Michael Kay Williams, best known for his role as Omar Little in HBO’s “The Wire”, has died. He was 54 years old. Williams was found dead in his New York City apartment on Monday afternoon, a law enforcement officer told CNN.
The officer said investigators found narcotic items near his body. According to another law enforcement source who spoke to CNN, the investigation is ongoing. “It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Emmy nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams. While mourning this irreparable loss they demand your privacy,” Mariana Shafran, her longtime representative for Shafran PR, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Williams, a Brooklyn native, most recently appeared on HBO’s “Lovecraft Country” and the series “F Is for Family.”
He became a household name after his role as Omar Little in “The Wire”, a gun-wielding character who made his life a robbing drug dealer. He appeared in the HBO Prohibition-era mob drama “Boardwalk Empire” and recently earned an Emmy nomination for “Lovecraft Country.”
Williams was cast to co-star George Tillman Jr. in Sony’s George Foreman biopic, which was set to direct.
Williams has received numerous accolades during her incredible career, including five Emmy nominations. Her first was for her role in “Bessie” in 2015 and the second was for her role in “The Night Off” two years later. He was also the winner of the SAG Award for Best Ensemble with the cast of “Boardwalk Empire”.
The death of Michael K Williams has inspired mourning, tribute and disbelief from his co-stars, colleagues and fans around the world. Isiah Whitlock Jr., who worked with Williams on The Wire, tweeted that she was “shocked and saddened by the death of Michael Kay Williams.” He continued, “One of the best brothers on the planet with the biggest heart. An amazing actor and soul.”
Shocked and saddened by the passing of Michael K Williams. One of the best brothers on the planet with the biggest heart. An amazing actor and soul. Can you RIP. God bless. – Isiah Whitlock Jr. (@IsiahWhitlockJr) September 6, 2021
The depth of my love for this brother can only match the depth of my pain of learning of his loss. A highly gifted man who has the ability to give voice to the human condition, portrays the lives of those whose humanity is rarely advanced until he sings their truth. pic.twitter.com/EvrESGSK8O— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) September 6, 2021
“Michael Kay Williams was a beautiful, passionate, huge soul. She lit so bright,” Aisha Tyler wrote on Twitter.
Director James Gunn said: “Michael Kay Williams, in addition to being one of the most talented actors around, was also one of the kindest, sweetest, most tender souls I’ve ever met. It’s heartbreaking. My thoughts on all those with those who loved him.”
Another Wire castmate, Wendell Pierce, wrote, “The depth of my love for this brother can only match the depth of my pain learning about his loss. An immensely gifted man who has the ability to give voice to the human condition, who portrays the lives of those whose humanity is seldom advanced until he sings their truth.”
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