Michael Kenneth Williams.Photo: Rodrigo Varela/Getty
Michael Kenneth Williamsis gone but certainly not forgottenafter his death Monday afternoon.
“It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Emmy nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams,” a rep for Williams told PEOPLE. “They ask for your privacy while grieving this unsurmountable loss.”
The current Emmy Award nominee, who was 54 at the time of his death, is being memorialized across social media. Friends, fans and collaborators have posted tributes to the beloved actor, who was known for his roles inThe Wire,When They See UsandLovecraft Country.
Spike Lee, who directed Williams in the 2008 filmMiracle at St. Anna, was one of many who paid tribute to the late actor. “Whew Lawd, DisIs A Tough Day-1st We Lose The Great French Actor JEAN PAUL BELMONDO And Now My Brother MICHAEL K. WILLIAMS,” he wrote, posting a photo of himself and Williams cheering on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
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“Our Brother Passed Away Today In His Home, Da People’s Republic Of Brooklyn. I’m Shook. Drinking A Bottle Of Italian Red Wine-Brunello Di Montalcino By Myself,” Lee continued. “Our Greats Are Leaving Us Left And Right. GOD BLESS.”
Joel McHale, with whom Williams appeared in season 3 ofCommunity, also honored Williams on social media. “Damn. Just damn. Mr. Williamswas such a Good, kind, wonderful man. He was so funny on Community and, of course, an actor for the ages,” wrote McHale.
Colman Domingo admitted that he didn’t know hisMiracle at St. AnnaandTime Out of Mindcostar well, but he always admired him. “Truly gutted on hearing the passingof Michael K. Williams. A tremendous actor,” he wrote on Twitter.
“Two ships. Never said much. Smiled at each other at a brunch, then on the set of Time Out of Mind as I wrapped and he started, then cast opposite the man and then because of my schedule could not pursue. Never shared the space fully and thatguts me. I admired him. Rest Michael,” Domingo added in another tweet.
“If you don’t know, youbetter ask somebody. His name was Michael K. Williams. He shared with me his secret fears then stepped out into his acting with true courage, acting in the face of fear, not in the absence of it. It took me years to learn what Michael had in abundance,” Pierce added.
Aunjanue Ellis, who starred with Williams in last year’sLovecraft Country, shared a short but heartfelt tribute. “MKW 4Ever.My heart screams,” she wrote.
Orlando Jones, who also appeared with Williams inI Think I Love My Wife, mused on Williams' death. “Rest in PowerMichael K Williams. Prayers Up. Spirits shook. Pain immense. Keep your head up family. We’ll pull through but first let’s give this black man every last one of his [flower emojis]. Hold on to the ones you [heart emojis],” wrote Jones.
“Michael K Williams… a talent beyond words and a truly beautiful soul,sending you peace and lovewherever you may be x,” Williams’Boardwalk Empirecostar Stephen Graham wrote.
Niecy Nash, who starred alongside Williams inWhen They See Us, posted a sweet video of the late actor dancing, writing: “My fam was a whole vibe 🙌🏽💔🕊@bkbmgThis one hits hard y’all.”
Other celebrities who admired Williams' many memorable performances also paid tribute.
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“This one hurts,” wroteWhite Lotusactress Natasha Rothwell. “This is heartbreaking to learn. We havelost an enormous talentin Michael K. Williams,“George Takeiwrote. “Horrible, sad, and unbelievable to think we’velost the fantastically talentedMichael K. Williams at the age of 54,“Stephen Kingposted. “Jean-Paul Belmondo and Michael K. Williams in the same day…man,what loss,” wroteElijah Wood.
source: people.com
