The Wire actor Michael K Williams found dead in NYC apartment surrounded by drug paraphernalia
THE Wire actor Michael K. Williams was found dead at the age of 54 surrounded by illegal drug paraphernalia, The Sun can confirm.
The TV star was discovered by a family member in his Brooklyn, New York apartment on Monday, law enforcement officials revealed.
NYPD deputies told The Sun: “Michael was found dead by a relative around 2pm today at his Kent Avenue apartment in Brooklyn.
“He was alone when he was discovered. Illegal paraphernalia was found in the apartment.
“The medical examiner is currently investigating his cause of death.”
Sources first told The New York Post that Michael was found dead in the living room of his penthouse by his nephew.
According to the outlet, drug paraphernalia was found in the apartment, suggesting a possible overdose.
Michael’s rep also confirmed the tragic death and said in a statement: “It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Emmy nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams.
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“They ask for your privacy while grieving this unsurmountable loss.”
Fans and fellow stars in the entertainment industry mourned the devastating incident on social media.
Read our Michael K. Williams live blog for the very latest news and updates…
Da 5 Bloods actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. tweeted: “Shocked and saddened by the death of Michael K Williams.
“One of the nicest brothers on the planet with the biggest heart. An amazing actor and soul.”
Country folk superstar Jason Isbell said: “I crossed paths with Michael K. Williams once in New York.
“And I was too nervous to say hello, so I walked around the block trying to work up the nerve and still couldn’t do it. Just loved his work so much. This news is so sad.”
‘LEGENDARY PERFORMER’
Another longtime admirer wrote: “Michael K Williams brought every character he played to spectacular life. Chalky White, Omar Little, Montrose Freeman, Freddy Knight. The list goes on and on. Just heartbreaking news.”
“Rest in peace, Michael K Williams. I will never forget your legendary performance as Omar Little. One of my favorite characters ever,” a fan said in a tribute.
He was most famous for his role as Omar Little in the HBO drama series The Wire – which he played from 2002 until 2008.
From 2010 until 2014, the New York native also popularly played Chalky White in the hit show Boardwalk Empire.
Other standout projects Michael was apart of include films 12 Years a Slave, Assassin’s Creed, Ghostbusters and The Purge.
Throughout his decades-long career, the actor had been nominated for five Emmy’s.
2021 EMMY CONTENDER
The late actor is up for an award at this year’s show, which will take place later this month.
His potential posthumous Emmy will be for playing Montrose Freeman in the drama series, Lovecraft Country.
Back in 2015, he was first up for the award for his role as Jack Gee in the TV movie, Bessie.
In 2017, he was once again nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for playing Freddy Knight in The Night Of.
The entertainer was also nominated in 2018 for being in the cast of Vice and again in 2019 for his part in the limited series When They See Us.
He was last spotted in public last month as he rocked a peacock feather-print suit at the Los Angeles movie premiere for Aretha Franklin’s biopic, Respect.
Michael is survived by his son, Elijah Williams.
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