Michael K. Williams Dead at 54: Stars Remember “A Fine Man and a Rare Talent”

Actor Michael K. Williams, who was best-known for playing Omar Little in The Wire, has died. He was 54. The NYPD confirmed that Williams was discovered in his New York City apartment on the afternoon of September 6. According to New York Post and New York Daily News, his nephew found Williams, who reportedly died from a suspected drug overdose. An investigation into his death is ongoing.

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

A Brooklyn native, Williams got his start as a background dancer for performers like Missy Elliott and Technotronix before becoming an actor. Apart from The Wire, he’s also remembered for his performances in shows like Boardwalk Empire, The Night Of, Bessie, When They See Us, and more. Williams recently appeared in the Netflix comedy F is for Family and the HBO drama Lovecraft Country, the latter of which landed him his fourth Emmy nomination.

Following the news of Williams’ death, many took to social media to pay tribute to the actor’s on- and offscreen legacy.

His Wire costar Wendell Pierce penned a moving Twitter thread in remembrance of Williams, writing, “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.”

Filmmaker Spike Lee called Williams “his brother” on Instagram, saying he “was shook” at the news of his passing. Meanwhile, The Wire creator David Simon said he was “a fine man and a rare talent” on Twitter, adding, “On our journey together he always deserved the best words. And today those words won’t come.”

“Michael K Williams was a beautiful, passionate, expansive soul. I felt so lucky to have known him, and we were all so fortunate to have enjoyed his incredible talent,” actress Aisha Tyler wrote on Twitter. “He burned so very bright.”

Musician Saul Williams added: “For years Wikipedia listed Michael K. Williams as my brother. Neither of us chose to correct it, instead we took it at its word. ‘We’re brothers, yo.’ He shared poems with me. We broke bread & kicked it whenever we could. A deep & sincere connection. A beautiful spirit.”