Michael K. Williams Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

Michael K. Williams breaks down his most iconic roles, including his characters in 'The Wire,' 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Bessie,' 'When They See Us,' 'The Spoils Before Dying,' 'The Night Of,' 'When We Rise,' 'Hap and Leonard' and 'Lovecraft Country.'
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Michael K. Williams Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

[@PerfectlySpicy]

I can't believe he is gone. Such a warm, fascinating, intelligent, gifted person. He will be extremely missed.

[@peggyharper2514]

So hard to believe Also an the way he died.. really will be greatly missed OMAR 4 LIFE

[@empresserica]

INDEED! RIP

[@peggyharper2514]

It just is unreal. OMAR Always will be remembered

[@LeBeautiful]

The white beard Ice cold 🥶

[@Numba12Cede]

B L ICE COLD

[@soulrebel6309]

@@Numba12Cede Alright Alright Alright Alright!! OK now ladies!!....

[@TokurErdem]

fr fr man Hot

[@syed2194]

@Akam Killa He been around for longer than 5 years lol

[@tfklijay4056]

LeBeautiful the legend is back again

[@FineYungCannibal.]

Can't believe he has died. What a guy. Omar is one of the best characters ever on one of the best shows ever. RIP.

[@edithcarter3554]

😢

[@dojadidit1481]

🧢

[@Bj_mc31]

Heroin overdose?

[@harlemsha]

@@dojadidit1481 Go somewhere a fall off a cliff. Nobody cares that you said “cap”, so what if it is. You not gonna do anything about it. So oh well, it can be the greatest cap of all time if it wanted to, What are YOU gonna do about it? NOTHING. SO now tht thats established, since a wuss doesnt pay his respects to a dead man, RIP MICHAEL K WILLIAMS. YOU TOUCHED US ALL WITH YOUR GREAT ACTING💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽 GOD I PRAY HE IN HEAVEN

[@dojadidit1481]

@@harlemsha well looks like u care I wrote a hole book 😂 u didn’t have to comment yk that right dummy

[@jpm9628]

Such an absolutely brilliant actor and fascinating person. What a tragic loss. RIP.

[@Bj_mc31]

Junkie

[@jpm9628]

@@Bj_mc31 fix your heart

[@tb-sd7ff]

He was killed he didn’t OD

[@kayladugue7544]

His voice is so nice. He would be a great podcast host

[@chynadadoll55]

Right

[@andrewallace5000]

Wouldn't when need a mike i think

[@GKJusticar55]

He's one of the guys that, kinda like Woody Harrelson, when you see him part of a cast of any movie you go "Oh let me check this movie out."

[@nickcabrera3087]

I don’t do that with Woody Harrelson

[@Nikp117]

@@nickcabrera3087 you're asleep then

[@nickcabrera3087]

@@Nikp117 Nah I’m just not a sheep who mindlessly worships celebrities. He has great movies, sure, but that doesn’t mean his every project is fantastic or worth my time. Movies are the collaborative effort of an entire studio, not just it’s lead actor. I doubt Harrelson can ensure every movie he plays in is a masterpiece.

[@jortdraaisma2628]

@@nickcabrera3087 he just said it's enough to go "Let me check this out", not that every Woody Harrelson movie is a masterpiece

[@klorglork6917]

@@nickcabrera3087 Thanks for contributing

[@mollspice7]

rest in love, made an incredible mark on the world that will not soon be forgotten

[@Bj_mc31]

A junkie

[@littlemissdo-it-myself]

Rest In Peace to one of the most iconic and impactful actors the Black community has seen. His storytelling abilities are truly unmatched. He will be so missed.

[@itzbp9949]

Not just the black community I thought he was awesome and I'm white

[@sdarkly]

RIP. This video just shows what a committed actor he was. The world deserved more great performances, but we all are blessed that we got the ones we did.

[@johnwalker9168]

can’t believe he is an ancestor now.. we losing all the great ones . thank you for your art of characters that you gave to the culture. 🕊🕊

[@sweetazzpiew8490]

My heart is heavy, I been all over KZbin watching Mike in movies, interviews, and documentaries..He was a awesome Actor/artist, a beautiful dark brown man!! Rest Easy Bruh 💔👑✊🏾🕊️ 1966-2021

[@latashakendrick9709]

I thought I was the only one doing that....

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

My god, I can't believe he's gone... it's almost impossible to wrap my head around the immensity of this loss. Artist, advocate, and human being... this video, and his documentary series _Raised In The System,_ show how huge his heart was and the immensity of his soul.

