Michael Kenneth Williams, a cast member in the HBO series “The Night Of,” in Beverly Hills, California.
Michael Kenneth Williams, a cast member in the HBO series “The Night Of,” poses for a portrait during the 2016 Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. Associated Press
Herb Scribner

By Herb Scribner

Actor Michael K. Williams — who starred as Omar Little on “The Wire” — was found dead Monday, according to The Associated Press. He was 54.

  • “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 longtime rep Marianna Shafran of Shafran PR told The Hollywood Reporter.

How did Michael K. Williams die?

New York City police told the AP that Williams was found dead in his apartment in a Brooklyn penthouse by family members.

  • Authorities said they would investigate his death as a possible drug overdose. The medical examiner is still investigating why Williams might have died, according to The Associated Press.

Williams told The New York Times back in 2017 that he often struggled with substance abuse.

  • “Addiction doesn’t go away,” he said. “It’s an everyday struggle for me, but I’m fighting.”

What were Michael K. Williams’ biggest roles?

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Williams was well-known for his role as Omar Little on “The Wire.”

  • He also appeared in other top projects, including HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire,” “12 Years a Slave” and “Assassin’s Creed.”
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