Michael K. Williams talks about playing Omar Little on The Wire.

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In part 1 of his exclusive interview with Page31.com, Actor Michael Kenneth Williams discusses how he got the scar across his face and his highly regarded role as Omar Little on the HBO Series The Wire. Michael K. Williams also reveals his acting techniques which incorporate music, the similarities between himself and Omar, and what kind of music Omar was listening to the day he dies.
All interview footage belongs to the online lifestyle publication Page 31.com. Please credit Page 31 for all blog posts. Follow us @tweetpage31 and like us on Facebook under "Page 31." Color to the deaf, Music to the blind!
Video editing done by Ronald Thomas. Interview by Gregory Calvaire.

[@Gam3Junkie]

I robs drugdealers.

[@XxxX-wx3er]

Gam3Junkie - yes

[@llthuggin7185]

😂😂😂

[@allovdem]

I believe its called ' rip and run '

[@mards2479]

Day at a time I suppose

[@Gapeaches77able]

I be in the wind.

[@mickser101]

The best character in the Wire, you feel me.

[@tyrintaylor0302]

No doubt

[@stephenstevens3757]

Most Def.......

[@johnbarrientosiii6586]

Oh Indeed

[@parkermudsen1063]

The best tv character of all time. Yes, I said it!

[@stephenstevens3757]

Most Deff.............

[@Convisis]

Makes sense that the kid was the one who finally got him; Omar was too good to get taken out by some gangster, too smart and wily for that, but he was sensitive, maybe even a bit naive, he'd been calling out Marlow in the streets, that kid came in, but he didn't think anything of it because it wasn't some gang banger type, and ironically, that's what got him got. Marlow didn't beat Omar. If he had to die in the game, that was a good way to go, even Omar would've had a laugh about that. Sick show.

[@andrewfrancis7272]

Got to agree with all that. And at least it was quick for Omar. He never would have known what happened --- A great character thanks to the writer(s) and Michael K Williams who played him.

[@joelsimms4636]

When Omar talked to Micheal in the street the kid was standing there. He asked that was Omar.

[@dawolf4274]

Flow State EXACTLY! Kennard wasn't mentally there enough to be scared or not. He was a sociopath. They have no emotion. Omar's code got him killed. Kennard was a civilian. Omar saw him come in the store when he looked in the mirror. Didn't see him as a threat

[@paulcruz3111]

Flow State facts torturing animals and killing them is the biggest sign

[@edwardmartinez199]

@Flow State That little spook was crazy.

[@godbody6623]

"I got the shotgun you got the brief case but it's all in the game though right?"

[@lovemarwah98]

"You came at the king, you best not miss"

[@andygeiger5101]

Hey yo lesson here bay you come at the king you best not miss!!!

[@ilduce5920]

In my opinion; some of the best scenes are the shootouts between bay and omar. Bay gets hit by omar and then Omar gets hit by bay..fucking awesome!!

[@righteousone8454]

"you come" * not "came" He was telling Wee Bey that he better not miss if he does come at him

[@CornholioPuppetMaster]

He’s a one take actor

[@bombay3201]

Kebard did not miss popped his top off

[@lawnzoz2033]

Brilliant Actor. Omar Little is the greatest tv character ever.

[@GDuron-nx7xq]

"A man gotta have a code"

[@350125GOW]

Indeed.

[@TheBossssssssssss]

lol Indeed!

[@jesusofjamaica]

relatable

[@WalterLiddy]

It's amazing when you go back and re-watch the show to see how little it took to build up a legend around Omar. After the first couple of times we see him, when he's still mysterious, he really starts to be humanized and relatable. It's just from those first one or two appearances that we think of him as this mythic figure. So in later seasons when we hear people yell "Omar coming!" we believe they'd all scurry away, even though we know by now he's just a guy.

[@nickfrankos6014]

Omar is a great character because he showed a level of humanity that we don't usually associate with hardcore criminals. In a weird way Omar and the other players are just chasing the American Dream the only way they know how. Michael Williams is a superb actor and I hope we see more of him soon.

[@Dominic078]

He's in a lot of stuff

[@edwardmartinez199]

@@Dominic078 ,What?

[@shamshirhussain8198]

Chalky white in boardwalk empire he plays. Brilliant character also

[@triggercapone202]

My fav Omar scene is when him and brother mazoune was N the alley, "from this range with this caliber, even if I miss I can't miss" they whole convo was gold

[@papaaddo6270]

Facts.... them brothers were on... the court scene is dope too

[@Wagbag0]

I dont see no sweat on your brow either bruh

[@willlpowerful]

That scene was 🔥🔥🔥

[@almada1113]

If not the best scene in the series then the coolest.

