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'''Michael Kenneth Williams''' (November 22, 1966 – September 6, 2021) was an American actor. He rose to fame
Born in [[Brooklyn]], [[New York City]], to an [[African-American]] father from [[South Carolina]] and a [[Bahamians|Bahamian]] mother, Williams enrolled at the [[National Black Theatre|National Black Theater]]. He left school early to pursue a career as a dancer, which resulted in his working with [[Kym Sims]], [[George Michael]], and [[Madonna]], and found work choreographing music videos. His distinctive voice, prominent facial scar, and charisma helped him obtain acting work, initially alongside [[Tupac Shakur]] in the 1996 film ''[[Bullet (1996 film)|Bullet]]'' before being cast in ''The Wire'' in 2002.<ref name=":1
Williams
Williams' portrayal of Omar Little has been called one of the best in the history of television.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Andrews|first=Travis M.|date=September 6, 2021|title=The ballad of Omar Little, Michael K. Williams's enduring role|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/09/06/michael-k-williams-omar-little-the-wire/|access-date=February 3, 2022|archive-date=May 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516081355/https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/09/06/michael-k-williams-omar-little-the-wire/|url-status=live}}</ref> With ''The Wire'' and other shows such as ''[[The Sopranos]]'', Williams was credited with being part of the late 1990s and early 2000s artistic force changing American television into an art form.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jones|first=Emma|title=How The Wire became the greatest TV show ever made|url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20180412-how-the-wire-became-the-greatest-tv-show-ever-made|access-date=February 3, 2022|website=www.bbc.com|language=en|archive-date=April 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430001103/https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20180412-how-the-wire-became-the-greatest-tv-show-ever-made|url-status=live}}</ref> In the aftermath of his death, he was the subject of tributes and appraisal both in the United States and beyond; the British lecturer and writer [[Kenan Malik]] wrote of his "power and nuance, seldom seen on screen".<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 12, 2021|title=In an age too given to moral certainty, let's remember The Wire's Omar as a study in complexity {{!}} Kenan Malik|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/sep/12/in-a-black-and-white-age-the-wire-omar-little-illuminated-our-knotty-moral-lives|access-date=February 3, 2022|website=the Guardian|language=en|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203033149/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/sep/12/in-a-black-and-white-age-the-wire-omar-little-illuminated-our-knotty-moral-lives|url-status=live}}</ref>▼
==Early life and education==
Williams was born on November 22, 1966, in [[Brooklyn]], New York City, the son of [[Bahamian people|Bahamian]] born Paula Thompson <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/pennlive/name/paula-williams-obituary?id=35875715 |title=''Obituary: Paula C. Williams'' |website=[[Legacy.com]] |access-date=July 20, 2022 |archive-date=July 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720123230/https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/pennlive/name/paula-williams-obituary?id=35875715 |url-status=live }}</ref> and Booker T. Williams, an American, from [[Greeleyville, South Carolina]], where his African-American family has deep roots.<ref>Williams, Michael K. ''[[Finding Your Roots]]'', January 15, 2019.</ref> Williams was raised in the Vanderveer Projects in [[East Flatbush, Brooklyn|East Flatbush]], Brooklyn,<ref>{{cite web| url= https://nypost.com/2013/10/19/michael-k-williams-my-brooklyn/| title= Michael K. Williams: My Brooklyn| last= Tucker| first= Reed| work= [[New York Post]]| date= October 20, 2013| access-date= March 10, 2016| archive-date= June 21, 2017| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170621095315/http://nypost.com/2013/10/19/michael-k-williams-my-brooklyn/| url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vibe.com/article/michael-k-williams-snitch-life-after-the-wire-acting-advice-2-pac|title=Michael K. Williams Talks "Snitch," Life After "The Wire" & Acting Advice From 2 Pac|website=Vibe.com|date=February 22, 2013|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-date=October 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014054731/http://www.vibe.com/article/michael-k-williams-snitch-life-after-the-wire-acting-advice-2-pac|url-status=live}}</ref> and attended [[George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School]].<ref>{{cite web |work=NYMag.com |url=https://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/62355/ |title=Michael Kenneth Williams's High-Wire Act |date=February 6, 2009 |access-date=March 10, 2016 |archive-date=January 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117021740/http://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/62355/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Later, Williams enrolled at the [[National Black Theatre]] in New York City.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/national-black-theatre-struggling-article-1.1523705|title=National Black Theatre, a Harlem mainstay, works tirelessly to keep legacy alive|first=Beth|last=Stebner|website=nydailynews.com|date=November 22, 2013 |access-date=September 6, 2021|archive-date=September 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906203755/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/national-black-theatre-struggling-article-1.1523705|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Career==
