The Wire and Battlefield actor Michael K. Williams dead at 54

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Battlefield actor Michael K. Williams

Actor Michael K. Williams was found dead in his flat. Gamers know him best as Kimble “Irish” Graves from Battlefield.

Actor and voice actor Michael K. Williams, best known for the HBO series The Wire as well as Battlefield 4 and Battlefield 2042, has died unexpectedly. The 54-year-old New York native was found dead in his Brooklyn flat on Monday, September 6, 2021.

His life’s work

Williams was active as an actor, voice actor, producer and dancer from 1995 until his death. He bore his distinctive feature, a facial scar, during an argument in a bar on his 25th birthday when someone attacked him with a razor blade.

Michael K. Williams at a film festival. (Photo by David ShankboneMichael K. Williams at a film festival. (Photo by David Shankbone
Michael K. Williams at a film festival. (Photo by David ShankboneMichael K. Williams at a film festival. (Photo by David Shankbone)

Probably best known for his role in the HBO drama series The Wire, where he played the complex character Omar Little. Williams was nominated for several awards and praised by critics for his performance. He has appeared in many other roles and has been nominated for an Emmy a total of five times. A selection:

Movies and Series

  • Robert in 12 Years a Slave
  • Jack Lewis in RoboCop (2014)
  • Agent Hawkins in Ghostbusters (2016)
  • Moussa in Assassin’s Creed
  • Chalky White in Boardwalk Empire
  • Montrose Freeman in Lovecraft Country

Almost Williams would have had a role in Solo: A Star Wars Story as well. He was originally cast as gangster Dryden Vos, but then left the project due to scheduling conflicts.

Video Games

  • Archie Baldwin in NBA 2K21
  • Kimble “Irish” Graves in Battlefield 4 and Battlefield 2042

Williams’ final gaming appearance will likely be in Battlefield 2042, where he returns to his role as Specialist Irish. He lent his voice to the character and was also the motion actor for him.

Colleagues, friends and fans take to Twitter to bid farewell to Williams:

The exact cause of death is currently unknown, but several American media outlets are reporting a possible heroin overdose. Williams has previously spoken openly about the severe drug problems he suffered from.