Hollywood Pays Beautiful Tribute To The Late, Great Michael K. Williams

michael k williams tributes

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On Monday, September 6, news broke that 54-year-old actor Michael K. Williams — best known for his role as Omar Little on the legendary HBO series The Wire — had passed away. According to reports, the death is being investigated as a possible drug overdose, and the city’s medical examiner will determine the cause.

“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 insurmountable loss,” Williams’ longtime rep Marianna Shafran said in a statement.

Following the news of Williams’ death, actors and actresses across Hollywood took to social media to pay tribute to the widely talented performer, who was also well-known and beloved for his roles of Albert “Chalky” White on the HBO series Boardwalk Empire.

The Wire co-star Wendell Pierce:

Lance Reddick:

Edward Norton:

Erykah Badu:

Spike Lee:

James Gunn:

Kerry Washington:

Ava DuVernay:

Stephen King:

John Cusack:

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Williams is “widely expected” to win his first Emmy Award — Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series — for his performance as Montrose Freeman on HBO’s Lovecraft Country in just 12 days time on September 19. The report makes note that Williams was expected to win the award even before his untimely passing.

Williams was previously nominated three times Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie nominations for his work in Bessie (2015), The Night Of (2016), and When They See Us (2019). Shockingly, Williams was never nominated for his performance in The Wire, which was famously and routinely snubbed by the Emmy Awards, having never won a single Primetime Emmy Award nor received any major nominations, except for two writing nominations in 2005 and 2008.

Our thoughts are with the friends, family, and loved ones of Mr. Williams during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.

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Eric Italiano BroBIble avatar
Eric Italiano is a NYC-based writer who spearheads BroBible's Pop Culture and Entertainment content. He covers topics such as Movies, TV, and Video Games, while interviewing actors, directors, and writers.