According to New York City authorities, Michael K Williams, one of television's most famous actors in recent years for his role in the crime thriller The Wire, was found dead in a New York apartment.

When the news of the 54-year-death old's surfaced on Monday afternoon, it sparked an outpouring of grief among admirers and former colleagues. Williams rose to prominence after starring in The Wire as Omar Little, a gay Baltimore armed robber, and has also starred in dramas and films such as Boardwalk Empire, 12 Years a Slave, and Lovecraft Country.

He was nominated for many Emmy Awards, the most prestigious television awards in the United States.

“With deep sorrow, the family announces the passing of Emmy-nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams,” the actor's representative said.

Williams was discovered dead at an apartment in Brooklyn on Monday, according to the New York Police Department.

From 2002 until 2008, The Wire was one of the most popular television shows, lasting five seasons.

Williams was well renowned for his part in the HBO series Boardwalk Empire as Albert "Chalky" White.

He was nominated for an Emmy for his work in Lovecraft Country and in the 2015 film Bessie, in which he played the husband of blues artist Bessie Smith.

He was also nominated for The Night Of in 2016 and When They See Us in 2019, both of which are about a group of young Black guys who were falsely convicted of rape in Central Park in the 1980s.

In a statement, HBO said, "While the world is aware of Michael's 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."

Although no official cause of death was stated, multiple US media outlets reported that law enforcement officials suspected a possible drug overdose.

Williams has previously spoken frankly about his prior issues with addiction, revealing that he had spent a large portion of his money from The Wire on opioids.

Fans were shocked to learn of his passing since many regarded him as one of the most accomplished performers of his generation.

“Horrible, sad, and unbelievable to think we've lost the fantastically talented Michael K. Williams at the age of 54,” tweeted best-selling horror author Stephen King.

Tupac Shakur, who was making a movie in New York at the time, hired Williams as his younger brother after seeing a Polaroid photo of him.

He was then cast as a heroin dealer in Martin Scorsese's Bringing Out the Dead before receiving his breakout role in The Wire.