Michael K. Williams Breaks Down His Career, from 'The Wire' to 'Lovecraft Country' | Vanity Fair
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2024
- Michael Kenneth Williams takes us through his storied acting career, breaking down his roles in 'Bullet,' 'Bringing Out the Dead,' 'The Sopranos,' 'The Wire,' 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'The Gambler,' 'Bessie,' 'The Night Of,' 'When We Rise,' 'Viceland,' 'Hap & Leonard,' 'When They See Us' and 'Lovecraft Country.'
Watch Lovecraft Country NOW on HBO.
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Michael K. Williams Breaks Down His Career, from 'The Wire' to 'Lovecraft Country' | Vanity Fair
This man has carried HBO on his back for years.
Edit: God I just found out about the terrible news. Rest in Power Mr Williams.
YES! The Sopranos, The Wire, Boardwalk Empire, the Night Of, Lovecraft Country...has there been any other person in HBO history that has a resume like this? So crazy that he’s still so underrated
@@stephaniemccullough7725 wait he was on the Sopranos?
Queenofwheels yeah only a few episodes, he wasn’t on there long. it was one of his first roles.
IDK about that but HBO does like him.
He's an amazing actor, but I don't know about carrying HBO on his back. HBO has a lot of great shows he has nothing to do with, and while he was phenomenal in the Wire, he wasn't exactly the only one, same goes for Love Craft Country, everyone is awesome in that show.
Michael k William's is such an amazing actor but an even better person. I met him when me and my family went out to eat BBQ in memphis on my birthday, I was about 14-15 yrs old and i was starting at him HARD in the restaurant he walked over and said hey little man, want an autograph, and I almost died I said yea! But can I talk to you and ask you some questions about your shows and he said you know? Nobody ever wants to sit amd talk anymore people always wanna autograph, sure kid. Ask away, and we sat and talked for about 45 mins. I asked him questions about his shows and even told him that I wanna be an actor and tell stories about what it's like being handicap, and before he had to leave he found out it was my bday and as he was leaving he bought me a piece of cake and sent it to my table with a note saying happy birthday, I hope I see you on the tv one day kiddo, its important to tell your unique experiences. Still my fav actor ever.
Story gave me chills. Cool guy
This is amazing
@Karis B. I wasnt able to pursue anything major yet, due to medical issues. I've done mainly commercials for hospitals, and promos like that and stuff but not anything serious or an actual character based role. Idk if u picked up in the story but I'm disabled. :) but hopefully one day I'll be able to get some roles.
@@hugh_jasso he was such an awesome person, so kind and speaking with him you can very easily tell hes not only a master at his craft but hes also a very very intelligent man and puts alot more thought into roles than just acting and that alone. He rlly thinks about how his art will affect people and the message he wants to portray. Hes an actor but the way he thinks about his art is also like a director or producer as well.
I didnt mention in the story but I'm handicap, and only 4ft tall btw. I was I think 14-15? When this happened and I'm 23yr old now so it's been about 8-9yrs. I remember it had only been a few yrs since the wire had ended.
His voice is everything...it's soothing, it's rough, it's resonate....it's just beautiful.
yes, thank newport 100’s
Everything about him is all these things. What a perfect man 🥰
@@BLAMBERRY real talk 😂😂😂😂 it’s a great voice tho...
He low key sounds like Morgan Freeman
Yep, it's so relaxed until it isn't. The man has talent.
Michael would’ve killed a DMX biopic yet I ain’t mad because he’s blessed us with so many characters. Rest In Power King 💔
Totally agree omg 😞
He also would have been a fantastic Blade.
How would he have played dmx in a biopic when he's older than dmx?
@@southsidesaiyan8641 you’re off topic my guy.
@@kubolor1234 im actually on topic, why would an actor that's actually 4 years older than someone portray them in a biopic? that makes no sense, at what age would he have portrayed dmx? How would he have portrayed dmx in his 20's?
He's one actor who, when he name drops, isn't annoying because he does it with such gratitude for all the breaks he's gotten. He's so humble and charming. And now a legend. R.I.P.
This man was born to be iconic.
We'll always miss you, Michael...
Definitely
When he does it, he isn't speaking of "celebrities," he's speaking of other artists.
