Michael K. Williams, acclaimed “The Wire” actor, has died at 54

FAN Editor

Michael K. Williams, an Emmy-nominated actor best known for his role in the hit HBO drama series “The Wire,” was found dead in his Brooklyn home, NYPD sources confirmed to CBS News on Monday. Williams was 54 years old. 

The sources said officers responded to Williams’ home at approximately 2:00 p.m. and found him dead in his living room. Police did not provide any additional information about his death. 

Williams, who was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, won critical acclaim for portraying the shotgun-wielding robber Omar Little on “The Wire” from 2002 to 2008. He went on to appear in several other HBO series, including “Boardwalk Empire,” in which he portrayed racketeer Chalky White. 

BET Awards 2021 - Arrivals
Michael K. Williams attends the BET Awards 2021 at Microsoft Theater on June 27, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.  Amy Sussman/FilmMagic

Williams told NPR in 2016 that he often struggled with separating himself from the character of Little while filming “The Wire,” and that Little’s struggle “was a little too close to home.” He also told the outlet that he battled with addiction while filming the show, noting that he was “in jeopardy of destroying everything I had worked so hard for.”

As he grew in his career, he said, he became more comfortable separating himself from the characters he played. 

“One of the main things that’s changed from when I was first on ‘The Wire’ and to now — in, particularly, ‘The Night Of’ — is I know how to differentiate myself from the character. … I still go in just as deep, but now I have the tools … to pull myself out of that,” he told NPR. 

Throughout his decades-long career, Williams was nominated for five Emmys, including three nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his work in “Bessie,” “The Night Of,” and “When They See Us,” according to IMDB. He is currently nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for playing Montrose Freeman in HBO’s “Lovecraft Country.” 

Fans and colleagues mourned the actor’s death on social media. 

“Shocked and saddened by the death of Michael K Williams. One of the nicest brothers on the planet with the biggest heart,” tweeted “The Wire” costar Isiah Whitlock Jr, who portrayed state senator Clay Davis on the show. ” An amazing actor and soul.” 

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Michael K. Williams, who played fan-favorite Omar on 'The Wire,' is dead at 54

Jonathan Majors, Jurnee Smollett and Michael Kenneth Williams star in “Lovecraft Country.” HBO Barrier-breaking actor Michael K. Williams, beloved for his role as shotgun-wielding antihero Omar Little in the HBO series “The Wire,” has died, a New York Police Department spokesperson said. The actor and activist, 54, was found dead […]