Popular The WIre actor Michael K. Williams has died

If you are an avid spectator of American crime dramas, 'The Wire' is bound to be on your list of favourites. One of the leads, Michael K. Williams, was unfortunately found dead in his apartment on Monday. 

Williams played Omar Little on The Wire.

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The New York Post was the first to report about the actor's death after he was found dead in his apartment in Brooklyn. 

It is reported he was found unresponsive and face-down on his dining room table, with what looked like heroin on the kitchen table, sources share. 

Investigators are looking at whether Williams died by overdose.

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Williams, who was born in Brooklyn, got his start in entertainment at age 22 as a professional dancer, and he appeared in more than 50 music videos, according to TV Guide.

He made his feature film debut in the 1996 movie 'Bullet', in which he played High Top. It was the late Tupac Shakur who discovered his talent and cast him, as stated on Williams' website.

The former US president, Barack Obama, has shared that Williams' portrayal of Omar was his favourite character on 'The Wire', adding: "That guy is unbelievable."

Furthermore, with his iconic performance in the crime drama series, Williams was praised for his work as Albert "Chalky" White in HBO's 'Boardwalk Empire', as well as Jack Gee, the husband of Bessie Smith, in the HBO biopic 'Bessie'. He also appeared in the Oscar-winning '12 Years a Slave' and 'When They See Us'. 

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"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," a representative for Williams' family said.

Tributes to the actor have since poured in on social media: 

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We hope that the US actor rests peacefully. His work and inspiration will live forever. 

Main Image Courtesy: @pvtlstd