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The Wire star Michael K. Williams found dead, aged 54

Author
NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Tue, 7 Sep 2021, 1:25PM
Williams was famous for his role as Omar Little in The Wire. (Photo / Getty Images)
Williams was famous for his role as Omar Little in The Wire. (Photo / Getty Images)

The Wire star Michael K. Williams found dead, aged 54

Author
NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Tue, 7 Sep 2021, 1:25PM

Actor Michael K. Williams has been found dead in his New York City apartment at age 54. 

A law enforcement spokesperson told the New York Post that The Wire wire star was found in his Brooklyn apartment on Monday. 

"No foul play indicated," a police source said. "No forced entry, the apartment was in order." 

A rep confirmed the sad news to The Hollywood Reporter. 

"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," his long-time rep shared. 

Williams rose to fame on HBO's The Wire, playing stick-up man Omar Little. He also starred as Chalky White in Boardwalk Empire. 

Among Williams' most recent performances was a role in HBO's Lovecraft Country, for which he received a 2021 Emmy nomination. 

Williams had been open about his personal struggles with drugs through the years, including during the filming of The Wire, saying that getting so into the role of Little, who robs drug dealers, had a negative impact on his life. 

The acclaimed actor told NPR in 2016 that he once stumbled into a church in New Jersey desperately seeking help for his addiction. 

"When I came through those doors, I was broken. … This was, I would say, around the … third season of 'The Wire,'" Williams said. 

Tributes have already begun pouring in on social media from fans and friends following news of his death.

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