American actor Michael K Williams, best known for starring in HBO drama The Wire, has been found dead in his New York apartment. He was 54.



US media quote law enforcement sources as saying he died from a suspected drug overdose. This has not been officially confirmed.

Williams - who was nominated for three Emmy Awards - had openly discussed his struggles with drugs over the years.

In The Wire, he played Omar Little, a streetwise robber of drug gangs.

He was also known for playing Albert "Chalky" White in the Boardwalk Empire TV series.

New York Police Department spokesman John Grimpel said police went to Williams' Brooklyn apartment after receiving an emergency call at 14:00 local time on Monday (18:00 GMT).

Tributes have started to pour from fellow actors and filmmakers.

"The depth of my love for this brother, can only be matched by the depth of my pain learning of his loss," The Wire co-star Wendell Pierce tweeted.

"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," Pierce said.

"This is heartbreaking to learn. We have lost an enormous talent in Michael K Williams," tweeted Star Trek actor George Takei.

Filmmaker James Gunn described Williams as being among the "most gentle souls I've ever met".

"Rest in Peace Michael K. Williams. Gone far too soon. A man that taught me so much. Thank you for your wisdom," said British actor Damson Idris.

In a statement, HBO TV network - which aired The Wire in 2002-08 - said: "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Michael Kenneth Williams, a member of the HBO family for more than 20 years.

"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."

Born in New York in 1966, Williams started his career as a dancer and performed with Madonna and George Michael before moving into acting, with companies including the prestigious National Black Theatre Company.

In a BBC interview in 2018, Williams explained why The Wire - which ran on HBO in 2002-08 - was such a successful series.

"I think it has just stayed with people because it's still relevant now, because of the climate of what's going on in the United States. I think it's actually a little sad."

"It was the first show I saw that was created as what I call 'edutainment'.

"It dived so honestly into what was wrong in our society, from the police department to our lawmakers to our school system, and the media. It represented what was happening in our community," Williams said.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-58470253

There's a thing with black American and drug overdose.

kilisi:
There's a thing with black American and drug overdose.

Yeah....prescribed drugs (opioids!)

[img]https://media1./images/843166c9d3dc66da2ad9ecf63a4e80cb/tenor.gif?itemid=12221156[/img]

So this dumb policeman who forgot a used condom on the bed after fvcking R.Kelly's wife, was dumb enough to allow drugs kill him?

It's still this same dumbness that made him not know that his wife Bridget was cheating on him with a midget.

Rest well man

NwaAmaikpe:





So this dumb policeman who forgot a used condom on the bed after fvcking R.Kelly's wife, was dumb enough to allow drugs kill him?

It's still this same dumbness that made him not know that his wife Bridget was cheating on him with a midget.

Kilode

Life like a mist.

I remember this dude in Rush hour pt2.

Scene with jakie Chan in kunful fight.

R. I . P.

Great entertainer.

Omar's Coming.....

A powerful choreographer & dancer.....

Rest In Power, Kent.

Drug have destroyed lives more than terrorism and the western countries are being soft on it because of economic gain and perpetual pressure from their citizens.

When we say drug is destructive, some people will see us as uncivilised. A typical example of destructiveness of drug is the incoming 2023 president who is bedridden in London.

They feel ontop at the early stage but pay the price at their old age

Say no to drugs and yes to the Lord

Hmmmm I no fit talk self

RIP to him, he was very popular in Assassin's Creed and some other movies