The Wire cast as series turns 20: Where are they now?-Stella Akinwumi-Entertainment – Metro

The pilot premiered 20 years ago today (Picture: Getty/HBO)

It’s been 20 years since the first episode of The Wire premiered and it is still hailed as one of the most brilliant shows to exist.

David Simon’s genius exploration into the crime world changed the game with its complex storylines citing its depiction of power, race, class and American society.

The programme’s legacy continues with the unmatched success of its sprawling cast, which at the time consisted of people we weren’t familiar with.

So, a whole two decades on, here are what the cast are up to now.

Dominic West as Jimmy McNulty

Dominic’s audition was memorable for a number of reasons (Picture: HBO/REX)

Dominic, 52, who is best known for his role as Jimmy McNulty, has since appeared in several critically acclaimed dramas since The Wire.

After his starring role in the series, the actor earned a Golden Globe playing the love-cheat Noah Solloway in The Affair alongside fellow Ruth Wilson.

His most recent roles included playing Lara Croft’s father in Tomb Raider (2018) alongside Alicia Vikander, and Guy Dexter in Downton Abbey: A New Era.

In 2010, he married landscape designer Catherine FitzGerald.

The two also have two also have four children – Dora, Senan, Francis, and Christabel.

Idris Elba as Stringer Bell

Idris’ role as Stringer Bell was absolutely iconic (Picture: HBO/REX)

Idris, 49, had been working steadily in the industry before his breakout role as the suave and savvy Stringer Bell.

The actor, who was named Sexiest Man Alive in 2018, left the show after three seasons, and had supporting roles in big motion pictures such as American Gangster (2007), Thor (2011), and Prometheus (2012). 

In 2010, the producer returned to his TV roots with his award-winning BBC series Luther.

Idris and his wife Sabrina Dhowre Elba got married in April 2019 in Morocco.

The wedding was spread out over three days, with friends and family attending a traditional ‘colours of the Souk’ themed dinner, while the following night saw guests attend an all-white party at the Mandarin Oriental.

In an interview with Vogue magazine about his wife Sabrina, Idris said: ‘We’ve been literally inseparable since we met. Inseparable.

Wendell Pierce as Bunk Moreland

Wendell recently revealed he still watches The Wire to this day (Picture: REX/HBO)

Wendell, 58, was another strong lead as the disobedient yet cordial Detective Bunk Moreland.

The actor has kept himself busy with roles in Wendell Pierce in action-packed shows including Ray Donovan, Chicago P.D. and Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan.

And he also starred as Meghan Markle’s on-screen father Robert Zane in the legal drama Suits.

Sonja Sohn as Kima Greggs

Sonja played the talented detective Kima Greggs (Picture: REX/HBO)

Sonja starred as Detective Kima Greggs on all five seasons of The Wire, where fans fell in love with her quick wit and intellect.

After the show, the 58-year-old actress featured in a number of dramas Body of Proof, The Originals, The Chi.

Michael B Jordan

Michael B Jordan is making his directorial debut with Creed III (Picture: REX)

Although devoted fans are still not over Wallace’s devastating death in season one, we’ve certainly seen more of Michael in the last few years.

Since then he’s starred as the son of Apollo Creed in the Creed franchise, and his most notable role to date was criminal antihero Erik Killmonger in Black Panther.

The actor, who also nabbed the title of sexiest man alive in 2020, will be making his directorial debut with Creed III – which is set to be released this year.

Michael is currently in a relationship with model Lori Harvey.

Michael K. Williams

The late star died in 2021 (Picture: Getty/HBO)

The late 54-year-old actor, who died last year from an accidental overdose, played stick-up man Omar Little – and immediately won fans over with his rebellious attitude.

His character was even praised by former US President Obama.

Following his tragic death, several co-stars paid tribute with creator David Simon hailing Michael as ‘a rare talent.’

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He wrote: ‘Too gutted right now to say all that ought to be said. Michael was a fine man and a rare talent and on our journey together he always deserved the best words. And today those words won’t come.’

The Wire is available to stream on NOW in the UK.

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