[@latashakendrick9709]

Profound BEAUTIFUL SOUL

[@DeltaEcho303]

His portrayal of Chalky White in Boardwalk Empire was incredible. The scene with the Klansman and his father's woodworking tools is iconic to the series.

[@rob_3417]

I ain't building no bookcase

[@darnellsmith363]

"These my daddy tool's"

[@zakrowe1301]

Great scene, I cant remember but wasnt that his introduction aswell?

[@zakrowe1301]

Another great scene is when hes in jail and he has those guys beat up purnsley

[@abeck7929]

@@zakrowe1301 yes it was his introduction. Amazing scene!

[@trefen2534]

His performance in When They See Us was so powerful

[@wsTGS]

I could listen to this man speak for hours.

[@toragirl2189]

Can't believe he is gone. He was amazing at what he do! You will truly be missed.

[@tamaqueen317]

Had no idea he was struggling, what sad , terrible news today 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 Rest in eternal peace, King 👑 thank you for providing us with such great characters like Omar. ❤️Never forgotten

[@jermyhopkisn9654]

Maybe he just enjoyed heroin

[@oldugambino4336]

@@jermyhopkisn9654 he's literally talking about his pain in the video

[@annaglenn4770]

He is a good actor. Check him out in Lovecraft Country.

[@steffonstacy7801]

Man that’s a underrated show

[@morganheard9671]

He’s amazing in it

[@michaelcruz8312]

When you say “good actor”, pray tell, is that your idea of being subtle? He has been magnificent and one of people’s favourites since The Wire.

[@gr1mmy954]

"We are not leaving you behind, NO ONE GETS LEFT BEHIND" -Kimble Irish Graves (Battlefield 4) RIP Michael K Williams

[@KillaNinjaSyXX]

Where do he talk about battlefield

[@MercuryTheVexilliologyNerd]

im playing as irish in bf2042 to pay tribute, im also replaying the bf4 campaign

[@eepdoesstuff]

Quite literally my favourite actor. I felt the power behind every single character he ever played. I hope he's doing better in the next place..whatever that may be.

[@markanthony5719]

I wish we saw more of him because he was just so raw and beautifully haunting. Thank God there are two movies that are already finished, we are not ready to let his amazingness go. 😔

[@caleegirl]

This man is ageless. Even with the white beard he looks like he could be 30 or 40. I spent the whole video trying to guess his age.

[@elyons83]

40 yea

[@nathenbosher1067]

Wtf hes defs at least 40 50 bro ur tripin

[@caleegirl]

@@nathenbosher1067 He’s 53.

[@caleegirl]

@@elyons83 He is 53 but I could believe he’s much younger.

[@suud92]

Black don't crack 🙂

[@JacksonAllers]

Love you brother. We suffer the inequities of life with such loss. You were the dopeness! Rest in Love

[@sinnombre1x95]

“Man,money ain’t got no owners,Only spenders”

[@rojea2085]

i literally just watched that episode

[@goodfella1820]

Pretty sure these 45s beat a full house.

[@Freegameteachings]

Oh INDEED.

[@sinnombre1x95]

Good Fella boy you want a hit on that body you best hop too

[@goodfella1820]

@The cult leader wear it in health.

[@chrismessenger2392]

Michael Williams is one of the best actors working today. Iconic characters. Absolutely.

[@MercuryTheVexilliologyNerd]

was*

[@MrJames-tw3so]

@@MercuryTheVexilliologyNerd not at the time of his comment.

[@skoveche2k]

i still hear the whistle every time i see him

[@jetjet6560]

What a legend. He carreis himself with such gravitas, what I wouldn't do to just talk with him for a few hours.

[@dreamergirlbaby]

He’s been getting that HBO bag for over a decade

[@johnbarrientosiii6586]

Yesss

[@Dee_Nice89]

@@johnbarrientosiii6586 You Come At The King, You Best Not Miss 💯

[@jordanriopka5978]

What an intelligent, inspiring man.

[@malargrosis]

very well spoken and down to earth. Acting is his career; I love how serious he takes it.

[@heyLORDitsme]

This guy is 1000% AMAZING. He is one of the best black actors that we need to appreciate right now and not forget him. Love this guy.

[@prathification]

This man hasn’t aged a day, he’s been amazing in everything I’ve seen him in. What an absolute talent.

[@JdTV79]

He's 54. If it wasn't for the white beard, i'd think he's in his early 40s. PS: Yeah, I know, "black don't c...."

[@NickonStark]

that face scar is badass.

[@christianmw1020]

GQ didn't even warn us that Omar comin!

[@johndcoffee632]

*whistling intensifies*

[@986manav]

Nice 😎

[@youngmo77]

GQ be slipping...

