Michael K. Williams‘ final Instagram post was a video clip of comedian/actor Tracy Morgan passionately urging his fans “Don’t cry for me,” as he recalled his fatal limousine accident in 2014.
Williams, 54, captioned the post, “I love u brother! @tracymorgan #realOG.”
Just six days later, on Sept. 6, Williams’ nephew found his body in his penthouse apartment in Brooklyn.
Police suspect the actor died of a heroin overdose due to the drug paraphernalia scattered around his body.
Twitter remembered Williams’ most memorable TV characters, including the homosexual stick-up man, Omar Little, in HBO’s The Wire, who robbed Baltimore drug dealers to give back to the poor.
“I don’t get to assimilate into anything other than the black experience,” he said in a September 2020 interview.
“For me to be given the opportunity to be a storyteller and to tell a narrative of people in my community that look like me, I wear that as a badge of honor — and a huge responsibility. I’m grateful for the gift of art — if nothing else, just for that.”
In the HBO drama Boardwalk Empire, Williams played Albert “Chalky” White, the sensitive leader of a crime syndicate in Atlantic City during prohibition.
Earlier this year, Williams was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a drama series for his portrayal of Montrose Freeman in HBO’s Lovecraft Country.
Williams went to therapy to address his struggles with drug addiction after wrapping his Emmy nominated role.
Colleagues remembered Williams’ most memorable roles in emotional and poignant Twitter messages on Monday.
Many users posted a video clip of The Wire co-star Wendell Williams earnestly describing Williams as one of the greatest actors in television history.
Please take a moment. Listen to Wendell Pierce @WendellPierce speak about Michael K. Williams… pic.twitter.com/DfWS5Jkiot
— Rex Chapman?? (@RexChapman) September 7, 2021
Datpiff.com shared a video of Williams paying tribute to rapper DMX, who died of a drug overdose in April at age 50.
Michael K. Williams Tribute to DMX at the 2021 BET Awards. Rip to both legends ??? pic.twitter.com/qt1dSTNLYP
— DatPiff (@DatPiff) September 7, 2021
Actor Freddie Gibbs recalled losing his first big role to Williams.
First big role I auditioned for I lost it to Michael K Williams. It was Inherent Vice. I wasn’t mad I was actually proud that my name was even next to his. He inspired me to keep going after that thank you MKW. ?? #RIP
— Big ? (@FreddieGibbs) September 7, 2021
Bevy Smith remembered her friend as a sensitive man who “fought hard for his humanity”.
Reading all of the condolences, he was so loved, he personified LOVE, he had such a heart, was a very sensitive soul, the hood tried to rob him of his sensitivity but he fought hard for his humanity, I’m gutted! ??? #MichaelKWilliams pic.twitter.com/RuC6hg60Ro
— bevysmith (@bevysmith) September 7, 2021
And actress Vivica A. Fox referred to Williams as “an AMAZING man, friend & AWESOME actor!”
Rest Well King! So saddened about the passing of #MichaelKWilliams He was an AMAZING man,friend & AWESOME actor! U will be so missed! Thanks for ya gifts King! #RestInPeace #RestInParadise #RESTINPOWER #GONETOOSOON ?????? pic.twitter.com/0Xdgua8Ljz
— Vivica A. Fox (@MsVivicaFox) September 7, 2021
I’ve returned to this short over and over in the last three years. No idea why, but it speaks to a visceral part of my being. I know I’ll still seek it out. I’m grateful for Michael K Williams’s life, work. pic.twitter.com/2LUhUUl0C6
— Ngat?nyi (@Ngartia) September 7, 2021
The loss of Michael K. Williams is just heartbreaking. One of our great actors.
— John Lithgow (@JohnLithgow) September 7, 2021
Rest In Peace #MichaelKWilliams.
Beautiful words from @lancereddick. https://t.co/rFeoXtPsKu— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) September 7, 2021