The Wire fans have mourned the deaths of several actors from the critically acclaimed drama over the years.

The HBO series, which aired for five seasons from 2002 to 2008, focused on Baltimore law enforcement as they investigated the local drug scene. Each season also highlighted a different part of the city’s institutions, including the port, city government, school system and newspaper. The show launched the careers of several actors like Wendell Pierce, Idris Elba, Dominic West, Lance Reddick and more.

Since The Wire came to an end in 2008, several of the show’s stars have passed away. Robert F. Chew died at age 52 in January 2013. Nearly a decade later, Reddick unexpectedly died at age 60 in March 2023. In December 2025, James Ransone and Isiah Whitlock both lost their lives. The following year, Bobby J. Brown tragically was killed after getting caught in a barn fire.

Keep scrolling to see which The Wire stars who died too soon:

Robert F. Chew

Robert F. Chew starred on The Wire as Proposition Joe for all five seasons. The actor died in January 2013 after suffering a heart attack at his home in Baltimore. Costar Michael K. Williams paid tribute to Chew via X writing, “R.I.P. to the talented Mr Robert Chew #propjoe.”

Reg. E. Cathey

Reg. E. Cathey joined the cast in season 4 as Norman Wilson. The actor died in February 2018 following a private battle with lung cancer. He was 59.

Michael K. Williams

Michael K. Williams played Omar Little for all five seasons. Williams died of a drug overdose at age 54.

Lance Reddick

Lance Reddick, who starred as policeman Cedric Daniels, unexpectedly died in March 2023 at age 60. Ahead of his death, Reddick was promoting his latest film John Wick: Chapter 4. It was later revealed that the actor’s cause of death was due to coronary artery disease and atherosclerotic heart disease.

James Ransone

James Ransone joined The Wire in season 2 as dockworker Ziggy Sobotka. News broke in December 2025 that Ransone died by suicide. He was 46. Prior to his death, Ransone was candid about his past struggles with addiction.

Isiah Whitlock Jr.

Isiah Whitlock Jr. portrayed corrupt state senator Clay Davis on all five seasons of the HBO series. Days after news broke of James Ransone’s death in December 2025, Whitlock Jr. died at age 71 following a short illness.

Bobby J. Brown

Bobby J. Brown appeared in 12 episodes of The Wire as officer Bobby Brown. Us Weekly confirmed in February 2026 that Brown died after getting caught in a barn fire. He was 62.

“Bobby J. Brown was a rare soul who brought a deep sense of humanity to every role he played,” a rep for Brown said in a statement to Us. “While many knew him for his strength as a champion boxer and his powerful screen presence, we knew him as a dedicated professional and a kind-hearted individual. ”