Tributes pour in for Hollywood star Michael K Williams

Tributes have begun pouring in for the American Hollywood star Michael Kenneth Williams, who died on Monday 6 September 2021.

He was 54.

According to reports, the actor was found dead in his apartment in Brooklyn, New York. The cause of his death has not been confirmed.

A statement issued by his public relations officer, Marianna Shafran, said, “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.”

Ugliness, tenderness, grace

Celebrities in Hollywood and afar have taken to their social media handles to pay tribute to him upon hearing the sad news.

“So heartbroken. @BKBMG thank you for the beauty and joy you brought to the world. Sending love and prayers to your friends, family and everyone who adored you, me included. We adore you Sir,” the American screen actress Kerry Washington tweeted.

Sanaa Lathan, who expressed shock over the news, also captioned Williams’s picture with a brief eulogy:

“Ugh I can’t believe this. One of the most big-hearted gorgeous human beings inside and out. Sleep well, Michael. You will be missed.”

The American actor Billy Porter said: “We lost our beautiful brother today. In 2017, the @nytimes wrote: ‘Typecasting is still woefully commonplace, and black actors are still forced into one-dimensional roles. Mr Williams has made a mission of depicting his community in all of its nuance and variety.’

“And that included pushing up against heteronormative stereotypes and exploring queer storylines with range, thoughtfulness, ugliness, tenderness, and grace. Thank you. And R.I.P. @bkbmg”

Viola Williams also wrote:

No, So sad. Man do i wish this were a different ending rest well.
Praying for your loved ones.

In his post, Jharrel Jerome, who co-starred with Williams in the movie When They See Us,  described the actor as an inspiration to many in the film industry.

“You were kind. You were gentle and soft-spoken. You were funny. You were smooth. You were as real as they came. You inspired me. You inspired all of us. You were the type of artist that I thought could live for ever. But I’m still not wrong, because you WILL live for ever. You are a timeless actor, Michael. We love you, we will miss you. Rest In Peace. Omar’s still comin.”

Career résumé

Williams is most notable for the made-to-fit role of Omar Little on The Wire. He was also well known for playing Chalky White on Boardwalk Empire, Jack Gee in Bessie and Montrose Freeman in Lovecraft Country.

He was nominated for Emmys for his work in The Night Of and When They See Us and he is currently up for an Emmy this month for Lovecraft Country.

Williams guest-starred on episodes of such shows as The Sopranos, Alias and Boston Legal before landing on David Simon’s The Wire in 2002.

He went on to appear in 42 episodes before Omar met his end in the fifth and final season.

It has also been said that many films on which he worked will be released posthumously. They include Surrounded with Letitia Wright and 892 with the Hollywood stars John Boyega and Nicole Beharie.

Early life

Williams was born in Brooklyn on 22 November 1966. His mother was from the Bahamas and his father was from South Carolina.

He was raised in the Vanderveer housing projects in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, and attended George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School in the borough.

He excelled in street dancing and danced on tours fronted by the likes of George Michael and Madonna before pursuing acting with the National Black Theatre in New York City.

Williams made his on-screen debut in 1996 in Bullet, starring Mickey Rourke and Tupac Shakur.

Andrew Sepah

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