Film And TV
07 Sep 21

Tributes flood in for The Wire actor Michael K. Williams, who has died aged 54

Tributes flood in for <em>The Wire</em> actor Michael K. Williams, who has died aged 54

"An immensely talented man with the ability to give voice to the human condition."

Having made his name for his memorable roles in The Wire and Boardwalk Empire, beloved actor Michael K. Williams passed away yesterday at the age of 54.

He was found dead in his Brooklyn apartment by his nephew, according to the New York Post, with the cause of death unconfirmed.

"It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Emmy nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams," said the actor’s representative Marianna Shafrat. "They ask for your privacy while grieving this insurmountable loss."

Williams earlier in his life quit his job as a pharmaceutical temp and left school to become a dancer, inspired by the album Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814.

When he was 25, he received a large facial scar following a bar fight which became part of his signature, getting him roles in music videos and modeling jobs.

He gained notoriety for playing Omar Little in The Wire, one of the most influential television shows of all time.

The Brooklyn-born actor's character became one of the most iconic portrayals on the show, kickstarting his career.

He later played Albert “Chalky” White in Boardwalk Empire, Bobby McCray in Netflix's When They See Us and Montrose Freeman in Lovecraft County. The five-time nominated artist was also acclaimed for his role as Jack Gee, husband of Bessie Smith, in the HBO telefilm biopic Bessie.

His co-star from The Wire, Wendell Pierce, was among those paying tribute to Williams yesterday.

"The depth of my love for this brother, can only be matched by the depth of my pain learning of his loss," he tweeted. "An immensely talented man with the ability to give voice to the human condition portraying the lives of those whose humanity is seldom elevated until he sings their truth."

Ava DuVernay, creator of When They See Us, also remembered Williams saying on her Instagram, "I remember the times you’d come on set even when you weren’t on the call sheet. Just to share a hug. To cheer us on. Strolling in like the King that you were.

"Through your personal interactions, big and small, through your community activism, through your struggles, through your triumphs, through your glorious work. You moved many. You moved me. What you doubted in life, be certain of now, dear brother. Be certain. You were a flash of love - now gone. But never forgotten."

Flea, Killer Mike, Mariah Carey and Nas were among the artists who expressed their sadness at the sudden news.

A beautiful soul, a beautiful person, I'll miss you always. Thank you for blessing us with your talent 💔 pic.twitter.com/Mt50HlY9CA

— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) September 6, 2021

The depth of my love for this brother, can only be matched by the depth of my pain learning of his loss. A immensely talented man with the ability to give voice to the human condition portraying the lives of those whose humanity is seldom elevated until he sings their truth. pic.twitter.com/EvrESGSK8O

— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) September 6, 2021