RIP King, this guy was talented always put in 100%.
im here because he died. His role in the Gamber was amazing
Rip LEGEND 🙏
Someone in HEAVEN… is yelling “Omar is comin’!” Rip MKW
LMAOOOOOOOOOOOO HES DEAD😂😂😂😂😂
lol poor michael
RIP to a real one. Man owned every role like he was really that character.
Especially Irish, I loved playing the battlefield 4 campaign and I felt his character was so real. RIP🍀🖤
I'm gonna cry now😐😐😐😐😐
@@JacksonD163 ,. Б. Бббббббзбз
He acted with the best rapper alive, then worked with the best director alive, then went on to be in 2 of the best TV shows ever made and more recently he was in one of the best documentaries ever created. And he stood out as an exceptional actor in all of those things. Truly a legend.
Mark Wahlberg is the best rapper alive?
@@wilky1189 Tupac, bruh. lol
Well put
@@UnopinionatedBystander2393 Tupac is not alive...
2 shows.. boardwalk and wire u talking about?
This beautiful man struggled with addiction off and on his whole adult life but he still never ceased to make amazing art and even though he just passed we, like him, are all out here struggling with something so rest easy bro🙏🏼♥️
@@welcometothemovies9157 Two beautiful souls.
Looking, forward to meeting him John 5:28&29 says l will
beautiful darkskin man so sad he lost his life,
@@jenniferlivingston1776 Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. Psalm 69:1-36
One of the best to ever do It. RIP
He was finally getting his dues after his proformance in love craft
This man is just phenomenal in everything he’s been in. Wayyyyy underrated.
Totally agree
I want him to play Dmx biography next .
Wayyyyyy!!
He is still young - plenty of roles ahead of him, don't worry!
@@randysurratt9919 lq
This actor is highly underrated so sad to hear of his passing. That’s great man made everything he did memorable. RIP
Yep man, hard to think such a legend was smoking crack and fentanyl in his apartment... just goes to show, addiction happens to the best of us. Don’t do drugs boys and girls
Idk he is a favourite actor to many I know. I think a lot of people saw him as the talent ♥️
He isnt underrated. Just idiots looking for thumbs up on youtube
@@Willyk200921 He had a traumatic early life. It had a direct result on his later years and his OD at only 54. He battled his addiction for years & I feel empathy for anyone going through that struggle. What a loss
@Lisa Surlie Dude everyone knew who Michael K Williams was before he died. He was literally in The Wire….
Can’t believe he’s gone. RIP to one of the best.
same
Rest well brother. You have left your mark as an actor and man.
And a junkie
@@Pedroism This is pathetic, help yourself
R.I.P Michael. You were an outstanding actor, never saw a film or TV show that you appeared in where you didn't impress. Your talent will be missed.
I remember he came to my job’s event at Carnegie Hall. All the kids wanted to meet him and show him that they could dance. He stood there after the event and watched every kid dance then gave positive affirmation to each one.
I will never forget that a person of his stature will make time for the kids and we were all grateful.
Him playing “Chalkie White” on Boardwalk Empire is CLASSIC!!! He kills every role.
First role i ever saw him in, dude stole the show. I was always waiting to see what happened with his character, like, sure the other plotlines were interesting, but chalky was my favorite.
That episode were nucky is hidden in chalkie place, it was awesome.
Yes that when I became a big fan.
Milky wasn’t it?
@@GoGetYourShinebox No. it was Chalkie White.
Mr. Williams feels like everyone's uncle. You know, the one that makes the bomb barbecue?
We love you, uncle Michael!
Yeah we gotta give Mr. Williams his flowers 💐 💐 One of the greatest actors of our generation 👏🏿 And seems like an amazing person too!
I seen him on InstaGram, and he does have culinary skills.
Yea
"America is still a baby with a very big rattle."
SO many beautiful things were so very well said in this interview♡
A flame burned out too early. A fine actor and human being. Thank you for giving us the chances to watch your gift in action as well as blessing us with your presence
I love his role in Community in season 3. He can play scary but man he is a hilarious dude and that helped show me his range.
And got in a standoff with Michael Ironside. Omar vs. Darkseid showdown!
Legos used to be simple.
That shyt was hilarious
It's not a favor Mr. Winger. Man's got to have a code
Gonne have to check out that episode. Thanks!
His vulnerability and humanity are what make him a great actor. He is a wonderful human being and I think it comes across in his art. I really love this guy!
If Michael K. Williams is in a film, you can bet it's quality. He brings such incredible depth and gravitas to his roles. It's so flippin remarkable.
He seemed to be a lovely man on top of being a great actor. What a tragedy his death is to all of us. May he rest in peace.
I remember seeing this and saying to myself “ he has a long way to go, why is he doing this now “ now I have the deepest appreciation for this video. Such a one of a kind talent. Rest in utter peace Michael
Rest easy Michael, we will miss you and your unbelievable talent.
😢😢😢😢
😔🙏🏿🕊
Rest in peace ,it's so sad.
😢💔can’t believe you gone you my favorite actor
How he talks about the wire with such love and admiration after all these years is great. Great actor with one of the most impressive TV resumes of all time.
for whatever it's worth, he's up there with the greats of all time. really natural, not over-acting, just believable on the screen.
My deepest condolences to the family friends and fans.RIP brother Williams.
@lisasurlie834 why tho
Michael K. Williams breathed life into every character he played, he was a very talented actor.
Also drugs
@Lisa Surlie which character was that?
@@Pedroism explain please?
He’s an extremely underrated actor... i’m hoping to see him and Mahershala Ali in something together. I’ve always loved every scene he’s done, no matter how small they were.
Just Heard!😢 I-I don’t even know what to say. RIP brother 💔
That would be amazing!
A dream come trueeeeee.
yea they can do a kissing scene together
Facts
they would play amazing brothers!
If he shaved his beard I honestly wouldn’t noticed that he’s aged within the past 20 years. Smooth looking dude.
This man is such an icon. I’m so glad he’s been gifted one of these videos to break down all of his legendary performances. This man took a real life scar and turned it into a mark of a king and you come at the king, you best not miss.
I remember seeing him on SVU and I never forgot his powerful performance. When I first heard of his sad passing I had the strongest feeling he was sexually abused as a child although I never heard any thing about that in public until yesterday when l saw a episode of the Breakfast Club where Michael talked about being sexually abused as a child. Many people who have been abused as children have addiction problems to numb the pain. We must protect and help our children .
@Lisa Surlie did this man break your heart?
"the timeline of my career so far" - Michael K. Williams almost a year to his transition 🥺💔🕊 I know the ancestors greeted him with love.❤️🖤💚
His role in "When They See Us" was stellar
No, his hairpiece in when they see us was stellar lol
He made me cry in that 😢Well the whole movie made me cry... heartbreaking
Just heard about the news. What an outstanding indescribable talent gone so soon. I'm gonna miss him so much, one of the best actors ever RIP.
How did he die anyways ?
@@kylebank8818 overdose heroin
Was it confirmed that it was drugs?
I met him once at Christian Love church in Irvington, NJ and he is so humble, loving and kind!!!
My cousin had no father even when this man became famous he still look after him and told him to get out of the streets and finish school he was his mentor. I don't care about what people say he was an angel he saved my cousin that's now a successful business man.💔💔💔😢😢😢😢
@Lisa Surlie what are you?
I am lost for words. His honesty and appreciation for his roles and life is admirable. I love you Michael. RIP💞💞💞
I can’t even articulate how much I love this actor. He’s gold.
Great interview thanks to his willingness to be vulnerable. He seems very open to learning and evolving as an artist and a person. When he’s on screen, I can’t take my eyes off of him. He’s got that elusive “it” magnetism (with an incredible voice to match).
Yes indeed it factor
Nicely expressed! I agree with everything you said! They seldom make'em like this anymore - an open book actor yet such a mysterious man .....all at the same time. Swoon!!😉
@Lisa Surlie will they enjoy you?
Looooved him in Boardwalk empire, When they see us, the wire, and now Love Craft Country. I hope he wins an Oscar one day, not that it matters but would be nice to see someone that deserves it win
So empathetic, kind and humble. He'll be deeply missed. RIP.
Rest In Heaven…..it’s so sad to see such a talented, beautiful soul that struggled with addiction, to lose that battle…God bless his soul the struggle is over. 💔
One of my most favorite actors of all-time. He’s always so captivating on-screen and fascinating to watch, no matter how small or brief the role. Pure skill and brilliance.
