Jonathan Majors, Jurnee Smollett and Michael Kenneth Williams star in “Lovecraft Country.”
HBO
Actor Michael K. Williams, beloved for his role as shotgun-wielding antihero Omar Little in the HBO series “The Wire” has died, a New York Police Department spokesperson said.
The actor, 54, was found dead Monday afternoon in his apartment in his native Brooklyn, according to the spokesperson. The cause of his death was not known at the time of publication.
HBO mourned Williams, one of the prestige cable network’s go-to actors.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Michael Kenneth Williams, a member of the HBO family for more than 20 years,” HBO said. “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.”
Williams began his performing career as a professional dancer when he was 22 years old, according to his official biography.
Williams had 111 acting credits, according to his IMDb profile. He is slated to appear in the upcoming films “892” and “Surrounded.”
In addition to his role in “The Wire,” Williams was known for pivotal roles in other HBO series such as “Boardwalk Empire” and “Lovecraft Country.” He also appeared in films such as the Oscar-winning “12 Years a Slave,” “The Road” and “Inherent Vice.”
But his role as Omar in “The Wire,” which is regularly mentioned as a contender for the greatest television series of all time, is what cemented him in American cultural immortality.
The character, an openly gay gunman who preys upon drug dealers on the mean streets of writer-creator David Simon’s Baltimore, broke barriers for LGBTQ characters. He announced his presence by whistling “The Farmer in the Dell” and delivered memorable lines such as “All in the game, yo” and “A man got to have a code.”
He also founded a nonprofit organization, Making Kids Win, to help young men and women obtain education and opportunities that would keep them out of harm’s way, especially away from gun violence and incarceration.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
