In Memoriam : Michael K. Williams (1966 – 2021)

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Michael K. Williams, an acclaimed actor best known for his role in the series The Wire, has passed away.

Death details for Michael K. Williams

According to reports, Williams was found dead in his apartment in Williamsburg Brooklyn. He was 54.

A relative of the Emmy-winning actor talked to him Friday, and Williams was supposed to show up to an event Saturday but never made it, sources said.

Police sources told The New York Post, there was no indication of foul play or forced entry.

Williams’ longtime rep confirmed the actor’s death in a statement.

“It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Emmy nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams,” spokeswoman Marianna Shafran told The Hollywood Reporter. “They ask for your privacy while grieving this unsurmountable loss.’’

Michael K. Williams was a brilliant actor

Williams is best known for his monumental role in the HBO series The Wire, captivating audiences as Omar Little, a queer drug dealer in Baltimore.

He also played racketeer Chalky White on Boardwalk Empire from 2010-14 and the inmate Freddy Knight on the 2016 miniseries The Night Of.

“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Michael Kenneth Williams, a member of the HBO family for more than 20 years,” a statement from the network said.

“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.”

Credit: HBO

More recently, Williams portrayed Montrose Freeman on HBO’s Lovecraft Country and was Bobby McCray, the father of Antron McCray (Caleel Harris), who convinced his son to sign a false confession, on Ava DuVernay’s 2019 Netflix miniseries When They See Us.

He received Emmy nominations for his work in the film Bessie, The Night Of, and When They See Us.

Williams had said he channeled his personal experiences and his own struggles to his roles to try to give the characters more subtlety.

“I use my job to engage empathy and compassion for people society might stereotype or ostracize,” he told the Guardian in 2015.

“No one wakes up and says, ‘I’m going to become a drug dealer’ or ‘I’m going to become a stickup kid.’ No. There is a series of events that makes them feel this is the only way out. As a black man growing up in the ’hood, I bear witness to some of those events.”

Williams was also a phenomenal dancer.

Williams started with street dancing and then moved to choreography and dancing on tours fronted by the likes of George Michael and Madonna before pursuing acting with the National Black Theatre in New York City.

Brooklyn born and raised

Williams was born in Brooklyn on Nov. 22, 1966. His mother was from the Bahamas and his father was from South Carolina.

He was raised in the Vanderveer housing projects in East Flatbush Brooklyn and attended George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School in the borough.