‘The Wire’ actor Michael K. Williams found dead in NYC apartment

NEW YORK — Actor Michael K. Williams, known for his role as Omar Little in the HBO series “The Wire,” was found dead in his New York City apartment on Monday afternoon, authorities said Monday. He was 54.

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Williams, who also played Chalky White in “Boardwalk Empire,” was found dead at about 2 p.m. EDT, Variety reported, citing the New York City Police Department. His death was being investigated as a possible drug overdose, according to the NYPD.

Authorities found Williams in his apartment in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, WNBC reported. His death is being investigated and the city’s medical examiner will determine the cause, according to The New York Times.

“It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Emmy nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams,” Williams’ longtime representative, Marianna Shafran, said in a statement, which was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter. “They ask for your privacy while grieving this unsurmountable loss.”

Williams’ death was first reported by the New York Post.

Williams was born in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn on Nov. 22, 1966, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was raised in East Flatbush at Vanderveer Estates housing projects, according to WABC. He was the co-founder and an advocate of “We Build the Block,” the television station reported.

Williams was knifed when he tried to intervene in a fight outside of a bar on his 25th birthday, leaving him with a large scar across his face, Variety reported.

“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Michael Kenneth Williams, a member of the HBO family for more than 20 years,” HBO said in a statement. “While the world is aware of his immense talents as an artist, we knew Michael as a dear friend who was beloved by all who had the privilege to work with him. We send our deepest condolences to his family for this immeasurable loss.”

Williams was a regular on many HBO series, including “The Wire,” “Boardwalk Empire,” “The Night Of” and 2020′s “Lovecraft Country,” Variety reported. He also acted in films including “Inherent Vice,” “12 Years a Slave,” “Gone Baby Gone” and “The Road.”

In “The Wire,” Williams played a stickup man with a sharp wit who toted a sawed-off shotgun, the Times reported.

Williams was nominated for three Emmy Awards during his career, including this year for his role as Montrose Freeman on HBO’s “Lovecraft Country.” Williams was nominated for best supporting actor in a drama series.

Williams also was nominated for an Emmy in 2019 for outstanding supporting actor in a limited series or movie for his role as Bobby McCrary in the Netflix series, “When They See Us.”

Williams’ first on-screen performance was in Madonna’s music video for “Secret,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Before he was 30, he landed dancing roles on tours with Madonna and George Michael, and landed his first acting role with Tupac Shakur, the Times reported. Williams played Shakur’s brother in the 1996 film “Bullet,” Variety reported.

Williams also appeared as a drug dealer in the 1999 movie, “Bringing Out the Dead,” which was directed by Martin Scorsese.

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