After the sudden and unexpected passing of actor Michael K. Williams, a resurfaced interview Wendell Pierce gave praising Williams' talent and skill has gone viral.
Both actors famous for their roles in the series The Wire were interviewed in 2014 by "We Got This Covered" during PaleyFest.
The clip has been watched millions of times on Twitter alone.
Wendell Pierce on Michael K Williams as Omar Little and Chalky White:pic.twitter.com/frxcUW0HbY— Aneesh Ramaswamy (@Aneesh Ramaswamy) 1630965235
In the clip, Pierce compliments Williams' portrayal of Omar Little on The Wire. The character was a standout for the early to mid-2000s series, as Omar was a complex character, being a gay thief and killer, ruthless but honorable with his own code.
He could be hard, or tender, good or bad, and it all flowed off Williams like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Pierce praised Williams saying:
"What we are actually getting to witness... one of the great American actors giving voice and giving flesh to characters most people would not have given the same humanity to."
"...It was an honor for me to even share the screen with him."
The whole clip is just a beautiful dedication to the late actor.
Thank you posting that video. I hadn't seen it before and there is nothing I could add to the eloquent words of Wendell Pierce. Rest In Peace Mr. Williams. I will never forget your talents and humility. There will never be another character like Omar.— nanky49 (@nanky49) 1631025391
Amazing words from Wendell Pierce "OMAR COMING" R.I.P Micheal K Williams #MichaelKWilliams https://twitter.com/aneeshswamy/status/1434998323329503235\u00a0\u2026— Nkosinathi Zungu (@Nkosinathi Zungu) 1631074749
That came deep from the soul. No recycled phrases or nothing, just pure admiration and praisehttps://twitter.com/aneeshswamy/status/1434998323329503235\u00a0\u2026— Itachi\u2019s twin cousin (@Itachi\u2019s twin cousin) 1631040950
Something about once someone passes away and you see these clips of them and suddenly their vulnerability seems so clear and obvious. RIP to this physical being may his soul live on.— Everybody Luv Tiff (@Everybody Luv Tiff) 1630981435
Many others have also shared their own tribute to the late, great Williams.
Another actor on The Wire, Tray Chaney, shared a photo of himself with Williams and said he had "no words" for how it made him feel.
Director Ava DuVernay, who worked with Williams in the miniseries When They See Us, shared some memories:
"I remember nights out in NYC that summer and how you were so loved by the folks in your city. I remember our work on the work, always connected and communicating and excavating and building because you were so open and ready to give your all."
"I remember you sending me a picture of yourself as a young man and sharing with me that the boys whose story we were telling were a reflection of you - and we were going to get it right."
"...Maya Angelou once said, your legacy lives on in every life you touch. You, brother, touched many."
As the week continues, the tributes come pouring in.
That right there is what you call a living eulogy. What an amazing tribute that I am so glad he got to hear in life rather than all the praise he is receiving upon his tragic passing.— PaulCat (@PaulCat) 1630981098
Perhaps the only actor of recent times where I'd watch something just cos he was in it, without even reading a summary.— Old Git (@Old Git) 1631033684
It\u2019s beautiful that MICHAEL K WILLIAMS got to hear such eloquent beautiful & truthful words about his talents, his importance, his artistry and his impact from such a man as Wendell Pierce during his lifetime.\n\nHis legacy is there forever, for everyone.pic.twitter.com/t6HbCCiSZN— Michael Warburton (@Michael Warburton) 1630998034
What I love is that he basically gave this beautiful tribute to his face, in that moment, instead of waiting until he was gone. Tell your people they're amazing every chance you get, don't wait until they're gone— Johanna Barraza-Cannon (@Johanna Barraza-Cannon) 1631017753
In addition to Pierce's resurfaced words for the late actor, he also typed up a stirring tribute after learning of Williams' passing.
In a series of tweets, Pierce once again recalled the late actor's talent and humanity.
"The depth of my love for this brother, can only be matched by the depth of my pain learning of his loss. A 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."
His words touched the hearts of many.
Met @WendellPierce at my friend's B&B in NOLA. After chatting a bit, my young teenaged son walked in. I said, "Come meet Mr. Pierce". He held out his hand to my son & said, "Hey, my man, I'm Wendell, glad to meet you." \nHis easy friendliness made quite an impression on us both.— Gayle Choojitarom (@Gayle Choojitarom) 1630994125
Kudos to you for being proud of your cousin. @WendellPierce is a class act and actor who has my utmost respect. I am sorry for his and our collective loss of Michael K. Williams. Their performances together in The Wire are the best in television.— BSusan (@BSusan) 1630999216
Wow. The adoration that Wendell Pierce has for Michael K. Williams can be seen in his eyes and heard in the eloquence of his heartfelt words \u2026 a beautiful tribute to an extraordinary actor https://twitter.com/johngermany/status/1435016162668994566\u00a0\u2026— Ben Cogan (@Ben Cogan) 1630996637
Listening to Wendell Pierce describe Michael K Williams talent just brought me to tears. I barely knew Michael more than a what up and a pound yet we all felt like we knew him in NYC. He was everywhere and he was himself. No airs just being him. NYC lost The Peoples Champ.— Dante Ross (@Dante Ross) 1631072759
Williams also starred as gangster Chalky White in Boardwalk Empire and Montrose Freeman in Lovecraft Country.
He earned five Emmy nominations in his career.
Williams was found dead in his Brooklen apartment on Monday. At this time, no cause of death has been announced.
