The Wire and Boardwalk Empire actor was found dead at his New York penthouse Monday afternoon by his nephew. No cause of death has yet been disclosed but according to Associated Press, the New York City Police Department is investigating Williams' death as a possible drug overdose.
The Hollywood Reporter confirmed his death on Twitter reporting that his PR Marianna Shafran said: “It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Emmy nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams. They ask for your privacy while grieving this unsurmountable loss".
Michael K. Williams has died at 54. “It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Emmy nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams. They ask for your privacy while grieving this unsurmountable loss,” Marianna Shafran, his PR rep, confirmed https://t.co/WD4cUp3sfq pic.twitter.com/FoiOZBQfHL
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 6, 2021
Williams had a large facial scar he received from a bar fight on the occasion of his 25th birthday in which he was slashed with a razor blade. The scar became his signature feature and led to one of his first acting roles alongside Tupac Shakur as High Top, the brother, and henchman to Shakur's drug kingpin Tank, in the 1996 film Bullet.
The multiple Emmy nominee earned nods for his roles in Bessie, The Night Of, When They See Us. Nominated for the best supporting actor in a drama series Primetime Emmy for his performance as Montrose Freeman this year on HBO's Lovecraft Country - he is widely expected to win at the ceremony which takes place in 13 days' time.
Willimas had recently been cast as the trainer and mentor Doc Broadus on George Lucas’ George Foreman biopic.
May you RIP Michael K Williams.
