Michael K. Williams Michael Kenneth Williams is an American actor
Michael K. Williams Michael Kenneth Williams is an American actor

best known for his portrayal of Omar Little on the HBO drama series The Wire, and of Albert
best known for his portrayal of Omar Little on the HBO drama series The Wire, and of Albert

"Chalky" White on HBO's Boardwalk Empire. Life and career
"Chalky" White on HBO's Boardwalk Empire. Life and career

Born in Brooklyn, to an African American father from South Carolina and a Bahamian mother
Born in Brooklyn, to an African American father from South Carolina and a Bahamian mother

from Nassau, Michael K. Williams was raised in the Flatbush Gardens housing projects in
from Nassau, Michael K. Williams was raised in the Flatbush Gardens housing projects in

East Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York City and attended George Westinghouse Career and Technical
East Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York City and attended George Westinghouse Career and Technical

Education High School. According to a DNA analysis, he is descended partly from the
Education High School. According to a DNA analysis, he is descended partly from the

Mende people of Sierra Leone. After getting in some trouble as a youth,
Mende people of Sierra Leone. After getting in some trouble as a youth,

he enrolled at the National Black Theatre in New York City. He later got a job at a
he enrolled at the National Black Theatre in New York City. He later got a job at a

pharmaceutical company. Inspired by Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814, he left school
pharmaceutical company. Inspired by Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814, he left school

and quit his job, against the wishes of his family, to pursue a career as a dancer. During
and quit his job, against the wishes of his family, to pursue a career as a dancer. During

a year in which he was intermittently homeless, Williams visited record labels and dance studios
a year in which he was intermittently homeless, Williams visited record labels and dance studios

looking for work. He got a job as a background dancer on a music tour for Kym Sims' dance
looking for work. He got a job as a background dancer on a music tour for Kym Sims' dance

anthem Too Blind To See It, which led to more work appearing as a dancer in videos and on
anthem Too Blind To See It, which led to more work appearing as a dancer in videos and on

tours, such as with George Michael, Madonna, as well as some modeling work. He also choreographed
tours, such as with George Michael, Madonna, as well as some modeling work. He also choreographed

Crystal Waters' 1994 single 100% Pure Love. He was given one of his first acting roles
Crystal Waters' 1994 single 100% Pure Love. He was given one of his first acting roles

after being discovered by Tupac Shakur and was cast as High Top, the brother and henchman
after being discovered by Tupac Shakur and was cast as High Top, the brother and henchman

to Shakur's drug kingpin Tank, in the 1996 film Bullet.
to Shakur's drug kingpin Tank, in the 1996 film Bullet.

Williams is well known for his large facial scar, which he received during a bar fight
Williams is well known for his large facial scar, which he received during a bar fight

on Jamaica Avenue on his 25th birthday in which he was slashed with a razor blade. The
on Jamaica Avenue on his 25th birthday in which he was slashed with a razor blade. The

scar led to his being offered roles as a thug in music videos. He eventually embraced the
scar led to his being offered roles as a thug in music videos. He eventually embraced the

scar, citing Seal's scarred face as an inspiration. His scar became his signature and earned him
scar, citing Seal's scarred face as an inspiration. His scar became his signature and earned him

photo shoots with noted photographers like David LaChapelle.
photo shoots with noted photographers like David LaChapelle.

The Wire Williams is known for his portrayal of Omar
The Wire Williams is known for his portrayal of Omar

Little in The Wire, which began filming in 2002. The character was based on Donnie Andrews,
Little in The Wire, which began filming in 2002. The character was based on Donnie Andrews,

as well as other crime figures in Baltimore. Williams received the part after only a single
as well as other crime figures in Baltimore. Williams received the part after only a single

audition. He was initially told that the character was slated to appear in just seven episodes
audition. He was initially told that the character was slated to appear in just seven episodes

of the first season and feared that the character would be killed before the end of the season.
of the first season and feared that the character would be killed before the end of the season.

