Actor Michael Kenneth Williams was found dead in his Brooklyn apartment Monday afternoon, law-enforcement sources told The NY Post. He was 54.
Williams was found dead in the living room of his Kent Avenue penthouse by his nephew, sources said.
Police responded to a 911 call around 2 p.m. and suspected a heroin overdose after finding drug paraphernalia in the apartment, sources told The Post.
Williams is best known for his role as fictional Baltimore stick-up man Omar Little on HBO’s crime drama “The Wire.”
Williams also played Chalky White in “Boardwalk Empire.”
Williams was born in Brooklyn, the son of a Bahamian mother from Nassau and Booker T. Williams from Greeleyville, South Carolina. He was raised in the Vanderveer Projects in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, and attended George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School.
He was sexually molested as a child. He told The New York Times that the molestation left him confused about his own sexuality.
After leaving school, Williams went on tour with Kym Sims as a background dancer. He toured with singer George Michael and Madonna, as well as worked in 50 music videos by age 22.
He also choreographed Crystal Waters‘ 1994 single “100% Pure Love”
Williams got his start as an actor after being discovered by rapper Tupac Shakur who cast him as High Top in the 1996 film Bullet.
Williams, left, is pictured with The Wire co-star Tristan Wilds.
The Wire actress Felicia Pearson credited Williams with discovering her in a nightclub and suggesting her for the role of Snoop in the series.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qvmO99MEdg
