David Simon, Spike Lee, and More Pay Tribute to Michael K. Williams
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On Monday afternoon, we lost the legendary actor—and person—Michael K. Williams. According to The New York Post, Williams's nephew found him dead in his Brooklyn apartment. The actor was 54 years old.
"It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Emmy nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams," the actor's representative, Marianna Shafran, wrote to
The Hollywood Reporter. "They ask for your privacy while grieving this unsurmountable loss.”
Williams initially rose to fame during his run on The Wire, where he played Omar Little from 2002 to 2008. Later on, he played critically-acclaimed roles in Boardwalk Empire and The Night Of, the latter of which saw him earn an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. Most recently, Williams also gave Emmy-nominated performances in both When They See Us and Lovecraft Country. The totality of Williams's work earned him a reputation as a heartfelt, talented, once-in-a-generation character actor—something that was only further confirmed in interviews with the man, where he was deeply insightful and often open about his longtime struggle with drug use.
Now, the multitude of actors and directors who worked with Williams—and even people the man came across or influenced over the course of his life—are paying tribute to him and the work he left behind. This includes his collaborators from his time on The Wire, like David Simon and Isiah Whitlock Jr, as well as collaborators and admirers—a group that includes fellow legends Spike Lee, Stephen King, and Ava DuVernay. Here is how they're remembering a man we lost far too soon.
Too gutted right now to say all that ought to be said. Michael was a fine man and a rare talent and on our journey together he always deserved the best words. And today those words won't come.
— David Simon (@AoDespair) September 6, 2021
Among the greatest performances tv and film has ever seen - https://t.co/sOzbvsLVNC
— John Cusack (@johncusack) September 6, 2021
The depth of my love for this brother, can only be matched by the depth of my pain learning of his loss. 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. pic.twitter.com/EvrESGSK8O
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) September 6, 2021
Horrible, sad, and unbelievable to think we’ve lost the fantastically talented Michael K. Williams at the age of 54.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) September 6, 2021
Shocked and saddened by the death of Michael K Williams. One of the nicest brothers on the planet with the biggest heart. An amazing actor and soul.
May you RIP. God bless.— Isiah Whitlock Jr. (@IsiahWhitlockJr) September 6, 2021
I used to be on staff at one of the many organizations Michael K Williams supported, and he was the one celebrity you could always count to show up. He shared his time, talent, and spirit with those kids, and the impact of that cannot be overstated. https://t.co/pC9noX8FwA
— Sage Young (@sageyoungest) September 6, 2021
Truly gutted on hearing the passing of Michael K. Williams. A tremendous actor.
— Colman Domingo (@colmandomingo) September 6, 2021
Michael K. Williams: One of the kindest, gentlest, most genuine, giving and courageous souls I've ever met. Rest in peace, my brother. #MichaelKWilliams pic.twitter.com/tqjAnGhQDY
— Lance Reddick (@lancereddick) September 7, 2021
Michael K Williams, in addition to being one of the most talented actors around, was also one of the kindest, sweetest, most gentle souls I’ve ever met. This is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with all those who loved him. ❤️
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) September 6, 2021
A beautiful soul, a beautiful person, I'll miss you always. Thank you for blessing us with your talent 💔 pic.twitter.com/Mt50HlY9CA
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) September 6, 2021
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