Vale: Michael K. Williams

US actor Michael K. Williams, best known for The Wire, Boardwalk Empire and Lovecraft Country has died, aged 54.

New York Police Department confirmed he was found dead on Monday inside his Brooklyn residence. No cause of death has been reported.

“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,” his longtime representative, Marianna Shafran of Shafran PR, said.

Williams landed his career-making role in 2002 as Omar Little in The Wire, playing a sawed-off shotgun-toting Baltimore stickup man. He appeared on many acclaimed HBO series, including Boardwalk Empire, The Night Of and Lovecraft Country.

HBO said in a statement, “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Michael Kenneth Williams, a member of the HBO family for more than 20 years. While the world is aware of his immense talents as an artist, we knew Michael as a dear friend who was beloved by all who had the privilege to work with him. We send our deepest condolences to his family for this immeasurable loss.”

He also played Leonard Hap and Leonard and had a recurring role on Alias. Other TV credits include When They See Us, Bessie, Community and fronted Black Market With Michael K. Williams.

His film credits included Inherent Vice, 12 Years a Slave, Gone Baby Gone, Bullet and The Road.

Williams is currently in Emmy contention for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series for Lovecraft Country.

“Man, I just want people to remember me as one cool-ass dude, you know? Someone who cared,” he once said. “And I would never want anyone to say, ‘Oh, he forget where he came from.’ That would hurt me the most.”

Source: Variety, Hollywood Reporter