Actor Michael K. Williams, who as the rogue robber of drug dealers Omar Little on The Wire created one of the most beloved and enduring characters in a prime era of television, died Monday.
Williams was found dead Monday afternoon by family members in his Brooklyn penthouse apartment, New York City police said. He was 54.
His death was being investigated as a possible drug overdose, the NYPD said. The medical examiner was investigating the cause of death.
His Wire co-stars, and many others, paid him tribute Monday afternoon.
"The depth of my love for this brother can only be matched by the depth of my pain learning of his loss," Wendell Pierce, who played Detective William "Bunk" Moreland and had many memorable scenes with Williams, said on Twitter. "An immensely talented man with the ability to give voice to the human condition portraying the lives of those whose humanity is seldom elevated until he sings their truth."
David Simon, who created the show and Williams' character, said on Twitter that he was "Too gutted right now to say all that ought to be said. 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."
Isiah Whitlock Jr., who played crooked politician Clay Davis on The Wire, tweeted that Williams was "One of the nicest brothers on the planet with the biggest heart. An amazing actor and soul."
Actor John Cusack tweeted that his portrayal of Little was "Among the greatest performances tv and film has ever seen."