However, creator David Simon stated that they always planned to keep the character as part
However, creator David Simon stated that they always planned to keep the character as part

of the continuing ensemble should the show be renewed beyond the first season.
of the continuing ensemble should the show be renewed beyond the first season.

For his portrayal of Omar, Williams was named by USA Today as one of ten reasons they still
For his portrayal of Omar, Williams was named by USA Today as one of ten reasons they still

love television. The character was praised for his uniqueness in the stale landscape
love television. The character was praised for his uniqueness in the stale landscape

of TV crime dramas and for the wit and humor that Williams brings to the portrayal. Omar
of TV crime dramas and for the wit and humor that Williams brings to the portrayal. Omar

has been named as one of the first season's richest characters, a Robin Hood of Baltimore's
has been named as one of the first season's richest characters, a Robin Hood of Baltimore's

west side projects. The Baltimore City Paper named the character one of their top ten reasons
west side projects. The Baltimore City Paper named the character one of their top ten reasons

not to cancel the show and called him "arguably the show’s single greatest achievement".
not to cancel the show and called him "arguably the show’s single greatest achievement".

In 2007 he was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
In 2007 he was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

for his role as Omar. Williams pursued the role because he was intrigued
for his role as Omar. Williams pursued the role because he was intrigued

by the character's contradictory nature. He felt the character's popularity stemmed from
by the character's contradictory nature. He felt the character's popularity stemmed from

his honesty, lack of materialism, individuality and his adherence to his strict code. He feels
his honesty, lack of materialism, individuality and his adherence to his strict code. He feels

that the role has been a breakthrough in terms of bringing attention to him and getting further
that the role has been a breakthrough in terms of bringing attention to him and getting further

roles. Williams has received both positive and negative reactions to the character's
roles. Williams has received both positive and negative reactions to the character's

homosexuality and feels that he is successful in challenging attitudes and provoking discussion
homosexuality and feels that he is successful in challenging attitudes and provoking discussion

with the role. During the previous year, before the third season, he discovered Felicia Pearson
with the role. During the previous year, before the third season, he discovered Felicia Pearson

(Snoop) in a Baltimore bar. In 2008, then-U.S. Senator Barack Obama cited
(Snoop) in a Baltimore bar. In 2008, then-U.S. Senator Barack Obama cited

The Wire as his favorite television show, and called Omar Little his favorite character.
The Wire as his favorite television show, and called Omar Little his favorite character.

About Omar, Obama said, "That’s not an endorsement. He's not my favorite person, but he's a fascinating
About Omar, Obama said, "That’s not an endorsement. He's not my favorite person, but he's a fascinating

character... he's the toughest, baddest guy on the show."
character... he's the toughest, baddest guy on the show."

Williams suffered from an identity crisis during his portrayal of Omar Little, going
Williams suffered from an identity crisis during his portrayal of Omar Little, going

by his character's name, and developed an addiction to cannabis and cocaine in 2004.
by his character's name, and developed an addiction to cannabis and cocaine in 2004.

Other work Williams had a recurring role on J. J. Abrams'
Other work Williams had a recurring role on J. J. Abrams'

Alias. He also had a recurring role on Abrams' produced Six Degrees. He has also made brief
Alias. He also had a recurring role on Abrams' produced Six Degrees. He has also made brief

appearances on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (playing two different characters on two different
appearances on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (playing two different characters on two different

seasons), Boston Legal, The Sopranos, Law & Order (playing three different characters
seasons), Boston Legal, The Sopranos, Law & Order (playing three different characters

on three different seasons), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (also playing two different
on three different seasons), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (also playing two different

characters on two different seasons), Human Giant and Third Watch.
characters on two different seasons), Human Giant and Third Watch.