[@montblancnoland4034]

They didn't have the mac 10

[@lakai5018]

I’m going to cry. Thank you for everything Michael.

[@tionak]

Lovecraft Country is epic and Michael, as usual, is phenomenal in it. I’m so glad I started watching. 👏🏾🙌🏾

[@hayreddinbarbarossa661]

One of the most criminally underrated actors ever. Omar comin'.

[@laneythelame]

He needs more roles, such an immense talent

[@lamduannasingkharn7887]

We lost another great actor. May he Rest In Peace

[@raynames4107]

his energy is so divine

[@JBrotsis1]

I don’t cry often for movies, but I was definitely shedding tears for his role in The Road. Especially when he was left with nothing.

[@teehlfx5238]

Such great insights into his characters and his journey. Really appreciate all the time Michael K. Williams took in talking about each experience and the truths he shared about his process. He was so present - I honestly felt like he was having a conversation with me and sharing all his wisdom. So good.

[@Sweet_Karma]

Chalky White and Omar Little!!!!! He was incredible in The Night Of as well

[@elyons83]

Obama: Omar was my favorite character

[@ghassaneissa4102]

No way where he said that

[@elyons83]

@@ghassaneissa4102 look it up

[@frankywilliam8073]

Ghassan Eissa he did lol

[@MG-xy2sd]

elyons83 Did you see him as Chalky White? This man is truly underrated.

[@alpacapines8553]

@@ghassaneissa4102 he does an interview with David Simon the creator, I'd suggest watching that.

[@j.franciscofrances7144]

Omar Little is amongst the best characters ever written. What a gift for us all that was.

[@Radiant_Silverback]

He's one of those actors that lifts up everything he's in.

[@evita6208]

Chalky White is one of my favorite t.v characters ever. His last episode was so sad.

[@lancecarrauthers9713]

Lydia C. “I ain’t buildin’ no bookshelf.” -Chalky White Such a great monologue!

[@jenniferjackson5382]

Mine too.

[@chrisgleason1344]

As mesmerizing as any of his performances. To me, his Omar, is the greatest character, on the greatest ensemble, on the greatest show, ever made. Everything Micheal K. Williams does is just brilliant. One of our greatest actors.

[@MrLakers92]

He is so beautiful

[@MrLakers92]

😪

[@wesshort7202]

I love this man. Fearless, honest and open in his art.

[@ZergrushEddie]

Hap and Leonard is an amazing show. Was really bummed when it got the axe.

[@Freewarrior2]

Yeah I liked the show too. And you get to see a more comedic side of him.

[@_s1monsays]

You will be sorely missed. R.I.P 💔

[@jasonwilliams1713]

Give him his flowers 💐 NOW

[@candigomez5382]

He’s just insanely, immensely talented! Watching him act is a gift.

[@chi-town296]

I love you Michael K Williams....dance like no one's watching...Rest In Peace ❤

[@Ded-Ede]

Dude. Why? There is already too much sadness in the world. Sure didn’t need this one today. Thanks for sharing your gift with us. Bummer :(

[@romans6405]

Truthfully i think the fact he was nothing like Omar is what made the character one of the best of all time. It's easy to play a gangster as cold, hard, one dimensional, but he added that depth to everything he did.

[@BonesDMS4life]

Exactly most flushed out gangster character ever

[@kristiecornell5723]

@@BonesDMS4life Irish

[@violetedge83]

Anytime I see Michael K. Williams, i watch 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@hernanmunoz170]

the best marine. michael k. / irish the gaming world will always remember you 💔R.I.P

[@MercuryTheVexilliologyNerd]

"no one gets left behind"

[@wonreebaemssap]

Michael K. Williams is my favorite actor and I can't explain why. He's just... great.

[@tionak]

You just explained it lol 👏🏾

[@nicholasellis5808]

Bro so cold his hairline receding respectfully

[@23ahndra]

Lmaoo! In a straight line like it got some sense!🤣🤣🤣

[@treywaves511]

😂😂

[@wasmon6]

😂😂😂😂

[@emmaa5259]

Respectfully 😂😂

[@johnbarrientosiii6586]

It’s one of those hairlines that you don’t mind that’s receding. Like lightskins don’t have that luxury

[@trulydiamond]

I love him dearly, he’s a gem 💘

[@facelesscarmy101]

Rewatching The Wire so coming back to this. RIP. A truly beautiful soul and person devoted to his craft.

[@JamesSmith-rf8wo]

What a nice and humble human being.

[@syntaac]

R.I.P legend. we won't ever forget you.

