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Michael K. Williams (2016)
Photo: Chris Pizzello / AP
The US actor Michael K. Williams, who became known for his role as Omar in the series "The Wire", is dead. The police found the 54-year-old on Monday in his apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, like the Police notified on request.
The background initially remained unclear.
As reported by numerous New York newspapers, a relative had been out of touch with Williams for several days and had become suspicious.
The AP news agency reported a suspected drug overdose, citing the New York police.
Williams always excelled in series with his talent for portraying complex characters and received a total of five nominations for the Emmy television award.
In addition to the milestone series "The Wire", he also proved his talent in "Boardwalk Empire" as Chalky White.
He was also seen in "The Night Of" and films like "12 Years a Slave" or "Inherent Vice".
The scar became a sign of recognition
His trademark was his scar on his forehead and between his eyes.
According to his own information, this comes from a fight in a bar almost 30 years ago in which Williams was seriously injured.
As the actor reported in numerous interviews, the scar helped him to get roles - for example in music videos or as a gangster in TV series.
However, none of his later roles developed as powerful as his appearance as homosexual killer Omar Little in the HBO series "The Wire".
The show ran from 2002 to 2008, enjoys cult status and repeatedly reaches new audience groups on the various streaming offers.
Even in the high-profile cast of the police and milieu drama, Williams stood out and appeared as Omar in all five seasons.
Williams leaves behind a son, Elijah.
jok / dpa