Brooklyn, NY – by Dennis Byron (Hip Hop Enquirer)
Sadly, we have lost another member of the culture due to apparent substance abuse. Michael K. Williams, best known for his role as “Omar” on The Wire died at his Brooklyn apartment at the age of 54.
Williams spoke about his substance abuse as he rose to stardom and admitted that he was surprised that he was still alive.
Williams said in a 2012 interview that he would retreat to Newark, NJ during breaks in his shooting to obtain cocaine and weed. “I was playing with fire” Williams said at the time. It was a matter of time before I got caught and my business ended up on the cover of a tabloid or I went to jail or worse ended up in a body bag.”
Actor Wendell Pierce who played alongside Williams in The Wire shared beautiful memories of his friend. — The death of my love for this brother, can only be matched by the depth of my pain learning of his loss.” Pierce goes on to say that his friend was an “immensely talented man with the ability to give voice to the human condition portraying the lives of those who humanity is seldom elevated until he sings their truth.”
Hollywood film producer Manny Halley said during a brief interview: “Michael was my friend and I’m sad to learn that he’s no longer with us in the physical but his spirit is sure to live on with many of us for the years to come.” I just spoke with him last week and he wanted me to work on a film project with him.”
Just this past June, Michael K. Williams paid tribute to rapper DMX at the 2021 BET Awards who also died as a result of his struggles with substance abuse.
Our condolences goes out to his entire family and friends.