=== 1994–2001: Early career and acting debut ===
Williams worked for [[Pfizer]] pharmaceuticals as a [[Temporary work|temp]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/08/28/755021596/no-longer-omar-actor-michael-k-williams-on-lucky-breaks-and-letting-go|title=No Longer Omar: Actor Michael K. Williams On Lucky Breaks And Letting Go|last1=Gross|first1=Terry|publisher=[[National Public Radio]]|quote=Yeah, so I went and got a job at Pfizer pharmaceuticals. Like, I was a temp job, and I worked there for a year.|date=August 28, 2019|access-date=August 14, 2021|archive-date=August 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815022634/https://www.npr.org/2019/08/28/755021596/no-longer-omar-actor-michael-k-williams-on-lucky-breaks-and-letting-go|url-status=live}}</ref> However, inspired by ''[[Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814]]'', he left school and quit his job, against the wishes of his family, to pursue a career as a dancer. During a year in which he was intermittently homeless, Williams visited record labels and dance studios looking for work. He got a job as a background dancer with singer [[Kym Sims]], which led to more work appearing as a dancer in music videos and on tours with artists such as [[George Michael]] and [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]], as well as some modeling work. He also choreographed [[Crystal Waters]]' 1994 single "[[100% Pure Love]]".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18299087|title=Michael K. Williams: He's Only Playing Tough|work=NPR.org|access-date=September 13, 2018|quote=Williams began to work (in these videos) with some of the biggest names in the business such as Madonna and Crystal Waters|archive-date=June 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618203202/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18299087|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="WBEZ">{{cite news |title=Wikipedia Files: Michael K. Williams (Omar from 'The Wire') |
Williams had a
===2002–2008: Breakthrough with ''The Wire''===
[[File:SFPrideParade2016_EddieHernandezPhotography-43_800px.jpg|thumb|Williams on the float as the Celebrity Grand Marshal at the 2016 San Francisco Pride Parade]]▼
[[File:Michael K Williams Harvard 2010.jpg|thumb|Williams at Harvard University for a panel discussion on ''The Wire'', November 8, 2010]]
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For his portrayal of Omar, Williams was named by ''[[USA Today]]'' as "one of ten reasons they still love television". The magazine praised Omar for his uniqueness as a character, and Williams for bringing wit and humor to the portrayal.<ref name = "USA"/> Omar has been named as one of the first season's richest characters, a [[Robin Hood]] of Baltimore's west side projects. The ''[[Baltimore City Paper]]'' named the character one of their top ten reasons not to cancel the show and called him "arguably the show's single greatest achievement".<ref name = "BC2"/> In 2007, he was nominated for an [[NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series]] for his role as Omar.<ref name="Hollywood Reporter Image 2007">{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/features/e3i1df4dfd4706f9fc31fefc3974392be1d |title=2007 Image Award nominees and winners |access-date=November 5, 2007 |publisher=Hollywood Reporter |year=2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070315204254/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/features/e3i1df4dfd4706f9fc31fefc3974392be1d |archive-date=March 15, 2007}}</ref>
Williams pursued the role because he was intrigued by Omar's contradictory nature.<ref name = "HT2"/> He felt Omar's popularity stemmed from his honesty, lack of materialism, individuality and his adherence to his strict code.<ref name = "HT2"/> He felt that the role has been a breakthrough in terms of bringing attention to him and getting further roles.<ref name="After Elton">{{cite web|
Williams had a recurring role on [[J. J. Abrams]]' ''[[Alias (TV series)|Alias]]''. He also had a recurring role on the Abrams-produced ''[[Six Degrees (TV series)|Six Degrees]]''.<ref name="After Elton"/> He made brief appearances on ''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation]]'' (playing two different characters on two different seasons), ''[[Boston Legal]]'', ''[[The Sopranos]]'', ''[[Law & Order]]'' (playing three different characters on three different seasons), ''[[Law & Order: Special Victims Unit]]'' (also playing two different characters on two different seasons), ''[[Human Giant]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vulture.com/2008/01/omar_comes_to_mtv_aziz_ansari.html |title=Omar Comes to MTV: Aziz Ansari Reports on the 'Wire'–'Human Giant' Crossover |publisher=Vulture.com |date=January 16, 2008 |access-date=September 6, 2021 |archive-date=September 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906211708/https://www.vulture.com/2008/01/omar_comes_to_mtv_aziz_ansari.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and ''[[Third Watch]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Berman|first=Marc|title='The Wire' Star Michael K. Williams Dies At 54|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/marcberman1/2021/09/06/the-wire-star-michael-k-williams-dies-at-54/|access-date=September 14, 2021|website=Forbes|language=en|archive-date=September 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914134429/https://www.forbes.com/sites/marcberman1/2021/09/06/the-wire-star-michael-k-williams-dies-at-54/|url-status=live}}</ref> Williams appeared in ''[[The Kill Point]]'' as recurring guest star Q, a police sniper, alongside ''The Wire'' co-stars [[J. D. Williams]], [[Michael Hyatt]] and [[Leo Fitzpatrick]]. He auditioned for the starring role of Mr. Cat but was forced to take a smaller role due to scheduling conflicts; the part of Mr. Cat went to J. D. Williams instead.<ref name="Star-Ledger">{{cite web| first1 = Alan |last1 = Sepinwall| year = 2007| title = 'The Kill Point' proves formulas can pay off| work = New Jersey Star Ledger| access-date = September 5, 2007| url = http://www.nj.com/columns/ledger/sepinwall/index.ssf?/base/columns-0/1187931699223980.xml&coll=1| archive-date = September 29, 2007| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070929102709/http://www.nj.com/columns/ledger/sepinwall/index.ssf?/base/columns-0/1187931699223980.xml&coll=1| url-status = live}}</ref> Williams played a Boston area detective named Devin Amronklin in the 2007 film ''[[Gone, Baby, Gone]]''. The film is based on a novel by [[Dennis Lehane]], who has written for ''The Wire'', and was adapted and directed by [[Ben Affleck]]. Amronklin is a recurring character in Lehane's Kenzie-Genarro series of books. Williams said that he enjoyed working with Affleck and characterized him as a passionate and hands-on director.<ref name="After Elton"/> Williams played Teddy, the former boyfriend of Nikki Tru ([[Kerry Washington]]) in the [[Chris Rock]] film ''[[I Think I Love My Wife]]''. He played James, a policeman, in singer [[R. Kelly]]'s video for "[[Trapped in the Closet]]". He also appeared in [[The Game (rapper)|The Game]]'s "Dreams" and "How We Do" music videos, [[Tony Yayo]]'s "It's a Stick Up" music video and [[Cam'ron]]'s film ''[[Killa Season]]'', as well as [[Trick Daddy]]'s video "Tuck Your Ice In", [[Freeway (rapper)|Freeway]]'s "How We Do", Sheek Louch's "Good Love", and Young Jeezy's "Bury me a G" alongside his ''The Wire'' co-star [[Hassan Johnson]]. Williams played the role of The Thief in the 2009 film ''[[The Road (2009 film)|The Road]]'', an adaptation of the [[Cormac McCarthy]] novel [[The Road|of the same name]].<ref name="NYTIMES">{{cite news| first1 = Charles |last1 = McGrath| title = 'At the End of the World, Honing the Father-Son Dynamic| work = The New York Times| access-date = May 26, 2008| url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/27/movies/27road.html| date = May 27, 2008| archive-date = January 5, 2018| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180105100733/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/27/movies/27road.html| url-status = live}}</ref>
=== 2009–2020: Established work and final roles ===
During his portrayal of Omar, Williams went by his character's name and developed a habit of smoking [[cannabis]] and an addiction to [[cocaine]] in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/04/michael-k-williams-cocaine_n_1854966.html|title='The Wire' Alum Admits Past Cocaine Addiction|website=The Huffington Post|date=September 4, 2012|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305095111/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/04/michael-k-williams-cocaine_n_1854966.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Williams lived part-time in [[Newark, New Jersey]] using drugs, but sought help from a ministry in neighboring [[Irvington, New Jersey|Irvington]], which he credited for helping him during the production.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/news/2021/09/actor-michael-k-williams-who-led-double-life-in-nj-during-height-of-his-fame-found-dead.html|title=Actor Michael K. Williams, who led double life in N.J. during height of his fame, found dead|agency=[[Associated Press]]|first=Matthew|last=Stanmyre|website=[[NJ.com]]|date=September 6, 2021|access-date=September 8, 2021|archive-date=September 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907215705/https://www.nj.com/news/2021/09/actor-michael-k-williams-who-led-double-life-in-nj-during-height-of-his-fame-found-dead.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/inside-jersey/2012/08/the_redemption_of_michael_k_williams.html|title=The Redemption of Michael K. Williams|first=Kevin Manahan | NJ Advance Media for|last=NJ.com|date=August 22, 2012|website=nj|access-date=September 8, 2021|archive-date=December 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204093042/http://www.nj.com/inside-jersey/index.ssf/2012/08/the_redemption_of_michael_k_williams.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/30/nyregion/michael-k-williams-is-more-than-omar-from-the-wire.html|title=Michael K. Williams Is More Than Omar From 'The Wire'|first=Noah|last=Remnick|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 30, 2017|access-date=September 8, 2021|archive-date=January 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235004/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/30/nyregion/michael-k-williams-is-more-than-omar-from-the-wire.html|url-status=live}}</ref>▼
In 2010, Williams appeared in the film ''[[Life During Wartime (film)|Life During Wartime]]''. The character he played, Allen, was portrayed by [[Philip Seymour Hoffman]] in the film's predecessor, ''[[Happiness (1998 film)|Happiness]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Writer |first=Guest |url=https://www.blackfilm.com/read/2014/10/exclusive-michael-k-williams-talks-kill-the-messenger/ |title=Exclusive: Michael K. Williams Talks 'Kill The Messenger' |publisher=blackfilm.com |date=October 7, 2014 |access-date=September 6, 2021 |archive-date=August 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831195918/https://www.blackfilm.com/read/2014/10/exclusive-michael-k-williams-talks-kill-the-messenger/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Williams starred in the film ''[[A Day in the Life (film)|A Day in the Life]]'', which was directed by, produced by, and starred rapper [[Sticky Fingaz]]. The entire film is a musical with every line being delivered in rap verse. Williams starred in HBO's ''[[Boardwalk Empire]]'' for its five seasons (2010–2014), appearing as Albert "Chalky" White, the leader of 1920s' [[Atlantic City]]'s black community.<ref>{{cite web |first=Terry |last=Gross |url=https://www.npr.org/2019/08/28/755021596/no-longer-omar-actor-michael-k-williams-on-lucky-breaks-and-letting-go |title=No Longer Omar: Actor Michael K. Williams On Lucky Breaks And Letting Go |publisher=NPR |date=August 28, 2019 |access-date=September 6, 2021 |archive-date=September 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906213439/https://www.npr.org/2019/08/28/755021596/no-longer-omar-actor-michael-k-williams-on-lucky-breaks-and-letting-go |url-status=live }}</ref>▼
▲[[File:SFPrideParade2016_EddieHernandezPhotography-43_800px.jpg|thumb|left|Williams on the float as the Celebrity Grand Marshal at the 2016 San Francisco Pride Parade]]
On July 23, 2011, ''[[Community (TV series)|Community]]'' creator [[Dan Harmon]] revealed that Williams would star in "at least three episodes" of the sitcom's third season.<ref name="Vulture">{{cite news| first1 = Josef |last1 = Adalian| title = Breaking: The Wire's Michael K. "Omar" Williams Is Headed to Community| access-date = July 23, 2011| url = https://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/07/the_wire_star_michael_k_willia.html| date = July 23, 2011| archive-date = September 29, 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110929130041/http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/07/the_wire_star_michael_k_willia.html| url-status = live}}</ref> He played the role of Biology Professor [[Marshall Kane]] at Greendale Community College.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Hua |last1=Hsu |url=https://www.vulture.com/2012/08/michael-k-williams-disappearing-act.html |title=Magic Mike: Michael K. Williams's Disappearing Act - Slideshow |publisher=Vulture |date=September 1, 2012 |access-date=September 6, 2021 |archive-date=September 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906204641/https://www.vulture.com/2012/08/michael-k-williams-disappearing-act.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2011, it was announced that Williams would appear in [[Quentin Tarantino]]'s feature film ''[[Django Unchained]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://deadline.com/2011/11/michael-kenneth-williams-in-talks-for-django-unchained-and-snitch-195801/ | website= Deadline.com | title= Michael Kenneth Williams In Talks For 'Django Unchained' and 'Snitch' | first= Mike Jr. | last= Fleming | date= November 16, 2011 | access-date= September 12, 2016 | archive-date= March 18, 2017 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170318025931/http://deadline.com/2011/11/michael-kenneth-williams-in-talks-for-django-unchained-and-snitch-195801/ | url-status= live }}</ref> Williams, who had previously confirmed that he was actually in talks with Tarantino to take on the titular role of Django, was to portray a minor character in the film, but scheduling conflicts with ''Boardwalk Empire'' prevented him from doing so.<ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.cinemablend.com/new/Michael-K-Williams-Can-t-Do-Django-Unchained-Has-Role-Snitch-With-Rock-27933.html| website= CinemaBlend.com| title= Michael K. Williams Can't Do Django Unchained, Has A Role In Snitch With The Rock| first= Eric| last= Eisenberg| date= November 16, 2011| access-date= September 12, 2016| archive-date= January 3, 2013| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130103064435/http://www.cinemablend.com/new/michael-k-williams-can-t-do-django-unchained-has-role-snitch-with-rock-27933.html| url-status= live}}</ref> On May 16, 2012, Williams announced that he was an executive producer of the independent film ''[[Snow on tha Bluff]]'', Williams' first film under his company, Freedome Productions. On Power 105.1fm's ''The Breakfast Club'', Williams revealed the June 19 release date for ''Snow on tha Bluff'', describing the movie as "real graphic": "everything that is wrong with the 'hood is in this movie".<ref name="CRW YouTube">{{cite web| url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O5POPpDcrw/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120613161641/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O5POPpDcrw&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=June 13, 2012 |url-status=dead|title=Michael K Williams Interview |publisher=YouTube |access-date=August 7, 2012}}</ref> Williams also shared on ''The Breakfast Club'' that he was starring in an African American western, ''They Die by Dawn'', with his co-star [[Felicia Pearson|Snoop]] from the HBO series ''The Wire''. Williams also revealed that he was starring in the lead role as rapper [[Ol' Dirty Bastard]] (ODB) from the [[Wu-Tang Clan]] in the movie ''Dirty Whiteboy'' in 2014, which is based on the relationship ODB had with his manager during the last two years of his life. Williams mentioned the role was special to him because he grew up listening to Ol' Dirty Bastard and to Wu-Tang and was also a Brooklyn native.<ref name="CRW YouTube" /> In 2013, Williams starred in [[MGMT]]'s music video for "Cool Song No. 2"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/6x4mk6/mgmts-cool-song-no-2-is-the-music-video-of-the-year |title=MGMT's "Cool Song No. 2" Is The Music Video of the Year |publisher=Vice.com |date=September 23, 2013 |access-date=September 6, 2021 |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420140523/https://www.vice.com/en/article/6x4mk6/mgmts-cool-song-no-2-is-the-music-video-of-the-year |url-status=live }}</ref> and had a cameo appearance in [[Jay-Z]]'s "Picasso Baby" art film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jay-zs-picasso-baby-a-performance-art-film-makes-its-debut-44637/|title=Jay Z's 'Picasso Baby: A Performance Art Film' Makes Its Debut|publisher=rollingstone.com|date=August 3, 2013|access-date=September 6, 2021|archive-date=September 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924200708/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jay-zs-picasso-baby-a-performance-art-film-makes-its-debut-44637/|url-status=live}}</ref> That same year, Williams appeared in ASAP Rocky's video for "Phoenix".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Minsker|first1=Evan|title=Watch A$AP Rocky's "Phoenix" Video Featuring Michael K. Williams From "The Wire"|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/51679-watch-aap-rockys-phoenix-video-featuring-michael-k-williams-from-the-wire/|website=Pitchfork.com|date=November 13, 2013|publisher=Pitchfork|access-date=August 3, 2014|archive-date=August 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803095700/http://pitchfork.com/news/51679-watch-aap-rockys-phoenix-video-featuring-michael-k-williams-from-the-wire/|url-status=live}}</ref>
▲Williams starred in the film ''[[A Day in the Life (film)|A Day in the Life]]'', which was directed by, produced by, and starred rapper [[Sticky Fingaz]]. The entire film is a musical with every line being delivered in rap verse. Williams starred in HBO's ''[[Boardwalk Empire]]'' for its five seasons (2010–2014), appearing as Albert "Chalky" White, the leader of 1920s' [[Atlantic City]]'s black community.<ref>{{cite web |first=Terry |last=Gross |url=https://www.npr.org/2019/08/28/755021596/no-longer-omar-actor-michael-k-williams-on-lucky-breaks-and-letting-go |title=No Longer Omar: Actor Michael K. Williams On Lucky Breaks And Letting Go |publisher=NPR |date=August 28, 2019 |access-date=September 6, 2021 |archive-date=September 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906213439/https://www.npr.org/2019/08/28/755021596/no-longer-omar-actor-michael-k-williams-on-lucky-breaks-and-letting-go |url-status=live }}</ref>
He was also featured modeling for [[Gap Inc.|The Gap]]'s 2014 fall collection.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thefashionisto.com/first-look-michael-k-williams-luke-grimes-gap-dress-normal-fall-2014-campaign/ |title=Michael K. Williams + Luke Grimes for GAP 'Dress Normal' Fall 2014 Campaign |publisher=The Fashionisto |date=August 19, 2014 |access-date=September 6, 2021 |archive-date=September 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906205345/https://www.thefashionisto.com/first-look-michael-k-williams-luke-grimes-gap-dress-normal-fall-2014-campaign/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Williams was the voice actor for the character ''Kimble “Irish” Graves'' in [[Battlefield 4]].
