Michael K. Williams was found dead in the penthouse of a Brooklyn building after a suspected heroin overdose, according to reports. “It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Emmy nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams,” a statement from the actor’s rep Marianna Shafran reads. We ask that you respect their privacy during this unimaginable period of grief.”
Michael K. Williams
There was a family member of the Emmy-winning actor who spoke to him Friday, and Williams was scheduled to attend an event on Saturday, but he never showed up, sources said. Just before 2 p.m., someone called the police about a man at 440 Kent Ave. who was “unresponsive,” sources said. After that, someone took Williams’ relative to Williams’ home.
I am deeply saddened by the news that Michael K Williams has passed away. James Gunn, director of the Suicide Squad said in a tweet: “Michael K Williams, in addition to being one of the most gifted actors I have ever met, was also one of the kindest, gentlest, and most selfless people I have ever known. This is heartbreaking.
Michael Kenneth Williams is a native of Brooklyn who was born on November 22, 1966. Williams took inspiration from Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 when he began his career in the entertainment industry as a dancer, participating in videos and on tours with notable musicians like George Michael and Madonna. It is also worth mentioning that he worked as a model and choreographed Crystal Waters’ 1994 single “100% Pure Love.” He would later portray the police officer in R. Kelly’s “Trapped in the Closet” film series. But it was in the role of Omar Little in the Baltimore-set crime drama The Wire, which aired between 2002 and 2008, that Williams would gain mainstream recognition and success. In the role of the openly gay stickup man on the show, Williams embodied a type of character that was never seen on television before, and it attracted the attention of then-presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Michael K. Williams