[@dwcLDN]

THE CHEESE STANDS ALONE

[@ATATURKdusmanlarininAMK_NJ]

"Money aint got no owner's only spenders" Omar.

[@jfontanez1838]

By the way he likes that ring too

[@ATATURKdusmanlarininAMK_NJ]

@@jfontanez1838 this ain't over "marlo"

[@Dewoy1]

I did not know his scar is real makes him look even more badass

[@natashabegley1346]

he has been in hundreds of films and you only just notice.

[@Zleaper]

natasha begley maybe he didn't watch those films? Don't be a douche.

[@rianczer]

Nah you just need to have seen them.... maybe he didn't see them? don't be a douche. I'd tell you not to be an idiot but you can't choose that

[@billmarucci7240]

Dewoy1

[@poisoneddog2967]

Ryan Czerwinski haha nice retorts brother

[@MikeJohnson-lj5vy]

Sometimes I walk thru the house hollerin, Yo! It’s Omar! Omar comin! Just to watch the cats scatter.

[@jameilsanders1492]

From Omar Little to Chalky White Michael K. Williams is A heck of an actor

[@siejeakimebell2369]

Michael Kenneth Williams... starred in HBO's Boardwalk Empire... HBO, couldn't deny His Talent

[@domskidachef6717]

Prop Joe: What's the problem? Omar: Ran outta timeeeeeee

[@zonedout9639]

Domski Da Chef "go on, write me a ticket so I can tip on out"

[@satevo462]

Season 2 courtroom scene is one of my favorites next to Omar in his pajamas can't find no honey nut

[@bennuballbags2]

"I robs drug dealers"

[@evanabbott2737]

I had a feeling he was going to say the courtroom scene…😁 R.I.P.🙏❤️

[@neopro4k541]

That scar made him understand where he was....and he who needed to be...#knowthyself

[@semifallen]

Omar dont scare.

[@strumbolli]

You come at the king ,you best not miss

[@87687696]

I would've thought Omar would've listened a lot to DMX tho.

[@SatanDynastyKiller]

His scene with Brother Mouzone in the alley is one of the greatest scenes in tv history, but the court appearance is great also...

[@bsmith9506]

Even if I miss I can't miss!

[@bsmith9506]

"....day at a time, I suppose...."

[@johnlennon6790]

"..I got the shotgun, you got the briefcase. It's all in the game though, right?"

[@bsmith9506]

@@johnlennon6790 as the judge shrugs his shoulders with a look like, "...wtf you want from me.?.."

[@Anicius_]

People who begin with "ever in history" have mostly bad taste backed by exaggerated enthusiasm. Give your reasons (I'll assume you have watched every series in T.V history).

[@elr4755]

Shock g, black rob , DMX and now Michael k Williams All in their 50s!!!!!!!! All totally REAL R.i .p

[@robtk3]

What a tragic loss. Such a talented man and played one of the best characters on one of the best shows ever.

[@whyyeseyec]

I was actually bummed out when Omar died. I was hoping he'd be the last man standing with the final scene being Omar walking off into the sunset getting ready to perform another ripoff. Wasn't expecting his demise at all.

[@Aaron3ous]

I just think that the random way he died was part of the point. He had been built up by everyone into some sort of super human (like when Chris and Snoop don't even think to assume that a guy who just jumped out of a 5 story building probably hasn't gone very far), when in reality he was just a guy walking around on the streets with a gun. Someone like that probably isn't going to die a terribly glorious death.

[@caramelkimmiekim8272]

Rest in power Micheal K Williams

[@latoyagriffin1410]

I have not looked at The Wire as my brother had often suggested but I know him from other programs. Very well-spoken and handsome man. I'm so sorry for his family and friends' loss. May his soul rest in peace.

[@michaeluden7131]

Do yourself a favour and watch it immediately

[@maxavillainmoltisanti6122]

2pac got this dude in to the movies, back in the day. Micky Rourke's film bullet.look at him now taking over doing good mayne

[@oldheaddeuce2273]

mad acting skills. in every scene he nails it. im going to predict a major award for him playing a good guy

[@MegaLoquendo2000]

About that...

[@MrMarkstyles]

The role was brilliant as Michaels portrayal of it.. A thug, gay, gangster, a modern day Robin Hood.. a man with a strict moral code.. This role was a 'mind@#$#'.. Incredible

[@thetruthispermanent916]

Rip. You took lives on tv but saved so many in real life. A humble Man

[@dantheanimator5072]

Amen! Hope he is somewhere better and we can all meet later We just re watched the Wire fully and man it hit my heart strings hard knowing he passed but enjoyed every millisecond Funny enough….I re watched Bullet finally with Tupac and Mickey Rourke. Who is in the car with Tupac?….Wee Bay and Omar in the same crew! (Pre scar Omar too, I think because it was a kind of grainy and dark)

[@CloverPickingHarp]

Who knew "PANDEMIC!" would be so prophetic.

