‘THE WIRE’ STAR MICHAEL K. WILLIAMS FOUND DEAD IN APARTMENT

Tue 07 September 2021:

Michael K. Williams, who played Omar Little in the widely praised series “The Wire” and rose to become one of the most popular and iconic characters in television’s golden age, was discovered dead in his Brooklyn apartment on Monday, according to the New York Police Department.

The 54-year-death, old’s which sparked an outpouring of sadness among fans and former coworkers, triggered an outpouring of grief among fans and former colleagues who starred as the renowned Baltimore stick-up guy in the trailblazing television series.

The actor’s representative said it was “with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Emmy nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams.”

“They ask for your privacy while grieving this,” said the statement from Marianna Shafran of Shafran PR.

An officer for the New York Police Department told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that Williams had been found dead by a family member in his apartment in Brooklyn.

The Brooklyn native was well-known for his role as a gay armed robber who specialized in holding up drug dealers in the gritty thriller “The Wire.”

From 2002 through 2008, the series was one of the most popular on television, airing for five seasons.

Williams was well renowned for his portrayal of Albert “Chalky” White on HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire.”

He was nominated for many Emmys for his work, notably for his role in the series “Lovecraft Country,” ahead of the 2021 Emmy Awards, which will be held in little over two weeks.

Williams was also nominated for his performance in the 2015 film “Bessie,” in which he played the husband of blues singer Bessie Smith.

He was additionally a nominee for 2016’s “The Night Of” and for “When They See US” in 2019, about a group of young black men wrongly accused of rape in Central Park in the 1980s.

“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,” HBO said in a statement.

No official cause of death was given, but several U.S. media quoted law enforcement sources as saying they suspected a possible drug overdose.

Williams has previously spoken frankly about his prior battles with drug addiction, revealing that he had spent a large portion of his earnings from “The Wire” on narcotics.

A medical examiner will establish the cause of death, according to the NYPD.

Fans were shocked to learn of Williams’ passing, since many regarded him as one of the most accomplished performers of his generation.

(Input with agency)

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