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Who was Michael K Williams dating? 'The Wire' actor, 54, found dead in NYC apartment

Michael Williams was found dead by his nephew in the living room of his Kent Avenue pad in a luxury Williamsburg high-rise

'The Wire' actor Michael K Williams was reportedly found dead in his Brooklyn apartment Monday, September 6, afternoon. He was 54 years old. Sources cite drug overdose as the possible cause of death as drug paraphernalia was found in the actor's apartment. Williams was famously known for his stints as Omar Little in the gritty TV series 'The Wire' and as Chalky White in 'Boardwalk Empire'. Williams’ most recent performance as Montrose Freeman in HBO’s 'Lovecraft Country', received a 2021 Emmy nomination.

The actor's long-time rep Marianna Shafran of Shafran PR issued a statement that 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." We have witnessed the demise of many great actors in recent months. Trevor Moore, Jay Pickett, Rick Aiello and Richard Donner are to name a few.

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According to police, Williams was found dead by his nephew in the living room of his Kent Avenue pad in the luxury Williamsburg high-rise. "No foul play indicated, " a police source cited. "No forced entry, the apartment was in order." Williams had been open about his personal struggles with drugs in the past. During the filming of 'The Wire', the actor noted that getting into the role of Little, who robs drug dealers, affected him in real life. 

In a 2016 interview, Williams recalled an incident when he once stumbled into a church in New Jersey desperately seeking help for his addiction. "When I came through those doors, I was broken. … This was, I would say, around the … third season of ‘The Wire'. I was on drugs. … I was in jeopardy of destroying everything I had worked so hard for, and I came in those doors, and I met a man who had never even heard of 'The Wire', much less watched it,” he spoke of the pastor. "I wrote my full name down — Michael Kenneth Williams — and in the office, [the pastor] turns around, and he says, ‘So what do you want to be called, man?’ I said, ‘Well, you know, my name is Michael, but I could do Mike.’ He says, ‘Why does everybody say, ‘Omar, Omar’s in trouble?’ ” And I was like, ‘Oh, this dude is clueless [about the show]."

Who was Michael K Williams dating?

Williams was rumored to be dating actress Tasha Smith in 2019 when she shared a photo of herself and Williams snuggling up to each other and called him "the love of my life". There were also rumors that Williams is gay until the birth of his son, Elijah Williams, from one of his girlfriends. No details about Elijah's mother is available at the moment.

'Shocked and saddened'

Fans paid tribute to the actor on social media remembering his iconic feats. One fan wrote, "I am heartbroken. Rest in peace Michael K. Williams" Another tweeted, "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." One tweet read, "RIP to the man who made Omar Little one of the greatest characters in television history. Anyone who watched Michael K. Williams act was better for the experience."

One fan wrote, "Michael K. Williams was one of the best, most hardworking, most consistently excellent actors in the industry. 54 years old. Just awful." Another said, "This news about Michael K. Williams is crazy. RIP to a true legend that was taken too soon." Another person tweeted, "Everyone knows Michael K Williams from the Wire but he was great in just about everything else Great voice actor too this is terrible."