[@missmaomi28]

I just can't picture him as a background dancer

[@drone331]

“You come at the king, you best not miss”

[@grammaticalerorr4654]

Sheeeeeeeiiit..I accidentally watch the last scene :/ I'm just in the middle of season 4th tho...

[@ctdieselnut]

loved this guy in the wire. also remember him from asap rocky - phoenix music vid.

[@deathrager2404]

the real omar little was NOT gay, they should have left that shit out of this. still a great show, 1 of the best reality shows ever. dont get closer to the streets than the wire, also checkout the corner.

[@psfanforlife6818]

Omar character was based on three people not just one!!!

[@jheymann69]

Omar Little is one of my favorite characters in the history of TV, amazing role and performance

[@zorac91]

How can someone not love Omar. The acting was flawless and it made me care for him

[@athleticsfan33]

Amazing actor - love his work! Omar was my fav on The Wire

[@gmont5082]

Im glad i heard this interview cause i was in a similar situation where i was too drunk and i entertained a situation that normally i would've ignored...

[@Lott0Jay]

Best actor hands down.

[@dantyson851]

Great video. Hearing Michael K Williams talk about what Omar listened to on the day he died was surreal. Nice glimpse into his process too, listening to music for building characters and to feel the mood they'd be in, clever way to do it.

[@lawsupreme2922]

Damn Rest In Peace the wire go always be my favorite shirt

[@BearIslandComics]

I know the Wire ended years ago, but come on, man...did you have to include video of Omar's DEATH without so much as a spoiler alert below? I just started season 5 and now my favorite character's fate is spoiled for me. It's just not necessary to include that particular scene. There are so many great ones that don't give away Omar's end. Please reconsider next time. Great interview. Great questions.

[@thejubieexperience]

Too bad it got spoiled for you, but you came onto youtube watched the specials before you finished the entire series. There's always that risk with youtube.. IMO, his outcome was pretty obvious from the first season. It wasn't if but when.

[@YOQishere]

come on! The title of this interview is him talking about his character role. You came looking for details in his character, and you got it. I don't think you really need to be calling out this interview because you voluntarily watched it and learned Omar's fate. fyi I was looking at this video last week and I stopped it 10 seconds in because just like you I was in season 5 and I said if I watched this I will probably have something I don't want to know revealed to me. So I stopped. Now that I finished watching it, I came back to see this interview.

[@Jman42576]

Why would you be looking on videos related to in depth talks on the characters within a TV show that you haven't seen? O_o

[@EZNACHO1]

+aspin1979 LOL These guys were on season 5, I was on my 5th time watching the series by the time this video came out!

[@jamesstanton2012]

aspin1979 Eminem killed it for me!

[@baxterenrife]

Omar's one of the most legendary characters on TV. I don't think I've ever seen him in anything else though?

[@killaskrilla5320]

He played Tupac´s little brother in "Bullet".. But im not gonna front like i recognized him i actually seen it on IMDB and had to rewatch the movie and was like " Yeah... that IS Omar..". Seen him before The Wire though in "Doing Hard Time" where he played Durty Curt from Detroit... Loved his performance in "Miracle at St:Anna" too, thats a very slept on and underrated movie. If you havent seen it i really recommend it. One of the greatest war-movies i´ve ever seen.

[@baxterenrife]

Killa Skrilla Thanks, I'll try and see ..

[@willhart560]

he's in 12 years a slave, a small part, but good. he also has an part in the movie the road.

[@willhart560]

and don't forget chalky white in boardwalk empire.

[@andyarijs]

uhmm Robocop

[@raoulhery]

is that kenard approaching in the back??

[@HueyShabazz]

lmao

[@andrewfrancis7272]

Michael K Williams offers up a great bit of advice to budding actors out there... Imagine the music your character would listen to ... Most of us love music. It's a soundtrack to our lives - And if you know the music someone likes you've got a key to their inner world and soul. I don't know what Michael is doing now but his portrayal of Omar in The Wire was one of the very best TV performances of the last 50 years. You could really care about Omar -- And as sad as the end was, it was at least mercifully quick.

[@joeedwards7866]

He is one heck of a great actor,He was awesome in the wire and definitely was my favorite character.Hope to see him more often in other movies or shows !

[@mtumeumrani376]

The character of Omar sounds like something who set out to be a cop and ended up a vigilante.

[@bennuballbags2]

Best black actor in America hands down, was legendary in the Wire and fucking awesome as chalky white! Anything he's in ill watch it.

[@kenma8806]

Just getting into this show.. Yeah, Omar the best of it so far.. Complex person, but simple values..

[@ericcook2423]

My only nitpick with The Wire is how Omar went out, amazing character arc and all, but such an unsatisfying death(shocking as it was).

[@psfanforlife6818]

And that's why the wire is the goat of urban tv series!!! Cause that really happens in the hood!!

[@amandasmith3504]

Yeah, but the fact that he was offed by some kid just felt so true. It really highlights the senselessness and tragedy of living in their environment. It was heartbreaking, sad, disgusting, but it was true to the subject matter. And the child actor (who always acts so hard and cold in the show) having that moment of "what have I done?!" was perfect, too... he will never be the same... But yeah. I feel your pain. :(

[@hxghsocietylive3785]

The Wire was and is the best representation of Baltimore the show obviously wasn't as bad as it really is but captured the "Baltimore way" and Michael K killed his role of Omar, the real Omar RIP Donny Andrews he played "Butchies" mans and he is the dude when "Omar" gets locked up takes the phone book and tapes it around Omar and gives him the shank to kill that dude shit the real "Avon Barksdale" is Body Barksdale he a OG and the choice in character same dude Azie Fazon chose for his part in Paid In Full Wood Harris who I think is so fucking underated he bodies his roles!! In my professional career as a videographer/director and industry hip hop producer in Baltimore when I'm over east with Maniak and them I run into Felicia Person played "snoop" probably my favorite character besides Omar she is identical in real life without the guns now she's chill and a super dope person to chill with but don't get it twisted that chick holds alot of weight and respect in town and rightfully so people just don't even try her like she's not acting a character when she is snoop it's her but her before she found acting and I'm going to host and interview her on a this channel I'm posting from and we are going to host alot of interviews coming King Los Fat Trel my business partner and often collaborator PDopeflow, hopefully Glizzy and I want to get G Herbo Desiigner and whoever else, we are gonna open a platform for watchers or anybody to tell us who they want. I am also remaking industry beats that will have a download .mp3 or Apple Logic and FL Studio project files with the best 32bit .wav drums that actually sound clearer and have more knock than most of the top 10 and that's not pride it's just fact on most not all industry instruments and when you open the project it shows how I mix down and layer drums, melodies and how to get the most out of a beat, I just uploaded "Panda" by Desiigner remake I know its late but if you want rap on that instrumental or with harder hitting version check it out and also Deff Star/Hxgh Society original Beats that will have the .mp3 and project file download album links on this same channel I'm posting from. Hxgh Society Radio

[@mihailnikoloff2554]

''the show obviously wasn't as bad as it really is'' ???

[@satevo462]

Wait, he played Old Dirty Bastard? When did that movie come out? Or did it come out? Am I living under a rock? Is this real?

[@sevenzdown]

"oh indeed!"

[@KingGigity]

"It's all in the game doe."

[@TheBundleofkent]

Very illuminating when he mentions how sensitive his own character is. My experience with people like that is they are often insecure, which may explain the (tragic) drug use for Michael. A wonderful, wonderful actor and man, a devastating loss.

[@BaBaBooeyWRLD]

Michael K Williams always crushes it

[@stonedcold5746]

"Yo, Michael K Williams comin'!"

[@hazemhaidar2511]

whats ur favorite scene? "kissing that redhead on the lips"

[@waynea_p6904]

😂

[@spliffwordmedicalz8423]

2:36 he started licking his lips. You know what scene he was thinking about 😂😂😂

[@yungjamir]

RIP! 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@adlenemomant3512]

RIH King

[@chandlerdear]

your my favorite character love you brother . i hope u read this .

[@TheAmoristic]

he's fine af

[@guybrushthreepwood8174]

Great actor, unforgettable character. I recently watched the whole wire series with my dad who is in his 70s and had never seen the show. He was captivated by Omar. Great character.

[@Aaron3ous]

It was the right way for them to do it. If he had to die, and I think he did for the sake of realism and the overall plot, it would have been aggravating for him to be killed by Marlo or one of his lieutenants after what they did to Butchie. It might seem like having Omar killed by a little kid isn't any better, but I think it left him going out on top of Marlo, who ended up looking as if he had been too afraid to face him on the street.

[@koekhapper]

You come at the king, you best not miss!

[@donadams376]

this guy doesn't look like Lou gossett jr. but his facial expressions are amazingly like lou's.

