Actor Michael K. Williams (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)
By Jessica Dortch
AFRO News Editor
The entertainment industry took a hit after learning of award winning actor Michael K. Williams’ death on Labor Day, Sept. 6. The 54-year old was discovered unresponsive in his Brooklyn penthouse with what appeared to be heroin on a table nearby. Williams’ death was suspectedly caused by a drug overdose.
Williams appeared in several popular series like “Lovecraft Country,” and “Boardwalk Empire,” but was most known in the Black community for his captivating role as Omar from “The Wire.”
Family, friends and fans of the late actor all took to social media to express their condolences and share personal anecdotes and special memories of their industry brother.
Singer Mariah Carey posted a throwback picture of her and Williams on Twitter, tweeting “A beautiful soul, a beautiful person, I’ll miss you always. Thank you for blessing us with your talent.”
Actor and comedian Marlon Wayans posted an emotional tribute to his late friend on Instagram, showing a video of Williams and Wayans greeting each other at the RESPECT movie premiere, with the caption “My last embrace…love you my bro.”
Rapper 50 Cent faced backlash over his poorly-timed Instagram post that used Williams’ death to promote his latest TV show “Raising Kanan.” The post was almost immediately deleted but not before fans caught wind of it, calling the rapper “insensitive,” “a wild dude” and “petty.”
Williams’ death comes just five months after rapper DMX’s tragic overdose and ultimate death. The untimely passing of these beloved giants is drawing more attention to the need for substance abuse and addiction intervention across the board.
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