The Wire star Michael K Williams’ cryptic post days before he was found dead

 American actor Michael Williams, 54, was found dead in his apartment. [Courtesy]

American actor Michael Williams, popularly known for his role in HBO drama series The Wire, was found dead inside his Brooklyn apartment on Monday, September 7, 2021.

According to The New York post, drug paraphernalia was found in the room, but the cause of death is yet to be established.

Williams, 54, had in the past opened up about his struggles with drugs, even when he was starring in The Wire.

"I was playing with fire," he said in an interview with news website NJ.com in 2012.

"It was just a matter of time before I got caught and my business ended up on the cover of a tabloid or I went to jail - or worse," Williams said.

Days before his death, Williams had shared a rather cryptic Instagram post which happened to be his last.

He posted a video of comedian Tracy Morgan telling people ‘don’t cry for me’ following a near-fatal car accident in 2014.

"Don't cry for me. Okay, I had a misfortunate accident. Don’t cry for me! Cry for others man.

"My grandmother told me when you think you doing bad, there’s always someone out there worse. There’s people out there in the world with nobody to love and nobody love them,” says Morgan in the video.

Adding: “How about that! What is happiness? What is happiness? Whatever you think it is wrong. It’s simpler than that. It’s way simpler than that."

"You know what true happiness is? Having something to look forward to."

Tributes

HBO, through a statement, lauded Williams’ talent as an artist and described him as a friend who was loved by everyone who had the privilege of working with him.

"We are devastated to learn of the passing of Michael Kenneth Williams, a member of the HBO family for more than 20 years.

"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."

His The Wire co-star Wendell Pierce wrote: “The depth of my love for this brother, can only be matched by the depth of my pain learning of his loss. An immensely talented man with the ability to give voice to the human condition portraying the lives of those whose humanity is seldom elevated until he sings their truth…”

Tray Chaney, who played Poot on The Wire, later wrote: "I can’t…I’m crushed. no words. I love you bro.