RIP Michael K Williams, I still can't believe this
He danced backup for Mya? My 90's fangirl just fainted lmao.
You didn't see him in the Moving On video with Sillk the Shocker?
And Janet
And Madonna...
😨
I did a little research and found out that he choreographed a few videos as well 100% pure love by Crystal Waters he was in Kym Sims video too blind to see it Madonna and George Michael as well very talented man
I wish I had the opportunity to hug this man. He was so humble, so genuine, and so inspiring. Love how he full name drops everyone he mentions so they won't be forgotten.
God bless him…One of the greatest actors I’ve ever seen perform on screen…Godspeed…
MANN RIP 😢 I hate saying RIP to another icon. He was phenomenal 🕊
😔😔
He did his thang in the wire, this man is so underrated, people need to give him his flowers, he is a straight legend.
Michael, along with Andre Royo gave by far the best performances in The Wire, both were fantastic.
Wept again watching this. Someone I never met or knew but loved, respected, and admired his art and him as a person. Humble and brilliant and appreciative and reflective and kind. A model of humanity for us all.
I can't believe the awful news that this beautiful man is gone!
Exactly my thought too!💔😭
A junkie
@Lisa Surlie You're so miserable!
So handsome, beautiful skin, amazing actor!
True!
He's gorgeous! 😍
Glowin honey!
I always loved his rougher brand of handsome
Almost a Dunmer quality to this famed Redguard
I've watched, pretty much every 'gritty' TV show made. Thought a lot about my top 10, my top 5 list etc. The Wire is number 1, without a doubt. When a show feels more like a documentary, not only is it unbelievably rare, but you cant help feeling the world isn't ready for something that real to be on TV yet. Even now. It also got me reading David Simon's books too.
such an amazing resume. this guy can ACT and you can tell he is passionate about it.
He’ll never not be loved and missed. What a blow to us, rest in absolute peace Michael K Williams
This man has carried this network for years. He was a force to be reckoned with. He was slated to get his first Emmy this year. Just a little while longer........RIP!
Just found about about his passing
Rest in Peace Legend
He was in 3 of 4, of my favorite shows of all time: Sopranos, The Wire and Boardwalk Empire. What an great Actor. I wish you the best and stay healthy King!
I JUST LOVE HIM IN THE WIRE & SUPERFLY
Facts, he did his g thang in the wire and superfly, this man a legend, he was born for this, he was meant to be on tv.
@@ejsavage3576 YES INDEED!
Check out Boardwalk Empire.
@@christopherali2828 I was gonna say that too
The wire and the new super fly is trash
HBO needs to show him so much love and respect such a great soul AND actor
First Michael K. Williams and now Lance Reddick. Two legends gone before their time.
Let’s get him in Blade please ‼️I SAID IT FIRST
Yo, I would watch that
Too late they already casted the next blade
He would have been an awesome Blade!
But they got Mahershala Ali already. And he'll be great I reckon.
He'd make a great addition to the cast!
I know who they casted that don’t mean he can’t be in the movie
lets never forget he played the cop in R Kelly's Trapped In The Closet
that was actually the first thing i ever saw him in 😭
Doesn't count.
Never forget
LEGENDARY!!!
Omar coming!
Always looked forward to the scenes with Omar.
One of the scariest villains on tv.
Ayyyoo!
@@lynnellscott9079 I think what made him scary was he came across so likable. You know he's a bad guy, but you still root for him.
@@Dirtyboxer1 He was a likeable character, but the way he calmly walked down the street whistling with his shotgun exposed wearing that long trench it was like the old west and he was the baddest of the bad even though he didn't touch 'civilians' he scared the mess out of me.
His memory of 2Pac is tear dropping. Such an amazing actor. Rest in power.
Did a 3 day rewatch marathon of The Wire. I finished about an hour ago and while I’m sad Michael K. Williams is gone, I’m so happy he’s immortalized for his portrayal of Omar. Obviously it’s subjective, like anything, but I’d say Michael is forever immortalized for his role as Omar, the Best Character in the Best Television Program that has ever existed, on The Wire.
Money ain't got no owners, only spenders - Omar Little
One of the realist lines ever
I dont know about cards but i bet these 45's beat a full house - Omar Little
Yes they have. The FED.