Williams makes a brief appearance as the shooter at the beginning of the music video for Young
Williams makes a brief appearance as the shooter at the beginning of the music video for Young

Jeezy's "Bury Me a G". He appeared in The Kill Point as recurring
Jeezy's "Bury Me a G". He appeared in The Kill Point as recurring

guest star Q, a police sniper alongside The Wire co-stars J.D. Williams, Michael Hyatt
guest star Q, a police sniper alongside The Wire co-stars J.D. Williams, Michael Hyatt

and Leo Fitzpatrick. He auditioned for the starring role of Mr. Cat but was forced to
and Leo Fitzpatrick. He auditioned for the starring role of Mr. Cat but was forced to

take a smaller role due to scheduling conflicts; the part of Mr. Cat went to J.D. Williams
take a smaller role due to scheduling conflicts; the part of Mr. Cat went to J.D. Williams

instead. Williams played a Boston area detective named Devin Amronklin in the 2007 film Gone,
instead. Williams played a Boston area detective named Devin Amronklin in the 2007 film Gone,

Baby, Gone. The film is based on a novel by Dennis Lehane, who has written for The Wire,
Baby, Gone. The film is based on a novel by Dennis Lehane, who has written for The Wire,

and was adapted and directed by Ben Affleck. Amronklin is a recurring character in Lehane's
and was adapted and directed by Ben Affleck. Amronklin is a recurring character in Lehane's

Kenzie-Genarro series of books. Williams says that he enjoyed working with Affleck and characterized
Kenzie-Genarro series of books. Williams says that he enjoyed working with Affleck and characterized

him as a passionate and hands-on director. The film also featured his co-star from The
him as a passionate and hands-on director. The film also featured his co-star from The

Wire, Amy Ryan. He played Teddy, the former boyfriend of Nikki
Wire, Amy Ryan. He played Teddy, the former boyfriend of Nikki

Tru (Kerry Washington) in the Chris Rock film I Think I Love My Wife. He played James, a
Tru (Kerry Washington) in the Chris Rock film I Think I Love My Wife. He played James, a

policeman, in singer R. Kelly's "Trapped in the Closet". He also appeared in The Game's
policeman, in singer R. Kelly's "Trapped in the Closet". He also appeared in The Game's

"Dreams" and "How We Do" music videos, Tony Yayo's "It's a Stick Up" music video and Cam'ron's
"Dreams" and "How We Do" music videos, Tony Yayo's "It's a Stick Up" music video and Cam'ron's

film Killa Season, as well as Trick Daddy's video "Tuck Your Ice In", Sheek Louch's "Good
film Killa Season, as well as Trick Daddy's video "Tuck Your Ice In", Sheek Louch's "Good

Love", and Young Jeezy's "Bury me a G" alongside his The Wire co-star Hassan Johnson. Williams
Love", and Young Jeezy's "Bury me a G" alongside his The Wire co-star Hassan Johnson. Williams

played the role of The Thief in the 2009 film The Road, an adaptation of the Cormac McCarthy
played the role of The Thief in the 2009 film The Road, an adaptation of the Cormac McCarthy

novel of the same name. In 2010, Williams appeared in the film Life During Wartime.
novel of the same name. In 2010, Williams appeared in the film Life During Wartime.

The character he played, Allen, was portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the film's predecessor,
The character he played, Allen, was portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the film's predecessor,

Happiness. Williams also starred in the film A Day in
Happiness. Williams also starred in the film A Day in

the Life, which was directed, produced and stars rapper Sticky Fingaz. The entire film
the Life, which was directed, produced and stars rapper Sticky Fingaz. The entire film

is a musical with every line being delivered in rap verse. Williams stars on HBO's Boardwalk
is a musical with every line being delivered in rap verse. Williams stars on HBO's Boardwalk

Empire. As of 2010, he appears as Albert "Chalky" White, the leader of 1920s Atlantic City's
Empire. As of 2010, he appears as Albert "Chalky" White, the leader of 1920s Atlantic City's

black community. On July 23, 2011, Community creator Dan Harmon
black community. On July 23, 2011, Community creator Dan Harmon

revealed that Williams would star in "at least three episodes" of the sitcom's third season.
revealed that Williams would star in "at least three episodes" of the sitcom's third season.