On March 9, 2015, it was announced that Williams would star in [[SundanceTV]]'s ''[[Hap and Leonard]],''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sundance.tv/blog/2015/03/michael-k-williams-set-to-star-in-sundancetvs-hap-leonard|title=Michael K. Williams Set to Star In SundanceTV's 'HAP & LEONARD'|website=www.sundance.tv|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-date=March 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311024930/http://www.sundance.tv/blog/2015/03/michael-k-williams-set-to-star-in-sundancetvs-hap-leonard|url-status=live}}</ref> and he stayed with the series for its entire three-season run. Also in 2015, Williams appeared in the music video for "[[The Mephistopheles of Los Angeles]]" by [[Marilyn Manson]].<ref>{{cite web |
== Personal life ==
▲During his portrayal of Omar, Williams went by his character's name and developed a habit of smoking [[cannabis]] and an addiction to [[cocaine]] in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/04/michael-k-williams-cocaine_n_1854966.html|title='The Wire' Alum Admits Past Cocaine Addiction|website=The Huffington Post|date=September 4, 2012|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305095111/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/04/michael-k-williams-cocaine_n_1854966.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Williams lived part-time in [[Newark, New Jersey]] using drugs, but sought help from a ministry in neighboring [[Irvington, New Jersey|Irvington]], which he credited for helping him during the production.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/news/2021/09/actor-michael-k-williams-who-led-double-life-in-nj-during-height-of-his-fame-found-dead.html|title=Actor Michael K. Williams, who led double life in N.J. during height of his fame, found dead|agency=[[Associated Press]]|first=Matthew|last=Stanmyre|website=[[NJ.com]]|date=September 6, 2021|access-date=September 8, 2021|archive-date=September 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907215705/https://www.nj.com/news/2021/09/actor-michael-k-williams-who-led-double-life-in-nj-during-height-of-his-fame-found-dead.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/inside-jersey/2012/08/the_redemption_of_michael_k_williams.html|title=The Redemption of Michael K. Williams|
==Death==
On September 6, 2021, at the age of 54, Williams was found dead by his nephew at his apartment in the [[Williamsburg, Brooklyn|Williamsburg]] neighborhood of Brooklyn.<ref>{{cite web |last=White |first=Abbey |title=Michael K. Williams, 'The Wire' actor, has died at 54 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/michael-k-williams-the-wire-star-dead-at-54-1235009002/ |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=September 6, 2021 |date=September 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906214332/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/michael-k-williams-the-wire-star-dead-at-54-1235009002/ |url-status=live |archive-date=September 6, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Fleming |first=Mike Jr. |title=Michael K. Williams, Star Of 'The Wire' And 'Lovecraft Country,' Dies At Age 54 |url=https://deadline.com/2021/09/michael-k-williams-dead-age-54-the-wire-lovecraft-country-dies-at-age-54-1234827926/ |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=September 6, 2021 |date=September 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906214413/https://deadline.com/2021/09/michael-k-williams-dead-age-54-the-wire-lovecraft-country-dies-at-age-54-1234827926/ |url-status=live |archive-date=September 6, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Morales |first=Mark |title=Michael K. Williams, 'Wire' actor, found dead |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/09/06/entertainment/michael-k-williams/index.html |work=[[CNN]] |access-date=September 6, 2021 |date=September 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906220314/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/09/06/entertainment/michael-k-williams/index.html |url-status=live |archive-date=September 6, 2021}}</ref><ref name="NYTimes"/> On September 24, the Chief Medical Examiner of New York City ruled it a death by overdose and confirmed that Williams died of a combination of [[cocaine]], [[fentanyl]], [[heroin]], and [[parafluorofentanyl]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moshtaghian |first=Artemis |date=September 24, 2021 |title=Michael K. Williams' cause of death determined by medical examiner |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/24/entertainment/michael-k-williams-cause-of-death/index.html |access-date=2022-03-08 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=March 