[@brentanllewellyn3898]

One of thee most badass characters in tv history. Great actor too.

[@zippyman818]

Est omnibus in ipsum, io! [It's all in the game, yo!] Omar Little in HBO's "The Wire" as portrayed by Michael K. Williams.

[@spliffwordmedicalz8423]

Was anyone else waiting for Michael K Williams name to fade?

[@Jestin612]

Rest in Peace ✌ brother

[@maxavillainmoltisanti6122]

2pac got this dude in to the movies, back in the day. Micky Rourke's film bullet.look at him now taking over doing good mayne

[@Gootothesecond]

I get what you're saying but, now that you mention it, it actually does make sense to have Chris kill him. It would've completed the plot line of the new pushing out the old they started when Marlo went against Avon. I just think that, at some point, realism has to give way to storytelling to a certain degree. I really never minded that he died, a man that does what he did is likely to die, it's just the completely random way they did it especially with what he was doing at the time.

[@mtobrien1]

Gosh, what a shame to lose him.

[@MalloryKnox66]

True about the code being phased out. We saw how many people were killed as they showed that. It was terrible enough though (Bodie, etc), it would've been so much worse if they had taken out Omar too. Marlo was despicable, and Omar was so great. And the way Omar was going around trampling Marlo's name makes it greater that Marlo didn't get to him before Kenard, lol. If he had, it would've been like the ultimate trophy for Marlo, and that would've sucked.

[@chrisevans2334]

If this don't look right I'ma come back on ya now joe..

[@donpatrese]

RIP Michael K. Williams!!

[@eileenmchale3140]

Watching Michael K. Williams in 'the Wire' as Omar - was breathtaking. I just loved his character - which is bizarre in itself, hoping he would survive and be in every episode. Brilliant performance.xx

[@GooseGumlizzard]

Kenard was the main villain of the Wire

[@itai82]

RIP

[@Yehbytheway]

Come on hollywood give him some good roles. He deserves it.

[@ysnmcaoui1940]

Chalky White ! Boardwalk Empire

[@ricardo950535]

Someone remind the interviewer that it's acting.

[@tao3878]

rest easy Michael K

[@TheBossssssssssss]

hey yo! they gots honey nut cheerios up in here

[@3.75istheway7]

Just heard how you died, the struggle is real

[@cajunmanDan]

Mans an excellent actor, excellent!

[@EZNACHO1]

Alright spoiler alert, OMAR DID PULL a gun on a citizen once, but he returned the money after they robbed him because he was a working man. 2nd to all of you guys talking about how he was killed by a kid and it was a good way to go, I agree and disagree. It's ironic how he was always about not killing working men and I'm sure he loved kids, the show has a couple scenes and him being cool with kids, he just didn't think that a kid killing him was going to be a "PART OF THE GAME" the irony is that NOT PART OF THE GAME is what got him killed. He's a great actor without a doubt, besides the fact his character is gay, his character is my favorite character of any MOVIE or SHOW EVER!!! By the way for those that don't know OMAR's character is a person in real life (Not sure about the sexuality of it) but as far as the robbing people goes he's a real person. He even made an appearance in the show in SEASON 4.

[@EZNACHO1]

+John milshnogenberg a wise one you are.

[@ratigiorgobiani210]

Rest in peace brother...

[@travinoallen1541]

R.i.p

[@alfredsantiago2522]

Oh, you gone take that on the humble?

[@Jestin612]

Man that Nas song is one of my favorite. I change the words to it to make it more relatable. Let there be light, no gang banging in Murderapolis tonight...

[@Aaron3ous]

I also think the old-generation-giving-way-to-the-new plot line is still completed the way it happened. There's no reason he had to be killed particularly by Chris or Marlo, he just had to die, and Michael is clearly becoming the "new Omar" at the end of the show.

[@Diddley-js6lf]

I have never seen the Wire until Three Days ago and it plays out everyday across our country, Chicago, St.Louis, Atlanta Etc. so for me it’s hit reality in my Youth But I was Saved by Getting a Girl Pregnant and me not wanting my child to live out the life I lived so I Grew up Over Night. I went from a Punk Kid to a Father. I have never ever looked back.

[@LadyTate925]

Does Michael K Williams talk about how he would break my heart by leaving us so soon!?😠 that's the interview I need to see🥺🥺 I loved him.....😞

[@MalachiJustice-x1e]

This was my friend for many years. I always told him he was gonna make it in case you don’t know Crystal Waters she’s homeless check the video out. He’s in there brother this is a Princz from Albany Project. I miss you. Rest in peace.