Michael K. Williams: See Photos Of The Late ‘Wire’ Actor

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September 24, 2021 5:06PM EDT

Michael K. Williams was an actor best-known for playing Omar Little on The Wire. He died on September 6 at age 54. See photos of the late star here.

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Michael K. Williams

Michael K. Williams
Chris Pizzello/AP/Shutterstock

Michael K. Williams was a beloved and critically-acclaimed actor. The Brooklyn-born star kicked off his career in 1994 with an uncredited role in Madonna’s ‘Secret’ music video. He was cast in a variety of different roles throughout the rest of the 90s and early 2000s, until he earned his big break with the 2002 series ‘The Wire’ on HBO. His portrayal of Omar Little went on to be his most well-known role. He continued acting in a variety of roles, and even performed in movies like ’12 Years a Slave.’ Throughout his career, he earned five Primetime Emmy nominations, with the most recent being in 2021 for his portrayal of Montrose Freeman in the series ‘Lovecraft Country.’

The actor was tragically found dead in his Brooklyn home on September 6, 2021 at age 54. His death was found to be an accidental overdose from fluorofentanyl, heroin and cocaine. Scroll through our gallery to see photos of the actor from throughout his life and career.

September 24, 2021, 4:29PM
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Michael K. Williams At The 2021 BET Awards

Michael K. Williams At The 2021 BET Awards
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Michael K Williams arrived on the red carpet for the BET Awards. He sported a silver-striped suit. He was part of a tribute to the late rapper DMX.

September 24, 2021, 4:28PM
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Michael K. Williams At The 71st Annual Primetime Emmy Aawrds

Michael K. Williams At The 71st Annual Primetime Emmy Aawrds
Rob Latour/Shutterstock

Michael K. Williams wore a gold and brown suit to the 2019 Emmy Awards. 
He was nominated in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie category for playing Bobby McCray in ‘When They See Us.’

September 24, 2021, 4:29PM
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Michael K. Williams At The 2018 Toronto International Film Fest

Michael K. Williams At The 2018 Toronto International Film Fest
imageSPACE/Shutterstock

Michael K. Williams attended the premiere of his 2018 movie ‘The Public’ at the Toronto International Film Festival.  Michael wore a dashing black suit to the event. He played the role of Jackson in the ensemble film, which also starred Alec Baldwin, Emilio Estevez, and Gabrielle Union.

September 24, 2021, 4:33PM
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Michael K. Williams At The Museum Modern Art’s 2018 Film Benefit

Michael K. Williams At The Museum Modern Art’s 2018 Film Benefit
Gregory Pace/Shutterstock

Michael K Williams sported a pinstriped suit to the MoMA’s film benefit event in 2018. The actor looked incredibly handsome attending the museum’s charitable evening in his home city.

September 24, 2021, 4:28PM
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Michael K. Williams At New York Fashion Week 2018

Michael K. Williams At New York Fashion Week 2018
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutte

Michael K. Williams wore a black and white polka-dotted jacket to the 2018 amfAR Gala, as part of New York Fashion Week. ‘The Wire’ actor looked great, in the chic outfit.

September 24, 2021, 4:29PM