In Memoriam…Michael K. Williams

Best known for his role as Omar Little on HBO’s “The Wire,”actor Michael K. Williams has died at the age of 54. Williams was found dead in his New York City apartment last week. Investigators found drug paraphernalia near his body. The investigation is ongoing, according to law enforcement sources.

Williams’ sister, Michelle Chambers, said in a statement, “Our family has been shaken to the core of the loss of our Mike. Thank you to everyone who contacted us, flooded us with love, and more importantly, prayers. I will miss my brother, my best friend and birthday partner in this realm, but I know he will continue to watch over me and our family in heaven as he did on earth,”

A Brooklyn native, Williams was an iconic figure thanks to his role in “The Wire” as Omar Little, a shotgun-wielding character who made his living robbing drug dealers. He followed that up as a mobster in the HBO Prohibition-era mob drama “Boardwalk Empire.” Most recently, Williams earned an Emmy nomination for “Lovecraft Country.” He also appeared in “F Is for Family.” Williams was slated to co-star in Sony’s George Foreman biopic.

Williams amassed several accolades during his storied career, including five Emmy nominations. His first was in 2015 for his role in “Bessie” and another followed two years later for his part in “The Night Of.” He was also the winner of a SAG Award for best ensemble with the cast of “Boardwalk Empire.”

Colleagues and friends took to social media to remember the intensity and compassion he brought to his characters on screen, as well as off. Aisha Tyler said on Twitter, “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. He burned so very bright.”

In interviews, Williams was honest as he spoke openly about his struggles with drugs. “Addiction doesn’t go away,” he said at the time. “It’s an everyday struggle for me, but I’m fighting.”

His “Wire” co-star Wendell Pierce offered his thoughts on Williams saying, “The depth of my love for this brother, can only be matched by the depth of my pain learning of his loss. An 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.”

Rest in Peace Omar…