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317231733/https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/24/entertainment/michael-k-williams-cause-of-death/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/09/michael-k-williams-cause-of-death-accidental-overdose-1234844098/|title=Michael K. Williams' Died From Accidental Overdose, New York Medical Examiner Says|work=Deadline Hollywood|first1=Rosy|last1=Cordero|first2=Patrick|last2=Hipes|date=September 24, 2021|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924194521/https://deadline.com/2021/09/michael-k-williams-cause-of-death-accidental-overdose-1234844098/|url-status=live}}</ref> His private funeral was held at [[St. Stephen's Episcopal Cathedral (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania)|St. Stephen's Episcopal Cathedral]] in [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania]], where his mother lives.<ref>{{cite web|date=September 14, 2021|title='The Wire' actor's private funeral service will be held in Harrisburg, his adopted city|url=https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/09/the-wire-actors-private-funeral-service-will-be-held-in-harrisburg-his-adopted-city.html|access-date=September 14, 2021|website=pennlive|language=en|archive-date=September 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914112417/https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/09/the-wire-actors-private-funeral-service-will-be-held-in-harrisburg-his-adopted-city.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Baltimore Ravens]] played a tribute to Williams by playing his character Omar Little's whistle of the song "[[The Farmer in the Dell]]" as part of the team intro all throughout the [[M&T Bank Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ravenswire.usatoday.com/2021/09/20/ravens-honor-late-michael-k-williams-with-the-wire-tribute/ |title=Ravens honor late Michael K. Williams with 'The Wire' tribute |work=USA today |date=September 20, 2021 |access-date=September 20, 2021 |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630034923/https://ravenswire.usatoday.com/2021/09/20/ravens-honor-late-michael-k-williams-with-the-wire-tribute/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Félix Bautista (baseball)|Félix Bautista]] of the [[Baltimore Orioles]] began entering the game to Omar's whistle as a tribute.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kostka |first=Andy |date=August 18, 2022 |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-felix-bautista-wire-t-shirt-omar-little-felix-comin-20220818-a4pfopygmreb3bdxzer4mw5mim-story.html |title=Orioles closer Félix Bautista is embracing Michael K. Williams' Omar whistle. Now he has his own T-shirt. |work=The Baltimore Sun |access-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205182034/https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-felix-bautista-wire-t-shirt-omar-little-felix-comin-20220818-a4pfopygmreb3bdxzer4mw5mim-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
In February 2022, police arrested four men in connection with Williams' death.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-60238194 |title=Four charged in drug death of The Wire actor Michael K Williams |work=BBC News |date=February 2, 2022 |access-date=February 3, 2022 |archive-date=December 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206171453/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-60238194 |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2023, drug dealer Irvin Cartagena pleaded guilty to selling the mix of heroin and fentanyl to Williams
== Artistry and legacy ==
▲Williams also served as the [[American Civil Liberties Union]] celebrity ambassador to the [[Campaign for Smart Justice]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.aclu.org/ambassadors |title= ACLU Ambassadors - Michael K. Williams |publisher= aclu.olrg (American Civil Liberties Union) |access-date= January 5, 2015 |archive-date= March 25, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150325064755/https://www.aclu.org/ambassadors |url-status= live }}</ref> Williams' portrayals of openly gay characters was deemed to be revolutionary.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Ernest |last1=Owens |url=https://www.yahoo.com/now/michael-k-william-legacy-playing-144217483.html |title=Michael K. William's legacy of playing queer characters was powerfully underrated |publisher=Yahoo.com |date=September 7, 2021 |accessdate=September 25, 2021 |archive-date=September 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928224214/https://www.yahoo.com/now/michael-k-william-legacy-playing-144217483.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He has been described as a "singular presence, onscreen and off, who made every role his own".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Framke|first=Caroline|date=September 7, 2021|title=Michael K. Williams: A Singular Talent and Commanding Presence, Onscreen and Off|url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/columns/michael-k-williams-dead-appreciation-wire-lovecraft-country-1235057568/|access-date=February 3, 2022|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203033143/https://variety.com/2021/tv/columns/michael-k-williams-dead-appreciation-wire-lovecraft-country-1235057568/|url-status=live}}</ref> Williams' portrayal of Omar Little has been called one of the best in the history of television.