Emmy-nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams passed away at the age of 54 in his hometown of Brooklyn, New York. His representative confirmed the news with a statement yesterday, saying that his family is "grieving this insurmountable loss."
Throughout his prolific career, Williams was a mainstay on HBO, with notable roles in Boardwalk Empire, Bessie, and The Night Of. He's best known for portraying stick-up man Omar Little on The Wire, one of TV's premier antiheroes and a groundbreaking portrayal of Black masculinity as an openly gay man in a homophobic industry. Most recently, he starred in Lovecraft Country, which snagged him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
Williams came up in street dancing, becoming a backup dancer for artists including George Michael, Ginuwine, and Madonna. He also choreographed the music video for house singer Crystal Waters's 1994 single "100% Pure Love." He channeled his childhood experiences in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, into his performance of Omar Little, and he was a longtime advocate for criminal justice reform, in both the United States and his mother's native, the Bahamas.
Williams's costars throughout his career have taken to social media to express their grief following the actor's death. Many of his fans, both famous and non, have also shared their memories of his "talent," "kindness," and "courage." Below are some Hollywood tributes to the legend.
Ava DuVernay
The When They See Us director posted several on-set pictures of the late actor, who portrayed the father of one of the wrongfully convicted Central Park Five on the acclaimed miniseries. In the caption, she shared her memories of Williams on set.
"I remember the times you’d come on set even when you weren’t on the call sheet. Just to share a hug. To cheer us on. Strolling in like the King that you were. For just a flash to give some love - then gone. I remember nights out in NYC that summer and how you were so loved by the folks in your city," she wrote.
She concluded the post, "Maya Angelou once said, your legacy lives on in every life you touch. You, brother, touched many. Through your personal interactions big and small, through your community activism, through your struggles, through your triumphs, through your glorious work. You moved many. You moved me. What you doubted in life, be certain of now, dear brother. Be certain. You were a flash of love - now gone. But never forgotten."
Jharrel Jerome
Williams's When They See Us costar wrote, "You were kind. You were gentle and soft spoken. You were funny. You were smooth. You were as real as they came. You inspired me. You inspired all of us. You were the type of artist that I thought could live forever. But I’m still not wrong, because you WILL live forever. You are a timeless actor Michael. We love you, we will miss you. Rest In Peace. Omar’s still comin 🖤."
Niecy Nash
Niecy Nash shared a series of pictures and videos from When They See Us promotions, including a video of herself, Williams, and Jerome dancing during a photo shoot, which she called "[her] fav of us."
The Claws actor wrote, "You we're a beautiful soul, a kind spirit & a good time… a talent beyond measure. Thank you for the many times we traded energy and you made me feel like family. You left us too soon… Praying for your loved ones."
She later posted a video of Williams dancing in a park in his native Brooklyn, which went viral last October.
David Simon
The Wire creator wrote, "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."
Wendell Pierce
Williams's Wire costar wrote a long Twitter thread in tribute to the late actor. "If you don't know, you better ask somebody. His name was Michael K. Williams. He shared with me his secret fears then stepped out into his acting with true courage, acting in the face of fear, not in the absence of it. It took me years to learn what Michael had in abundance. He was proud of the artist he had become, asking for my advice long after he had surpassed any incite I could have shared.Always truthful, never inauthentic. The kindest of persons," he wrote.
Idris Elba
The Wire actor posted a black image in mourning, with the caption, "MKW."
Isiah Whitlock Jr.
"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," The Wire actor wrote.
Courtney B. Vance
The Lovecraft Country actor wrote, "Michael worked hard in his work and throughout his life. He shared with us all how hard he tried to achieve sustained sobriety. I know Michael, the man, would want his life to serve as an important, teachable lesson for anyone who is in the midst of the very real struggle against addiction. As difficult as this moment is for us all, Michael has found peace."
He added, "Michael, you will always be remembered by so many for your gifts as an actor but even more importantly, you will be remembered for being an amazing, kind man. I love you, my brother. Rest in Peace."
Aunjanue Ellis
"MKW 4Ever. My heart screams," the Lovecraft Country actor wrote.
Spike Lee
The esteemed director and Brooklyn native shared two posts of Williams: a pic of himself and the late actor attending a New York Knicks game, and a clip of Williams saying, "Like them, I'm Brooklyn for life."
"Let's Celebrate Our Artistic Soldier MICHAEL K. WILLIAMS. We Have Lost Too,Too Many Of Our Sista's And Brotha's Too,Too Early. Blessings,Prayers And Condolences To His Family. GOD BLESS," he wrote.
Viola Davis
The actor wrote, "No! So sad. Man do I wish this were a different ending. Rest well @bkbmg," tagging the late actor.
Billy Porter
The Pose actor wrote, "In 2017, the @nytimes wrote: 'typecasting is still woefully commonplace, and black actors are still forced into one-dimensional roles. Mr. Williams has made a mission of depicting his community in all of its nuance and variety.' And that included pushing up against heteronormative stereotypes and exploring queer storylines with range, thoughtfulness, ugliness, tenderness, and grace. Thank you. And R.I.P."
Kerry Washington
"So heartbroken. @BKBMG thank you for the beauty and joy you brought to the world. Sending love and prayers to your friends, family and everyone who adored you 🙏🏾 me included ❤️ We adore you Sir," she wrote.
Leslie Jones
"Not gonna lie this one fucked me up y'all!! Micheal K Williams was a solid dude. He was so nice to me when we did ghostbusters and we bonded on many levels!! Damn I was just thinking the next time I saw him I was gonna tell him how dope of an actor he is. Rest in live Bro!" she wrote.
Giancarlo Esposito
"I have never met a more loving, caring, beautiful human being. A true friend and thespian. I will forever miss you my dear brother. Godspeed," he wrote.
Questlove
"Please God No. I can't take this pain. Death cannot be this normal," he wrote.
Mariah Carey
"A beautiful soul, a beautiful person, I'll miss you always. Thank you for blessing us with your talent 💔," she wrote.
HBO
"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," HBO shared.
Quinci LeGardye is an LA-based freelance writer who covers culture, politics, and mental health through a Black feminist lens. When she isn’t writing or checking Twitter, she’s probably watching the latest K-drama or giving a concert performance in her car.
