Williams' death in his Brooklyn house has been confirmed by a representative of the family. “It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Emmy nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams,’’ spokeswoman Marianna Shafran told various media outlets. “They ask for your privacy while grieving this unsurmountable loss.’’
The family hasn't confirmed the cause of death. An NYPD detective revealed that Williams' body was found in an apartment on Kent Avenue 440 at around 14.00. The case is currently considered an ongoing investigation, which means it's up to the coroner to indicate the official cause of death.
The Brooklyn-born actor rapidly acquired fame due to his portrayal of Omar in the HBO drama series The Wire. Omar was a robber of drug dealers, whose peculiarities made him quite memorable. Afterwards, Williams continued his streak with another HBO series, Boardwalk Empire. He played Chalky White, a bootlegger ally of Steve Buscemi's New Jersey politician Nucky Thompson.
His first Emmy nomination was in the category 'Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie' due to his role in HBO's Bessie. A second nomination in the same category came for The Night Of, another HBO series. He was also nominated for an Emmy for producing Raised in the System, a documentary that also starred him. It focused on how massive groups of American youth were incarcerated. Giving back to the community was important for Williams, who launched Making Kids Win, an entrepreneurship that was intended to build community centres in urban neighbourhoods.
Wendell Pierce remembered his 'The Wire' co-star Michael K Williams: "So to you, my brother Mike, there is a small comfort that I know, you knew how much we loved you."
"We are devastated to learn of the passing of Michael Kenneth Williams, an HBO family member for more than 20 years. While the world knew of his immense talents, we knew Michael as a dear friend. We send our deepest condolences to his family for this immeasurable loss."
Williams started his career as a dancer, who worked on various tours, including with Madonna and George Michael. Afterwards, he decided to focus on acting. His movie credits include The Road, Snitch, The Gambler, The Land, Assassin's Creed, The Public and Motherless Brooklyn. On the small screen - besides the aforementioned - he was known from Ava DuVernay's When They See Us, Hap and Leonard, When We Rise and the voice of Smokey in Netflix' animated series F is for Family.
His ability to portray a tough guy with a good heart made him stand out. This also applied to HBO's Lovecraft Country. Because of that new HBO series, he is considered one of the main contenders in the upcoming Primetime Emmy's. Here, he portrayed Montrose Freeman. He was part of a cast that also included Jonathan Majors, Jurnee Smollett and Wunmi Mosaku.
Michael Kenneth Williams became 54 years old. R.I.P.