent suicide

James Rensone's death: cause revealed

According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, the Hollywood actor, beloved for his distinctive roles in top HBO series and films, died by suicide on December 19, 2025.

The cause of death was hanging at his home in Los Angeles.

Family representatives and police have not released full details, but those close to the actor indicate he had been struggling with depression for some time.

James Rensone in the HBO series The Wire

What made James Rensone memorable

Rensone was born on June 2, 1979, in Baltimore, Maryland. He began his acting career in the early 2000s, but his breakthrough came with the HBO series The Wire, where he brilliantly portrayed Ziggy Sobotka. His character, impulsive and tragic, became one of the most memorable figures of the show’s second season.

James Rensone in the series The Wire

Later, Rensone solidified his success by starring in the Iraq war miniseries Generation Kill, where he once again showcased his dramatic talent as Josh Ray Person.

Millions of viewers also know him from major horror films Sinister and Sinister 2, in which he played the sheriff's deputy, as well as from It: Chapter Two, where Rensone portrayed the adult Eddie Kaspbrak. His striking resemblance to the child actor from the first film and his emotional performance earned critical acclaim.

James Rensone in the miniseries Generation Kill

In recent years, the actor continued working actively, appearing in projects such as The Black Phone and Captive State. His final film was The Black Phone 2, and he also starred in the second season of the dramedy series Pokerface.

Colleagues have expressed condolences on social media, describing James as an incredibly sensitive and profound person.

''He was a unique actor that we were continuously impressed and inspired by, '' his co-stars recalled.

James Ransone in the film Captive State