Tributes are pouring in for beloved actor Michael K. Williams. The five-time Emmy-nominated Williams, known for his iconic roles in The Wire, Boardwalk Empire and most recently Lovecraft Country, among many others, was found dead inside his Brooklyn apartment Monday at the age of 54.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Michael Kenneth Williams, a member of the HBO family for more than 20 years,” the network 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. ”
Remembrances were coming in from Williams’ co-stars on The Wire, the groundbreaking HBO series that ran five seasons from 2002-2008, including from Wendell Pierce and Domenick Lombardozzi. Also sharing remembrances are Damson Idris, Orlando Jones, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Piper Perabo, Aisha Tyler, Jason Isbell and more. You can read them below and we’ll be updating as more come in.
The depth of my love for this brother, can only be matched by the depth of my pain learning of his loss. A immensely talented man with the ability to give voice to the human condition portraying the lives of those whose humanity is seldom elevated until he sings their truth. pic.twitter.com/EvrESGSK8O
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) September 6, 2021
Michael K Williams I knew was kind. Fair. Gentle. And super fucking talented. I’ll cherish our talks and I’ll miss him tremendously. My deepest condolences to the Williams family. Rest my friend. 🙏🏻
— Domenick Lombardozzi (@D_Lombardozzi) September 6, 2021
Michael K Williams, in addition to being one of the most talented actors around, was also one of the kindest, sweetest, most gentle souls I’ve ever met. This is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with all those who loved him. ❤️
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) September 6, 2021
Rest in Peace Michael K. Williams. Gone far too soon. A man that taught me so much. Thank you for your wisdom. pic.twitter.com/qoOKxdnErF
— Damson Idris (@DamsonIdris) September 6, 2021
Rest in Power Michael K Williams💔💔💔💔💔💔 Prayers Up. Spirits shook. Pain immense. Keep your head up family. We’ll pull through but first let’s give this black man every last one of his 💐🌺🌸🙏🏿 Hold on to the ones you 💕 pic.twitter.com/1dGUBEp4d9
— Orlando Jones (@TheOrlandoJones) September 6, 2021
Goddamn it. We lost one of our best, most talented. RIP #MichaelKWilliams. Breaks my heart. pic.twitter.com/K2ex1vhA88
— Jeffrey Dean Morgan (@JDMorgan) September 6, 2021
Michael K Williams was a beautiful, passionate, expansive soul. I felt so lucky to have known him, and we were all so fortunate to have enjoyed his incredible talent. He burned so very bright.
Rest in power, MKW.
You will forever be The King. pic.twitter.com/LuFY0tG9NA
— Aisha Tyler (@aishatyler) September 6, 2021
Michael K. Williams always impressed me with his work, but the scene at the gay club in Lovecraft Country absolutely shattered me into pieces- in the deepest, realest way that art can do. If he had done only that one scene- what a gift. What a gift we got to see so much more.
— Natalie Morales (@nataliemorales) September 6, 2021
Michael K. Williams was a god damn genius, a black queer icon who challenged the ideas of black masculinity at a time when it wasn’t easy and a truly great dude. A huge loss.
Somebody tell God, Omar coming.#RIPMichaelKWilliams pic.twitter.com/Ch4iEoCVvS
— Travon Free (@Travon) September 6, 2021
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.
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) September 6, 2021
Truly gutted on hearing the passing of Michael K. Williams. A tremendous actor.
— Colman Domingo (@colmandomingo) September 6, 2021
For years Wikipedia listed Michael K. Williams as my brother. Neither one of us chose to correct it, instead we took it at its word. “We’re brothers, yo.” He shared poems with me. We broke bread & kicked it whenever we could. A deep & sincere connection. A beautiful spirit. 💔💔
— Saul Williams (@SaulWilliams) September 6, 2021
This is just terrible terrible news. RIP Michael. 🙏🏾 https://t.co/xDdjD0qqiY
— Larry Wilmore (@larrywilmore) September 6, 2021
Yo, if you have a problem w/ depression, addiction, crisis of faith. Whatever it is. Please talk to somebody. Please consider help, even if it’s uncomfortable.
I will forever love the work of Michael K. Williams. I sincerely hope he’s at peace w/ the loved ones who came before.
— Paul Walter Hauser (@PaulWHauser) September 6, 2021
Horrible, sad, and unbelievable to think we’ve lost the fantastically talented Michael K. Williams at the age of 54.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) September 6, 2021
Damn! Such a loss! This man was an amazing actor and a beautiful artist gone too soon…🙏🏾 Michael K. Williams Dead: ‘The Wire’ Star Was 54 – Variety https://t.co/ctvgMnCBgf
— David Alan Grier (@davidalangrier) September 6, 2021
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.
May you RIP. God bless.— Isiah Whitlock Jr. (@IsiahWhitlockJr) September 6, 2021
Michael K. Williams 🕊was one of my favorite actors. The detail, truths, and heart his performances embody is immense. So sad to learn of his passing.
Rest in power Michael K. Williams. https://t.co/FKavkPLWbK
— Piper Perabo she/her (@PiperPerabo) September 6, 2021
There was something special about him. A quiet intensity. He was SO good in every single role. He studied his craft. He also expanded the view of what a same gender loving man looked like in the roles he played. Michael K Williams will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/BT9EwLjhP3
— April (@ReignOfApril) September 6, 2021