The actor was found dead in his apartment in New York
Michael K Williams, known for his roles in The Wire, Boardwalk Empire, Motherless Brooklyn and more, has sadly died aged just 54.
Though the exact nature of his passing has not yet been determined, it is suspected that his death was caused by a drug overdose. Williams had been fairly open about his struggle with drug usage over the years.
His performances as Omar Little – a gay, streetwise robber of drug gangs – in The Wire and Albert “Chalky” White, a powerful gangster, in the Prohibition period TV series, Boardwalk Empire, earned him five Emmy nominations.
His former co-stars and acting peers have been paying tribute to an “irreplaceable actor”.
If you don’t know, you better ask somebody. His name was Michael K. Williams. He shared with me his secret fears then stepped out into his acting with true courage, acting in the face of fear, not in the absence of it. It took me years to learn what Michael had in abundance. pic.twitter.com/BIkoPPrPzg
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) September 6, 2021
Michael K. Williams: One of the kindest, gentlest, most genuine, giving and courageous souls I've ever met. Rest in peace, my brother. #MichaelKWilliams pic.twitter.com/tqjAnGhQDY
— Lance Reddick (@lancereddick) September 7, 2021
We have lost another irreplaceable actor. RIP Michael K.Williams. You were too young to leave us- we were looking forward to so many more great performances. Thoughts with family and friends ♥️ pic.twitter.com/DwQaZDfzB7
— Mia Farrow 🏳️🌈 🌻🇺🇸💙 (@MiaFarrow) September 7, 2021
He had a really rare gift for being fully present in the moment & for conveying the layers under the words. He ran so deep. He was also kind & generously enthusiastic. I’ll be forever grateful that he graced ‘Motherless Brooklyn’ & that I got to share space & time w him. RIP💔
— Edward Norton 🌻🇺🇦 (@EdwardNorton) September 6, 2021
BET went on to share a video of his recent and powerful performance in memory of the rapper DMX following his passing earlier this year.
#BETRemembers • Our hearts are heavy. We send our sincerest condolences to the Williams family. Rest In Peace to the talented, Michael K. Williams. pic.twitter.com/Uc4bJOAWtK
— BET (@BET) September 6, 2021
Rex Chapman on Twitter also shared an old clip of Williams and his former co-star Wendel Pierce discussing The Wire and his character – you can see how much admiration for his talent his contemporaries had.
Please take a moment. Listen to Wendell Pierce @WendellPierce speak about Michael K. Williams… pic.twitter.com/DfWS5Jkiot
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) September 7, 2021
Rest in peace.
Related links
- How one scene in The Wire became the greatest and most heartbreaking piece of TV
- Mock the Week comedian Phil Jerrod dies aged 42
- Tributes flood in for Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding
