A look back at the successful career of Michael K Williams

Talented actor Michael K Williams who has made waves in the film industry has sadly passed away at age 54. Michael Kenneth Williams is known for his performances as Omar Little in The wire, Lovecraft Country as well as popular and impactful movies such as The Purge: Anarchy and 12 Years A Slave. His captivating performances have had him nominated for an Emmy and he was known for his complex and charismatic portrayal of his characters. His softness was felt seeping through all his characters that brought the character to life allowing the audience to empathise and care for his character whether good or bad. That is certainly a sign of world-class acting. As a legend Williams career had so much more potential and is worth looking back and celebrating all he gave to the world through his craft.

Where it all started

Williams was born in Brooklyn on 22 November 1966 and grew up in the Vanderveer Projects in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. Williams career didn’t start off easy growing up in a community filled with violence he had to find a way to keep his head down and find his passion. After leaving school and bravely quitting his job at a pharmaceutical company Williams began his career in the world of the arts as a dancer. This led to bigger and better things. His dance career led him to dancing as a back up dancer for the likes of George Michael and Madonna.

Many people wonder how he got his recognisable scar here’s the story that in fact led him to his destiny as an actor.

On Williams 25th birthday he got into a bar fight and ended up with his scar, not feeling sorry for himself Williams took the scar as a blessing in disguise that would make him stand out and started modelling and performing in music videos.His first role was played with iconic rapper Tupac Shakur after he saw Williams in a polaroid picture and just had to have him audition due to his district scar perfect for the role.

Despite many of Williams success’s like many stars he went down a dark road that led him to struggling with a drug addict. The pressures of being an actor can become all too much and those that stay afloat attribute it to being surrounded by supportive and loving people who picked them up when times got tough. Williams was loved by many and had a strong support system till the end.

“It was just a matter of time before I got caught and my businesses ended up on the cover of a tabloid or I went to jail – or worse.”

Michael K Williams success’s

Like Williams, we should all aim to leave this world having poured out the gifts and talents we have and use them to touch lives and inspire people. Willams life and career will continue to touch peoples hearts through the words he spoke, the empathy he showed and how he gave his all to every role he played.