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Andrews|first=Travis M.|date=September 6, 2021|title=The ballad of Omar Little, Michael K. Williams's enduring role|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/09/06/michael-k-williams-omar-little-the-wire/|access-date=February 3, 2022|archive-date=May 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516081355/https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/09/06/michael-k-williams-omar-little-the-wire/|url-status=live}}</ref> His performance as Omar was widely acclaimed, leading to praise from President [[Barack Obama]] and an [[NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series]] in 2007.<ref name="Hollywood Reporter Image 2007" /> With ''The Wire'' and other shows such as ''[[The Sopranos]]'', Williams was credited with being part of the late 1990s and early 2000s artistic force changing American television into an art form.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jones|first=Emma|title=How The Wire became the greatest TV show ever made|url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20180412-how-the-wire-became-the-greatest-tv-show-ever-made|access-date=February 3, 2022|website=www.bbc.com|language=en|archive-date=April 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430001103/https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20180412-how-the-wire-became-the-greatest-tv-show-ever-made|url-status=live}}</ref> In the aftermath of his death, he was the subject of tributes and appraisal both in the United States and beyond; the British lecturer and writer [[Kenan Malik]] wrote of his "power and nuance, seldom seen on screen".<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 12, 2021|title=In an age too given to moral certainty, let's remember The Wire's Omar as a study in complexity {{!}} Kenan Malik|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/sep/12/in-a-black-and-white-age-the-wire-omar-little-illuminated-our-knotty-moral-lives|access-date=February 3, 2022|website=the Guardian|language=en|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203033149/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/sep/12/in-a-black-and-white-age-the-wire-omar-little-illuminated-our-knotty-moral-lives|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Filmography==
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===Film===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of Michael K. Williams film credits
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Role
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
|rowspan="2"| 1996
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===Television===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of Michael K. Williams television credits
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Role
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 1997
Line 541 ⟶ 527:
| Main cast
|-
| {{br list | 2016, | 2022}}
|
| Himself
| 14 episodes
Line 583 ⟶ 569:
| Montrose Freeman
| Main cast
|}
=== Theatre ===
{| class="wikitable unsortable"
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Role
! scope="col" | Venue
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Ref.
|-
|2007 || ''The 24 Hour Plays'' || Gehring || [[American Airlines Theatre]], [[Broadway (theatre)|Broadway]] || <ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.playbill.com/production/the-24-hour-plays-2007broadway-american-airlines-theatre-2007|title= The 24 Hour Plays (Broadway, 2007)|website= Playbill|accessdate= May 19, 2024}}</ref>
|-
|}
===Video games===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of Michael K. Williams video game credits
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Role
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 2013 || ''[[Battlefield 4]]'' || Sgt. Kimble "Irish" Graves || Voice and motion capture
Line 599 ⟶ 602:
== Awards and nominations ==
{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Michael K. Williams}}
==Bibliography ==
In 2022, his autobiography ''Scenes From My Life'' was published. He died a few weeks before the manuscript was completed.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Williams|first1=Michael K.|last2=Sternfeld|first2=Jon|date=2022 |title=Scenes From My Life |url= |location= |publisher=[[Pan Books]] |page=xiii |isbn=978-1035009558}}</ref>
==References==
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[[Category:American male television actors]]
[[Category:American people of Bahamian descent]]
[[Category:American people of Mende descent]]▼
[[Category:Borough of Manhattan Community College alumni]]
[[Category:Cocaine-related deaths in New York (state)]]
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[[Category:Deaths by heroin overdose in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Drug-related deaths in New York City]]
[[Category:Male actors from
[[Category:
[[Category:21st-century autobiographers]]
| |||