Michael K. Williams

[hellsbells]

I searched and didn't see a topic for him, but I thought we needed a place to discuss this man's amazing career and his tragic death. I was devastated to read the news today. A complicated life, demons and struggles, yet he always showed intelligence and compassion and depth in every interview. And a love for his community.

I hope this man rests in peace.

BK strong.

[ahah]

This one shocked me to the same level that Heath Ledger did years ago. Heartbreaking.

[prisma]

I posted this in the Recently Departed thread, but I knew him both from The Wire and Boardwalk Empire. He was amazing in both. In interviews with him he seemed like such a gentle person, though, in contrast to his roles. I am really gutted by this one.

[Ladybug]

I knew him mainly from Boardwalk Empire but he appeared in a lot of shows and movies that I've seen. Very talented man and gone way too early.

I have seen some info on the interwebs that many more street drugs are now being laced with fentanyl, which is extremely scary and dangerous. It's possible he used something that was not pure and OD'd.

[Deleted]

Michael K. Williams was one of the rare actors that would get a big "Hell yeah" from me whenever he appeared on my screen. He had such a compelling presence and he never missed in his choice of roles. Learning more about how involved he was in his Brooklyn community and the mentorship that he provided to so many artists -- what a devastating loss on every level. I hope his family and friends find comfort in seeing just how beloved he was.

[prisma]

It was also mentioned in the Recently Deceased thread, but Marc Maron re-released his interview with Michael from earlier in the year (last year? definitely Covid-times). If you're a fan, I recommend it highly. They talk a lot about sobriety but also a lot about acting. And cooking. (He was a huge Rachel Ray fan, lol.) I just finished it during my lunch break and I'm even more heartbroken now because he was just such a lovely guy and so real about his past struggles with addiction. It is really jarring to listen to him talk about being in a good place with the knowledge he's gone now. So, so, so sad.

[hellsbells]

Thanks for sharing that. (I hadn't looked in that other thread. Should have thought of it.) That interview sounds great, so I'll check it out.

He really was a huge presence in Brooklyn, and I knew a few of people who had interactions with him. All of them said how generous and wonderful he was; never heard a bad word. Which makes his death so unfair.