SEVERAL cast members of HBO's The Wire went on to achieve success after the series wrapped.
The late Michael K. Williams was famous for his role as Omar Little in the Emmy Award-winning program.
Who was Michael K. Williams?
Born on November 22, 1966, Michael K. Williams was an American actor from Brooklyn.
The 54-year-old starred in the HBO series Boardwalk Empire, and the HBO telefilm biopic Bessie.
He starred in supporting roles in film and TV including The Road, Inherent Vice, The Night Of, Gone Baby Gone, 12 Years A Slave, When We Rise, When They See Us, and Hap And Leonard.
But arguably Michael's most popular role was as Omar Little in HBO's The Wire.
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What was Michael's cause of death?
On September 6, 2021, Williams was found dead in his apartment and his cause of death was attributed to a heroin overdose.
Police explained the heroin contained a deadly mixture of fentanyl, p-fluoro fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.
Surveillance footage captured Williams buying drugs the day before his death, showing him handing over folded bills outside a building on the street.
On the day of he was discovered lifeless, NYPD officials told The US Sun: “Michael was found dead by a relative around 2 pm today at his Kent Avenue apartment in Brooklyn.
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"He was alone when he was discovered. Illegal paraphernalia was found in the apartment."
Williams was found dead in the living room of his Kent Avenue penthouse in Brooklyn, New York by his nephew, according to sources who told the New York Post.
On February 2, 2022, it was reported that four people had been arrested in connection with the drug overdose death of Williams.
Irvin Cartagena, known as Green Eyes, pleaded guilty to one count of distributing the fentanyl-laced heroin on April 4, 2023.
As part of his guilty plea, the defendant said his actions "resulted in the death of Michael K Williams".
He faces up to 40 years in prison as prosecutors allege he was the one who made the hand-to-hand drug deal with Williams.
Co-conspirators Hector Robles, AKA Oreja, Luis Cruz, AKA Mostro, and Carlos Macci, AKA Carlito, were charged as members of the fentanyl and heroin conspiracy.
Prosecutors claim that Cartagena and the four others continued selling the lethal drugs after learning about Williams’ death.
What did people say about Michael K. Williams' death?
Michael's nephew Arvance Williams said “You guys know him as the actor, we know him as Uncle Mike. We love him.
“My uncle was such a sweet person."
Another nephew, Booker T. Williams, said added: “My uncle was loving. My family loved him.
"He loved our family. He loved our community, and he did everything in his power to show love.’’
Fans and fellow stars in the entertainment industry also mourned Williams' loss on social media.
Da 5 Bloods actor Isiah Whitlock Jr 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."
Country folk superstar Jason Isbell said: "I crossed paths with Michael K. Williams once in New York.
"And I was too nervous to say hello, so I walked around the block trying to work up the nerve and still couldn’t do it.
"Just loved his work so much. This news is so sad."
Another longtime admirer wrote: "Michael K Williams brought every character he played to spectacular life. Chalky White, Omar Little, Montrose Freeman, Freddy Knight.
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"The list goes on and on. Just heartbreaking news."
One fan paid tribute saying: "Rest in peace, Michael K Williams. I will never forget your legendary performance as Omar Little. One of my favorite characters ever."