He plays the role of Biology Professor Marshall Kane at Greendale Community College. In November
He plays the role of Biology Professor Marshall Kane at Greendale Community College. In November

2011, it was announced that Quentin Tarantino has written a new character into the script
2011, it was announced that Quentin Tarantino has written a new character into the script

of his new film Django Unchained. Williams, who had previously confirmed that he was actually
of his new film Django Unchained. Williams, who had previously confirmed that he was actually

in talks with Tarantino to take on the titular role of Django, was to portray a minor character
in talks with Tarantino to take on the titular role of Django, was to portray a minor character

in the film, but scheduling conflicts with Boardwalk Empire prevented him from doing
in the film, but scheduling conflicts with Boardwalk Empire prevented him from doing

so. On May 16, 2012, Williams announced that he
so. On May 16, 2012, Williams announced that he

is an executive producer of the independent film Snow On Tha Bluff, Williams' first film
is an executive producer of the independent film Snow On Tha Bluff, Williams' first film

under his company, Freedome Productions. On Power 105.1fm's The Breakfast Club, Williams
under his company, Freedome Productions. On Power 105.1fm's The Breakfast Club, Williams

revealed the June 19th release date for Snow on tha Bluff, describing the movie as "real
revealed the June 19th release date for Snow on tha Bluff, describing the movie as "real

graphic": "everything that is wrong with the 'hood is in this movie".Williams also shared
graphic": "everything that is wrong with the 'hood is in this movie".Williams also shared

on 105.1The Breakfast Club that he is starring in an African American western "They Die By
on 105.1The Breakfast Club that he is starring in an African American western "They Die By

Dawn" with his co-star Snoop from the HBO series "The Wire". Williams also dropped a
Dawn" with his co-star Snoop from the HBO series "The Wire". Williams also dropped a

bomb revealing that he is starring in the lead role as Ol'Dirty Bastard from the Wu-Tang
bomb revealing that he is starring in the lead role as Ol'Dirty Bastard from the Wu-Tang

Clan in the movie Dirty Whiteboy in 2014. Which is based on the relationship ODB had
Clan in the movie Dirty Whiteboy in 2014. Which is based on the relationship ODB had

with his manager during the last 2 years of his life. Williams mentioned the piece was
with his manager during the last 2 years of his life. Williams mentioned the piece was

special to Ol'Dirty Bastard (ODB) because he grew up listening to him and to Wu-Tang
special to Ol'Dirty Bastard (ODB) because he grew up listening to him and to Wu-Tang

and he is also a Brooklyn native. Filmography
and he is also a Brooklyn native. Filmography

Film Mugshot (1995)
Film Mugshot (1995)

Bullet (1996) Bringing Out the Dead (1999)
Bullet (1996) Bringing Out the Dead (1999)

Broke even (2000) Doing Hard Time (2004)
Broke even (2000) Doing Hard Time (2004)

Guile (2005) Trapped in the Closet (Chapters 1-12)" (2005)
Guile (2005) Trapped in the Closet (Chapters 1-12)" (2005)

The Orphan King (2005) Belly 2: Millionaire Boyz Club (2006)
The Orphan King (2005) Belly 2: Millionaire Boyz Club (2006)

The Bondage (2006) Mercenary for Justice (2006)
The Bondage (2006) Mercenary for Justice (2006)

5up 2down (2006) Trapped in the Closet (Chapters 13-22) (2007)
5up 2down (2006) Trapped in the Closet (Chapters 13-22) (2007)

Trapped in the Closet: The BIG Package (2007) I Think I Love My Wife (2007)
Trapped in the Closet: The BIG Package (2007) I Think I Love My Wife (2007)

Gone Baby Gone (2007) The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Gone Baby Gone (2007) The Incredible Hulk (2008)

KeAnthony: A Hutlaz Story (2008) Miracle at St. Anna (2008)
KeAnthony: A Hutlaz Story (2008) Miracle at St. Anna (2008)

