Kerry Washington has paid tribute to the late Michael K. Williams while presenting an award that 2021 Emmys.
Michael K. