Wendell Pierce and The Wire stars lead tributes as Michael K Williams dies at 54

Michael K Williams has died aged 54 (Picture: Getty)

Stars of The Wire have shared their memories and tributes to Michael K Williams in the wake of the news the actor has died at 54.

His long time rep Marianna Shafran 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 star’s cause of death has not been confirmed but The Post reports he was found by his nephew in his Brooklyn apartment.

Actors from the critically acclaimed drama, about Baltimore’s inner-city drug scene, have paid tribute on social media to the Boardwalk Empire star.

Wendell Pierce, best known for playing Detective William ‘Bunk’ Moreland in the programme, shared: ‘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.

‘If you don’t know, you better ask somebody. His name was Michael K. Williams. He shared with me his secret fears then stepped out into his acting with true courage, acting in the face of fear, not in the absence of it. It took me years to learn what Michael had in abundance.

‘He was proud of the artist he had become, asking for my advice long after he had surpassed any incite I could have shared.

‘Always truthful, never inauthentic. The kindest of persons. Like two mischievous kids, we would laugh & joke whenever we would meet. Like Baltimore years ago.’

Domenick Lombardozzi, who played Detective Thomas ‘Herc’ Hauk on the show, tweeted: ‘Michael K Williams I knew was kind. Fair. Gentle. And super f**king talented.

‘I’ll cherish our talks and I’ll miss him tremendously. My deepest condolences to the Williams family. Rest my friend. 🙏🏻’.

Tray Chaney, who starred as Malik ‘Poot’ Carr, shared a photo of them together and said: ‘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.’

Director James Gunn said: ‘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.’

The actor played Omar in the hit drama (Picture: HBO)

Lovecraft Country star Darryl Stephen said: ‘Michael K Williams was truly a class act. Seeing him work on the set of Lovecraft Country blew me away.

‘Not only was he warm and kind, he was so generous with his spirit and energy. He treated us like old friends. I’m keeping his family and loved ones in my thoughts. Such a loss.’

Actress Aisha Tyler tweeted: ‘Michael K Williams was a beautiful, passionate, expansive soul. I felt so lucky to have known him, and we were all so fortunate to have enjoyed his incredible talent. He burned so very bright.

‘Rest in power, MKW. You will forever be The King.’

Game of Thrones and Fast and Furious star Nathalie Emmanuel said on Twitter: ‘Ugh this one hurts 💔💔💔 Michael K Williams was one of the best to ever do it. And was a really warm, sweet man the few times I had the pleasure of meeting him.’

‘This is utterly devastating. Sweet Michael. You were one of the greatest actors ever. Rest In Peace,’ said actress Patricia Arquette.

Actor Mario Cantone said: ‘What a heartbreaking loss. Sweet Michael K. Williams. Rest In Peace humble genius.’

As well as featuring in his infamous role as Omar Little in The Wire, he also appeared in Boardwalk Empire as Chalky White.

Michael also starred in HBO telefilm biopic Bessie and had supporting roles in other film and TV shows such as The Road, 12 Years A Slave, When They See Us and The Night Of.

He recently played Montrose in Lovecraft Country (Picture: HBO)

The news of his death comes just days after it was announced he was set to play Doc Broadus in an upcoming George Foreman Biopic.

The actor, who was five time Emmy nominated, had won the role as Foreman’s trainer and mentor who took him to legendary status.

Most recently, he played Montrose Freeman in Lovecraft Country, which earned him his fourth Emmy nomination.

Williams is also set to star alongside Letitia Wright upcoming feature film Bron Studios’ Surrounded.

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