Actor Michael K. Williams died from an “acute intoxication by the combined effects of fentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl, heroin and cocaine,” according to the NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME).
The Sept. 6 death was ruled to be an accident.
Williams was found dead earlier this month in his Brooklyn apartment. He was 54.
Immediately upon hearing the sad news, the tributes came pouring in from the Hollywood community.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Michael Kenneth Williams, a member of the HBO family for more than 20 years,” HBO said at the time in a statement provided to TheWrap. “While the world is aware of his immense talents as an artist, we knew Michael as a dear friend who was beloved by all who had the privilege to work with him. We send our deepest condolences to his family for this immeasurable loss.”
Best known for playing Omar Little on the critically acclaimed “The Wire” and Chalky White on “Boardwalk Empire,” Williams most recently starred on “Lovecraft Country,” another HBO title, for which he received a supporting actor 2021 Emmy nomination.
Among Williams’ other notable TV credits are “F Is for Family,” “When They See Us,” “Hap and Leonard,” “When We Rise,” “The Night Of,” “Community” and “Bessie.” On the film side, the actor is best known for “12 Years a Slave,” “Assassin’s Creed,” “Inherent Vice,” “Gone Baby Gone” and “The Road.”
Williams was born and raised in Brooklyn by his Bahamian mother and South Carolina native father. He enrolled in the National Black Theatre in New York City as a teen to escape some troubles he faced in his youth.
The beloved actor was known for his signature facial feature, a large scar he received when he was slashed with a razor blade during a bar fight in New York City on his 25th birthday.