Michael K. Williams: The Wire actor found dead at 54 in his New York home | Ents & Arts News

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American actor Michael K. Williams has died at 54, according to police in New York.

Police found Williams, best known for his role as Omar Little on the popular TV series, at his Brooklyn home at about 2 p.m. on Monday.

His death is being investigated as a drug overdose, the Associated Press reported, citing the New York Police Department (NYPD).

When contacted by Sky News, an NYPD official said they could not confirm the presence of the drugs and that a medical examiner would confirm Williams’ cause of death in time.

Multiple Emmy nominees have earned nods for roles in Bessie, The Night Of, When They See Us, and, this year, HBO’s Lovecraft Country.

Photo: Dominic West and Michael K. Williams for The Wire. Pic: Moviestore / Shutterstock

The Brooklyn-born actor, who had a distinct scar on his face from a bar brawl on his 25th birthday, also won fans over for his role as Chalky White on gangster series Boardwalk Empire.

“It is with great sadness that the family announces the death of Emmy-nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams. They are asking for your privacy while grieving this insurmountable loss,” Shafran’s public relations representative, Mariana Shafran, told The Hollywood Reporter.

Director James Jean Williams also praised him, calling him “one of the kindest souls I’ve ever met.”

Photo: A four-time Emmy nominee earned recognition for roles in Bessie, The Night Of, and When They See Us. Pic: AP

He tweeted: “Michael K. Williams, in addition to being one of the most talented actors, was also one of the kindest, sweetest, kindest souls I’ve ever met. This is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with everyone I love for him.”

Last week, it was announced that Williams has joined the cast of Sonny’s biopic of world heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman.

Photo: Michael K. Williams as Montrose Freeman in Lovecraft Country. Pic: Bad Robot / HBO / Kobal / Shutterstock

He was to play Doc Broadus, who was Foreman’s coach and mentor.

Fellow actor Wendell Pierce, who played Detective Bank Moreland in The Wire, called Williams his “brother.”

He said on Twitter: “The depth of my love for this brother is comparable only to the depth of my pain that I have learned from his loss. A very talented man who has the ability to give voice to the human condition depicting the lives of those for whom humanity seldom rises to sing its truth.”

Fellow co-star Isiah Whitlock Jr. tweeted that he was shocked to learn of the actor’s death.

He wrote: “Shocked and saddened by the passing of Michael K. Williams. One of the most beautiful brothers on the planet with the biggest heart. Great actor and soul. Wishing you a RIP. God bless you.”

Michael K. Williams, in addition to being one of the most talented actors, was one of the kindest, sweetest, and kindest souls I have ever met. This is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with everyone who loved him. ❤️

– James Gunn (@JamesGunn) September 6, 2021

Williams’ other film roles have included The Road, Inherent Vice, and Academy Award winner 12 Years A Slave.

But the public will remember him best for Omar, the morally ambiguous gay criminal who often targeted drug dealers in a distinctive duster jacket on the streets of Baltimore.

Even President Barack Obama was a fan of the HBO character.

In 2012 he said Omar is his favourite, saying “this guy is incredible” in reference to Williams’ portrayal.

In its statement, HBO called Williams’ death a “countless loss.”

She said: “We were shocked to learn of the death of Michael Kenneth Williams, a HBO family member of over 20 years.

“As the world recognizes his immense talents as an artist, we have come to know Michael as a dear friend who was loved by all who had the privilege of working with him.

We send our deepest condolences to his family on this countless loss.

Actress and director Aisha Tyler said Williams was a “beautiful, passionate and expansive soul.”

She tweeted, “I felt so lucky to have known him, and we were all so lucky to have enjoyed his incredible talent. He caught his brilliance. Rest in power, MKW. You’ll be king forever.”

Many people knew him as Omar, and I knew him as Chalki. I’m sure his family knows it’s Michael. Thank you for everything you did to encourage, enlighten and entertain people you didn’t even know. Pray for your people. 🕊 pic.twitter.com/mDmXPM5lPR

– Chance the Rapper (@chancetherapper) September 6, 2021

Chance The Rapper referenced Williams’ portrayal of Albert “Chalky” White on the HBO series Boardwalk Empire.

He said, “Many people know him as Omar, I knew him as Chalky. I am sure his family knows him as Michael. Thank you for everything you did to encourage, enlighten and entertain people you didn’t even know. To your people.”

And the NAACP posted on Twitter: “Stay in power for our friend and representative.”

Williams was born and raised in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. He told the New York Times that he had a hard time being molested as a child and went on to develop a drug problem.

He began working in music videos and landed the role of a drug dealer in Martin Scorsese’s 1999 drama film Bringing Out The Dead.

He then had a small role in The Sopranos before making his name in The Wire, which he starred in throughout his career until 2008.

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