Michael K Williams, the veteran character actor who is perhaps best known for his role on HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Wire, was found dead in his Brooklyn penthouse earlier today, Page Six reports. He was 54.
According to Page Six, the actor’s body was discovered by his nephew. Sources who spoke with the publication stated there was no signs of foul play, and that drug paraphernalia was evident, implying a drug overdose. Williams spoke openly about his history of drug addiction with NPR during a 2016 interview: “This was, I would say, around the third season of The Wire. I was on drugs. I was in jeopardy of destroying everything I had worked so hard for.” Earlier this summer, Williams embodied DMX, who passed away of a reported drug overdose in April, during a BET Awards tribute.
Williams’ portrayal of The Wire’s larger-than-life stickup man Omar Little was his most famous role, but he’s maintained a steady presence in Hollywood since, and delivered work of equal acclaim across other series like Boardwalk Empire, The Night Of, When They See Us and Lovecraft Country, for which he is nominated for Best Supporting Actor for the upcoming 2021 Emmy Awards.