Tell-Tale (2009) Addicts (2009)
Tell-Tale (2009) Addicts (2009)

The Perfect Age of Rock 'n' Roll (2009) A Day in the Life (2009)
The Perfect Age of Rock 'n' Roll (2009) A Day in the Life (2009)

Life During Wartime (2009) A Kiss of Chaos (2009)
Life During Wartime (2009) A Kiss of Chaos (2009)

You're Nobody 'til Somebody Kills You (2009) The Road (2009)
You're Nobody 'til Somebody Kills You (2009) The Road (2009)

Wonderful World (2009) Brooklyn's Finest (2010)
Wonderful World (2009) Brooklyn's Finest (2010)

The Cookout 2 (2011) Bayou Black (2011) Short
The Cookout 2 (2011) Bayou Black (2011) Short

Luv (2012) Crispus Attucks: Today was a Good Day (2012)
Luv (2012) Crispus Attucks: Today was a Good Day (2012)

Short W8 (Weight) (2012) Short
Short W8 (Weight) (2012) Short

The Wire: The Musical (2012) Short Nobody's Nobody's (2012) Short
The Wire: The Musical (2012) Short Nobody's Nobody's (2012) Short

Trapped in the Closet: The Next Installment (Chapters 23-33) (2012)
Trapped in the Closet: The Next Installment (Chapters 23-33) (2012)

12 Years a Slave (2013) Snitch (2013)
12 Years a Slave (2013) Snitch (2013)

They Die by Dawn (2013) short The Devil Goes Down (2013) short
They Die by Dawn (2013) short The Devil Goes Down (2013) short

RoboCop (2014) The Purge: Anarchy (2014)
RoboCop (2014) The Purge: Anarchy (2014)

Kill the Messenger (2014) Inherent Vice (2014)
Kill the Messenger (2014) Inherent Vice (2014)

Da Sweet Blood of Jesus (2014) The Gambler (2015)
Da Sweet Blood of Jesus (2014) The Gambler (2015)

Television Law & Order (1997, 2001, 2009) (three episodes)
Television Law & Order (1997, 2001, 2009) (three episodes)

Deadline (2001) (one episode) The Sopranos (2001) (one episode)
Deadline (2001) (one episode) The Sopranos (2001) (one episode)

Third Watch (2002) (one episode) The Wire (2002–2008) (forty-two episodes)
Third Watch (2002) (one episode) The Wire (2002–2008) (forty-two episodes)

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2003, 2006) (two episodes)
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2003, 2006) (two episodes)

Lackawanna Blues (2005) (television film) Alias (2005) (three episodes)
Lackawanna Blues (2005) (television film) Alias (2005) (three episodes)

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2005, 2010) (two episodes)
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2005, 2010) (two episodes)

Boston Legal (2005) (one episode) Six Degrees (2006–2007) (three episodes)
Boston Legal (2005) (one episode) Six Degrees (2006–2007) (three episodes)

The Kill Point (2007) (seven episodes) Human Giant (2008) (one episode)
The Kill Point (2007) (seven episodes) Human Giant (2008) (one episode)

CSI: NY (2008) (one episode)101/V The Philanthropist (2009) (eight episodes)
CSI: NY (2008) (one episode)101/V The Philanthropist (2009) (eight episodes)

Boardwalk Empire 2010-present (series regular) Detroit 1-8-7 (2011)
Boardwalk Empire 2010-present (series regular) Detroit 1-8-7 (2011)

Aqua Teen Hunger Force (2011) (one episode) Community (2011–2012)
Aqua Teen Hunger Force (2011) (one episode) Community (2011–2012)

Walk This Way (2013) (7 episodes) High School USA! (2013) (1 episode)
Walk This Way (2013) (7 episodes) High School USA! (2013) (1 episode)

Video games Battlefield 4 (2013)
Video games Battlefield 4 (2013)