Film and television actor, Michael K. Williams was found dead in his Brooklyn home yesterday afternoon at the age of 54, the NYPD confirmed to CBS News. Following the public confirmation of the Emmy Award-nominated performer’s death, his friends, former co-stars and filmmakers he worked with expressed their condolences to honor his memory on social media.
One of Williams’ former co-stars, Isiah Whitlock Jr., who starred with Williams on the hit, Emmy Award-nominated HBO drama series, The Wire, tweeted that he was “Shocked and saddened by the death of Michael K. Williams. One of the nicest brothers on the planet with the biggest heart. An amazing actor and soul. May you RIP. God bless.”
Actress Niecy Nash, who acted with Williams on the Netflix mini-series, When They See Us, shared a series of pictures and videos of memories they shared together on Instagram. She described him as a “beautiful soul, a kind spirit and a good time.” She also wrote, “A talent beyond measure. Thank you for the many times we traded energy and you made me feel like family. You left us too soon…Praying for your loved ones.”
Scribe-director Ava DuVernay, who also worked with Williams on When They See Us, penned a loving tribute to the actor on Instagram. “I remember the times you’d come on set even when you weren’t on the call sheet. Just to share a hug. To cheer us on. Strolling in like the King that you were. For just a flash to give some love — then gone,” she noted.
“I remember our work on the work, always connected and communicating and excavating and building because you were so open and ready to give your all. I remember you sending me a picture of yourself as a young man and sharing with me that the boys whose story we were telling were a reflection of you — and we were going to get it right,” the Emmy Award-winning filmmaker also wrote about the performer.
Actor Aldis Hodge also expressed his convalescences by shared a portrait of Williams on Instagram. The Black Adam performer accompanied the picture with the statement: “I can’t even believe this. Rest in power, Mike. You were always a good brother. A fantastic artist and an even better human being. We’ll miss you.”
Comedian Jay Pharoah memorialized Williams on Instagram by writing: “Lord my heart hurts on this one, RIP @bkbmg, I can’t believe I’m typing this just saw him a few weeks ago. Did my first movie w/him…one of the nicest, talented, and mosy humble folks you could ever meet the man cooked for us when we’re staying in Miami at the Mutiny..all around good man and such a diverse actor it was beautiful to witness your star rise..sleep well homie.”
The Wire’s creator and showrunner, David Simon, tweeted that he was gutted by the news of Williams’ death. “Michael was a fine man and a rare talent and on our journey together he always deserved the best words. And today those words won’t come,” the drama’s executive producer and writer also noted.HBO also released a statement following the news of Williams’ death, in which the network expressed it was devastated to learn of the actor’s passing. “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,” the company told CBS News. “We send our deepest condolences to his family for this immeasurable loss.”