“It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Emmy nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams. They ask for your privacy while grieving this unsurmountable loss,” his long-time rep, Marianna Shafran of Shafran PR, told THR.
Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic
According to The New York Post, The Wire actor was found dead in the living room of his Brooklyn apartment Monday by his nephew. Drug paraphernalia was also found in Williams’ apartment.
The Associated Press reports that the NYPD said Williams’ death is being investigated as a possible drug overdose, and the city medical examiner is investigating the cause of death.
The five-time Emmy nominated actor is currently nominated for a 2021 Emmy Award for supporting actor in a drama series for Lovecraft Country.
Williams, who played Montrose on the HBO series, spoke to ET last year about the success of the show and its thoughtful depiction of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. For Williams, the episode was about much more than accolades. It was about taking the time and responsibility to tell these stories in the first place.
In March, Williams took home a Critics Choice Award for the series, telling ET’s Lauren Zima that he felt humbled by the win.
Williams was made famous for his role as Omar Little in the cult-classic TV series The Wire, and as Chalky White in Boardwalk Empire.
