Michael K. Williams ‘The Wire’ Star Found Dead At 54
Michael K. Williams ‘The Wire’ Star Found Dead At 54
Michael Kenneth Williams, the actor best known for his role as Omar Little on HBO’s The Wire, has died aged 54. The five-time Emmy nominee was found dead in his Brooklyn home on Monday. A rep confirmed his death to The Hollywood Reporter.
“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 insurmountable loss,” his longtime rep, Marianna Shafran of Shafran PR, said.
Williams took on a wide variety of roles throughout his career. More recently, he starred in Lovecraft Country, earning an Emmy nomination for this year’s ceremony (Sept, 19th). He landed the role on TV hit The Wire back in 2002 and went on to star in over 40 episodes. Williams also played Chalky White in Boardwalk Empire and starred in films including 12 Years A Slave and 2016’s Ghostbusters.
No cause of death has been confirmed. Williams had only recently signed on to star in a George Foreman biopic, which is currently in pre-production.
He received his first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie for HBO’s Bessie. He earned his second nom for his supporting role as Freddy in the 2016 mini-series The Night Of.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Williams began his career as a performer by dancing professionally at age 22. After numerous appearances in music videos and as a background dancer on concert tours for Madonna and George Michael, Williams decided to seriously pursue acting. He participated in several productions of the La MaMA Experimental Theatre, the prestigious National Black Theatre Company and the Theater for a New Generation directed by Mel Williams.
