The Wire’s Michael K Williams remembered as ‘immensely talented’ by ‘shocked’ celeb friends & costars after sudden death

MICHAEL K. Williams has been remembered by his friends after news of his sudden death rocked Hollywood on Monday.

Leading the tributes was some of the actor’s former costars from The Wire, including Tray Chaney, Wendell Pierce, and Isiah Whitlock Jr.

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Michael K Williams’ friends and costars mourned the actor on Monday after his sudden passingCredit: Getty
Several of his The Wire costars spoke out on Twitter to pay tribute to the talented actor

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Several of his The Wire costars spoke out on Twitter to pay tribute to the talented actorCredit: Getty

Michael was found dead due to suspected drug overdose in his Brooklyn apartment.

Wendell, 57, remembered Michael on Twitter, writing: “The depth of my love for this brother, can only be matched by the depth of my pain learning of his loss.

“A 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.”

Michael’s costar Isiah, 66, expressed he was “saddened” as he shared a tribute to the actor on Twitter.

‘BIGGEST HEART’

“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.”

Tray, 28, who played Poot in The Wire, reacted with complete shock as he wrote on Twitter: “I can’t…I’m crushed. no words. I love you bro. RIP to the legend Michael K Williams aka one of the dopest Actors/Brother in the world. #Omar #TheWIRE FOR LIFE. I’m off the grid for a while hard to process this one. I love you bro smh damn.”

The Wire creator David Simon shared a portrait of Michael on social media with no words.

Sharing a montage of black and white photos of Michael, actress Taraji P. Henson wrote: “Rest well my friend. JESUS!!! You will be missed deeply.”

Read our Michael K. Williams live blog for the very latest news and updates…

Director Spike Lee also paid tribute to the star along with a photo of him and Williams cheering on the New York Knicks.

Michael's costar from The Wire, Tray Chaney reacted with complete shock as he wrote on Twitter: 'I can’t…I’m crushed. no words. I love you bro'

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Michael’s costar from The Wire, Tray Chaney reacted with complete shock as he wrote on Twitter: ‘I can’t…I’m crushed. no words. I love you bro’Credit: Getty
Another of Michael's The Wire costars, Isiah Whitlock Jr. expressed he was 'saddened' as he shared a tribute to the actor

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Another of Michael’s The Wire costars, Isiah Whitlock Jr. expressed he was ‘saddened’ as he shared a tribute to the actorCredit: Getty
Famous director Spike Lee said 'I'm shook'

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Famous director Spike Lee said ‘I’m shook’Credit: AFP

“Whew Lawd,Dis Is A Tough Day-1st We Lose The Great French Actor JEAN PAUL BELMONDO And Now My Brother MICHAEL K. Williams,” Spike wrote.

‘MOST GENTLE SOUL’

He added: “Our Brother Passed Away Today In His Home,Da People’s Republic Of Brooklyn. I’m Shook. Drinking A Bottle Of Italian Red Wine-Brunello Di Montalcino By Myself. Our Greats Are Leaving Us Left And Right. GOD BLESS.”

Chance the Rapper also chimed in: “A lot of people knew him as Omar, I knew him as Chalky. I’m sure his family knew his as Michael.

“Thanks for all you gave to encourage, enlighten and entertain people you didn’t even know. Praying for your people.”

Director James Gunn shared a gushing tribute, writing: “Michael K Williams, in addition to being one of the most talented actors around, was also one of the kindest, sweetest, most gentle souls I’ve ever met. This is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with all those who loved him.”

‘TREMENDOUS ACTOR’

Colman Domingo praised Michael’s acting skills, writing: “Truly gutted on hearing the passing of Michael K. Williams. A tremendous actor.”

Joel McHale, who starred with Michael on Community, said: “Damn. Just damn. Mr. Williams was such a Good, kind, wonderful man. He was so funny on Community and, of course, an actor for the ages.”

Sharing a montage of black and white photos of Michael, Taraji P. Henson wrote: 'Rest well my friend...'

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Sharing a montage of black and white photos of Michael, Taraji P. Henson wrote: ‘Rest well my friend…’Credit: Rex Features

Director Barry Jenkins was also in shock as he wrote simply: “This can’t be true.”

Reflecting on Michael’s iconic role in The Wire, John Cusack gushed: “Among the greatest performances tv and film has ever seen.”

Actor and comedian David Alan Grier wrote: “Damn! Such a loss! This man was an amazing actor and a beautiful artist gone too soon.”

The Walking Dead’s Jeffrey Dean Morgan took to Twitter and wrote: “Goddamn it. We lost one of our best, most talented. RIP #MichaelKWilliams. Breaks my heart.”

Even iconic singer Mariah Carey shared two photos alongside the late star on Instagram, and wrote: “A beautiful soul, a beautiful person, I’ll miss you always. Thank you for blessing us with your talent.”

‘GUT PUNCH’

Oscar-nominated actor Edward Norton – who was films in The Incredible Hulk and Motherless Brooklyn with Michael – wrote: “I feel punched in gut to learn we’ve lost Michael K Williams.

“Soul anguished. Getting to work with him was one of the greatest privileges I’ve had in my career. My admiration for his talent was boundless, like so many. If he was in a scene he was the best thing about it. Period.”

Edward concluded: “He had a really rare gift for being fully present in the moment & for conveying the layers under the words. He ran so deep. He was also kind & generously enthusiastic.

“I’ll be forever grateful that he graced ‘Motherless Brooklyn’ & that I got to share space & time w him.”

Kerry Washington also worked with Michael on several films, including 2012’s Django Unchained, and she shared a tribute: “So heartbroken. @bkbmg thank you for the beauty and joy you brought to the world.

“Sending love and prayers to your friends, family and everyone who adored you – me included. We adore you Sir.”

SHOCKING LOSS

NYPD deputies told The Sun: “Michael was found dead by a relative around 2pm today at his Kent Avenue apartment in Brooklyn.

“He was alone when he was discovered. Illegal paraphernalia was found in the apartment.

“The medical examiner is currently investigating his cause of death.” 

Sources first told NY Post that Michael was found dead in the living room of his penthouse by his nephew.

Michael’s rep also confirmed the tragic death and said in a statement: “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.”

The outlet reported and their sources suggested that Michael died of a possible overdose from heroin or fentanyl, how the cause has not been confirmed.

Michael was known for his role as Omar Little in the HBO drama series The Wire and for playing Chalky White in Boardwalk Empire.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan wrote, 'We lost one of our best, most talented...'

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Jeffrey Dean Morgan wrote, ‘We lost one of our best, most talented…’Credit: AFP or licensors
Michael was known for his role as Omar Little in the HBO drama series The Wire

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Michael was known for his role as Omar Little in the HBO drama series The Wire
The Wire actor Michael K Williams ‘found dead in NYC apartment surrounded by drug paraphernalia’

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