Michael K. Williams, who played Omar in The Wire, has sadly passed away. The prolific actor was just 54-years-old.
The shocking news was first reported by the NY Post, and has since been confirmed by several other sources. Apparently, Williams was found dead in the living room of his Kent Avenue penthouse by his nephew on Monday evening. Drug paraphernalia is said to have been found at the scene, suggesting a possible overdose.
Williams was arguably best known for his iconic portrayal of vigilante Omar Little on HBO's The Wire, but he also delivered a memorable turn as Chalky White on Boardwalk Empire. More recently, he was nominated for an Emmy for his work on Lovecraft Country. On the big screen, he's appeared in the likes of The Road, 12 Years a Slave, Gone Baby Gone, and the Robocop remake.
Williams had a small role in The Incredible Hulk, and was originally cast as the villain in Solo: A Star Wars Story before Paul Bettany stepped in to replace him due to a scheduling conflict.
“It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Emmy nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams. They ask for your privacy while grieving this unsurmountable loss,” Williams' long-time rep Marianna Shafran said in a statement.
Our thoughts go out to Williams' family and friends at this difficult time.
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Mark Cassidy is a writer, photographer, amateur filmmaker, and Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic from Dublin, Ireland.