You come at the king you best not miss
Big facts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!💪🏿
RIP Michael, we're gonna miss you man. Thanks for all the memories on The Wire and Boardwalk Empire. #OmarLittleForever
#Omarlittleforever🙏🏿🕊
Rest In Peace, you were an incredible actor
I can’t believe that you are gone 😢😭💔
To say this man was talented is an absolute understatement. No matter what I watched him in, he always delivered an amazing performance and gave 110%. Omar Little is one of the greatest TV characters we’ve ever seen, and should be remembered that way, in the same way people remember Tony Soprano, Rust Cohle, Walter White, and Tyrion Lannister, I don’t care what anyone says. RIP Michael K. Williams
HUGE respect for you, Mr. Williams. Your commitment to your craft - to presenting images and stories that reflect our world - is laudable. I only wish more American's in a position to speak would take ownership of their responsibilities to each other.
This man has played so many amazing roles I had no idea PAC gave him his first acting shot! Legendary
Edit: I can’t believe he’s gone. RIP to this legendary man and FU to drugs. It’s a disease that steals and destroys.
Rest In Peace Irish :(
"Omar's here!" Micheal is such a good actor, luv watching him perform.
Man, crazy how he got the opportunity to do this and now he is gone. RIP Michael K. Williams
Rip to this man. Every roll I have seen him preform was perfect
No, we lost him too soon! Rip to a legend!
God: "Omar coming" Rest in Power Micheal K. Williams. Still can't or want to believe this.
You silly😇 Hallelujah. Rest with The Lord, brother. You gave us you.
I love how he still says "axed"! Sooooo BROOKLYN!! 🤗🤗🤗
lol yup. is that solely a brooklyn thing?
You ain't lyin bout that
I only just finished The Wire recently, and his portrayal of Omar was just an incredible force. RIP Michael Williams.
RIP. 🙏🏿... I loved this guy, bother the person he played on the Wire and his REAL LIFE personality. 😢
I have loved this man's career since... Oh lord, almost 20 years. He is absolutely amazing, an amazing actor, person, human, and now brother in grey beards. Please, Sir, if you read this? Keep it going. You're such a treasure. EDIT: The Road.... His performance in The Road? That emotion, that .... everything. I almost cry remembering him, the desperation, the fear. An absolutely stunning performance.
Yes! So glad you said this. He was onscreen so briefly and still made my heart break. Michael K Williams, you are a legend in my book.
I never saw that one. I’ll find it and check it out👌🏾
@@NickieLove621 Here on TH-cam, search "The Road Michael K Williams" and you'll find the scene. It's pretty intense. Great movie, though most of it is depressing.
@@davelister6632 thanks!!
He kills it in every role I’ve seen him in. Guy is an incredible actor
He has a magnificent presence, voice and command everytime he's on screen. Is one of those actors that you know for sure is gonna deliver no matter what the role is.
What a beautiful soul, inside and out. RIP brother🕊️
Just found out this handsome and talented man/entertainer was found dead today. So sad! R.I.P.
This guy play the ultimate bad guy and he's probably THE nicest guy you'd ever meet. His Omar character was the best.
Omar wasn't that bad guy at all if you don't consider the drug dealers kill count
More of an anti-hero than a “bad guy”
@@samurai-jach very good point. He never went against normal people, just people that were in the same life.
Not many actors can grab my attention they way he can...Omar, chalky, and the character he plays in the night of are just and amazing examples of the art behind REAL ACTING coupled w equally great writing...
He is so good. The wire made him, he also 'made' the wire.
Oh 100%
What a Magnificent Actor and Soul! He will be missed greatly!
He spoke with such gentle dignity.
This man.. This man is a truly iconic
Such a gifted actor and a totally engaging human being.
I never knew his name, but I always remembered his acting, now the theirs a face with the name👍 I grew up watching him.
Chaulky White is why I got into his career. What an absolute beast on screen with such a humble and kind personality off of it. RIP to one of the best drama actors of this and prior generations.
Me too then watched the wire just because he was in it. He didn't disappoint. If I heard he was in something, it was worth watching. It's all in the game.
Acting?
Rest in power man. A lot of strangers are mourning today.