[@garrygalloway5043]

What a shame. I really liked this guy and had watched nearly everything that he had acted in. I do not know him but I still feel disappointed as if I would if he had been a friend. (RIP) 🙏

[@MEL-xn4yt]

It’s a great lesson & example to see someone so talented be so humble, honest & unguarded. He will be missed & he has left some large shoes to fill as well.

[@xXxGordO241xXx]

RIP Omar little Micheal Kenneth Williams he was 54 years old. One of the best. *It's all in the game*

[@user-kv6ki9ge2z]

Michael K. Williams is one of my favorite character actors! One of the best breakdowns yet.

[@xtxeyzz5573]

R.I.P legend

[@cjwharton1]

i don't see many people talking about Michael K. Williams's role in The Road (2009). he was only in it for bout 5min, but I cried like a baby for all 5. "you don't gotta do me like this, man" 😭

[@Amanning15007]

I love this dude.... Open, honest, just a great actor

[@lucilius-annaeus]

boardwalk empire is such an underrated and amazing show

[@ayoonine]

Michael K. Williams and Jeffrey Wright too powerful actors

[@lindajones3165]

Brilliant interview in his own words.Thank for sharing.Rest in Paradise 🕊️🙏🏾👐🏽💙my brother.Job well done.Rest easy Now.May the Family and Friends be comfort with Passion and Love in abundance.

[@andreamoss2322]

Hes voice is soo soothing..I got 15 mins in & fell asleep for 3 hours.. its a compliment I swear

[@teediggy1785]

My boy Michael K Williams so dope all he does is amazing period he touches on all with such ease at least it seems that way to us. He did just school us on that god bless MKW PERIOD

[@Skarlett00]

I love this man and his craft! This man is a treasure!

[@NewZooYorker]

Rest in peace king, i will miss you deeply. One of the greatest actors of our generation.

[@charleneraymond4036]

I could listen to him speak all day 💙

[@venitarhodes511]

What a gem. Protect and uplift Michael K Williams at all costs.

[@Champions67HH]

Rip such a sad loss🕊️

[@ivanramirez4195]

10/10 all performances

[@elizabethchavez1345]

What a gem

[@kimberlybrown2664]

What a great interview!

[@shaia9427]

Boardwalk Empire was definitely slept on. His roles have been iconic

[@atate23]

Agreed

[@kazkazzie3906]

I agree. He was mesmerising. You just couldn't take your eyes off him and stole every scene. RIP Mr Williams.

[@michaelcruz8312]

Underrated show, despite the fact that everything about it reeks of the iconic.

[@jermyhopkisn9654]

He is so pure and brilliant.

[@Westside90s313]

Terrell: Yo Omar you bets to rollout. I’m up in here with the mac10. Omar: Oh no Terrell I thinks not.😂😂😂

[@fp8575]

Y'all might need to think this through and stop wasting my time. 'Cause Omar can come back tomorrow. And the next day. And the next day.

[@theheartofablackbird2109]

Incredible actor. One of my all time faves.

[@514vor]

My G(Q), how y'all gonna leave out his role as Professor Kane in Community? "A man's gotta have a code" - I think about that line on the daily

[@SparklePony3]

What ever happened to LEGOs?

[@santiagobauza4257]

"You spent your life in the army. I spent mine in prison."

[@1mzion]

I thought that was a tongue and cheek reference to Omar. Or is your comment *whooshing* me?

[@santiagobauza4257]

@@1mzion Sorry mate, but whoooooooosh

[@naratt4805]

514vor i’m here for Community comment

[@riccodacci]

I see ppl talking about his acting roles but I just wanna give him credit for him being in the communities showing ppl what black ppl like him go through that’s real ❤️💯

[@1234KeithB]

Black people don’t go through anything. Y’all so over dramatic like you’re cursed or being used or something it’s really weird

[@cjlimacher]

Holy moly! That was powerful. I’m mesmerized. Thanks for this amazing insight.

[@nadinegary7404]

I love this guy. Wow! Black Royalty. Wow! To understand your position and realize the value of passing it on. Thats some kind of man.

[@neiljohnson5351]

Massively underrated actor. Will be greatly missed. OMAR COMING!

[@pepsiwepsi1952]

I’m in tears.

[@AlmTryThings]

That white beard suits him lowkey he's a few of those people who can pull it off forreal

[@kenzobenzo9805]

realest actor ever.

[@redflame44]

Michael is one of the actors i love to watch on screen... whatever he's in... i'll watch it.... loved his character Omar in the wire.... amazing.... looking forward to all the great projects he will be part of!! :)

[@steini6771]

What a great person! Thank you for what you gave us through the silver screen and your wise words on this platform. RIP -

[@bu2co]

Omar coming!

[@JDEdwards2331]

take out the "is". It's, "Omar Coming!"