News Headlines

Michael K. Williams, ‘Wire’ actor, found dead

Emma ScottBy 440 views
0

(CNN).Michael K. Williams, an actor who is best known for his role in “The Wire” as Omar Little, has passed away. He was 54.

According to CNN, Williams was found dead Monday afternoon in his New York City apartment.
According to the official, investigators discovered drug paraphernalia close to his body. According to another law enforcement source, the investigation is ongoing.
“It is with deep sadness that the family announces Michael Kenneth Williams’ death. He was an Emmy nominee. They ask for your privacy while grieving this unsurmountable loss,” his long-time rep Marianna Shafran of Shafran PR told The Hollywood Reporter.
CNN reached out to Williams representatives for comment.
In a 2017 interview with the New York Times, Williams spoke openly about his struggles with substance abuse.
He said that addiction doesn’t disappear. “It’s an every-day struggle for me, but it’s something I’m fighting.”
Williams is a Brooklyn native who has recently appeared on HBO’s “Lovecraft Country”, and “F Is for Family.”
His role as Omar Little in “The Wire,” a shotgun-wielding character who made a living robbing drug dealer dealers, made him an iconic figure. He was a mobster in HBO’s Prohibition-era mob drama, “Boardwalk Empire.” And he won an Emmy nomination for “Lovecraft Country,” a series that focuses on the macabre.
Williams was the next star to be cast in Sony’s George Foreman biopic, which George Tillman Jr. was set to direct.
Williams has received many accolades throughout his long career, including five Emmy nominations. His first Emmy nomination was for his role as “Bessie” in 2015. A second for “The Night Of” two years later.
He also won a SAG Award as best ensemble with the cast from “Boardwalk Empire.”
Williams’ friends and colleagues on social media recalled how Williams brought humanity, depth, and complexity to the characters he played and the man he was offscreen.
“Michael K Williams is a passionate, open-minded, and beautiful soul. I felt so lucky to have known him, and we were all so fortunate to have enjoyed his incredible talent,” Aisha Tyler wrote on Twitter. He was so bright.
James Gunn, Director, said: “Michael K Williams was not only one of the most talented actors, but also one of my kindest, sweetest and most gentle people I have ever met.” This is so heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with those who loved him.”
Musician Saul Williams wrote: “For years Wikipedia listed Michael K. Williams as my brother. We took it as it was, and neither one of us wanted to rectify it. “We are brothers, yo.” He wrote poems with me. We broke bread and kicked it when we could. A deep & sincere connection. Beautiful spirit.
His “Wire” co-star Wendell Pierce also joined the chorus of remembrances with a touching tribute.
He wrote, “The depth and love I have for my brother can only be matched with the pain of learning about his loss.” “A tremendously talented man who can give voice to human condition and portray the lives of people whose humanity is rarely elevated until they sing their truth.”