Actor Michael K. Williams, known for his role as Omar Little in the series "The Wire", has passed away at the age of 54.
Confirming the death to the Hollywood Reporter, the Williams representative said he was "deeply saddened that the family announced the death of Emmy-nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams. They are demanding your privacy as they grieve for this insurmountable loss."
The representative did not mention the cause of death, but Page Six reports that it is suspected that the cause was an overdose.
Williams, who is believed to have been found dead at his New York home, was also known for his role as Albert "Chalky" White in the "Boardwalk Empire" series from 2010 to 2014. He was previously nominated for an Emmy this year for the role of Montrose Freeman in the series "Lovecraft Country". The late actor appeared in several films including "Inherent Vice" and "12 Years a Slave".
In addition to "Lovecraft Country", Williams was nominated three times for an Emmy Primetime for his work on the HBO series "The Night Of", the TV movie "Bessie" and the miniseries "When They See Us".
His role as Omar Little in "The Wire," which aired from 2002 to 2008, made him famous. Williams embodied a robbery gay character who had never been seen on television and drew the attention of then-President Obama, who said he did not like guys like Omar in real life, but he "is his favorite character."
David Simon, the creator of "The Wire", said on Twitter that he was "very sad now to say everything that had to be said." Michael was a brilliant man and a rare talent and on our journey together he always deserved the best words. And today those words do not come. "
