Michael K. Williams Found Dead

Legendary Actor Dead At 54

The man who portrayed the iconic Omar Little in one of the greatest TV shows of all time 'The Wire' has tragically been found dead in his NY apartment at the far too young age of 54.

Williams etched his name and face to fans of the critically acclaimed show 'The Wire' before cementing his legacy with iconic parts in Boardwalk Empire, The Night Of & Lovecraft Country. He was truly synonymous with some of the best HBO shows of his time.

Along with roles on the three HBO projects he also had a recurring role on 'Alias' and was one of the title characters in 'Hap and Leonard' playing Leonard. He showed his comedic range with his role as a professor on the hit Dan Harmon show 'Community'

HBO released this statement when news of the actors passing broke:

“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Michael Kenneth Williams, a member of the HBO family for more than 20 years. While the world is aware of his immense talents as an artist, we knew Michael as a dear friend who was beloved by all who had the privilege to work with him. We send our deepest condolences to his family for this immeasurable loss.”

It wasn't just the small screen where Williams excelled. He has built quite the library of big-screen performances including roles in 'Gone Baby Gone, 'Inherent Vice', The Road' and the critically acclaimed masterpiece '12 Years A Slave' He booked his first movie playing Tupac Shakur's brother in the film Bullet.

He moved into the docuseries genre in 2016 when he hosted 'Black Market with Michael K. Williams.' This show took a fascinating, gritty look at the underground economy and people who are willing to break the law to make ends meet. It was a project Williams described as his 'most personal one yet'. Reports suggest much of the highly anticipated second season had finished filming.

Williams made no secret of the addiction problem he picked up as a teenager growing up in the Brooklyn projects. Some of the roles that made him a screen legend pushed him to the limit. He once told the NY Times -

“The characters that mean the most to me are the ones that damn near kill me. It’s a sacrifice I’ve chosen to make”

A legendary actor has gone far too soon.

Rest In Peace Michael K Williams

November 22, 1966 – September 6, 2021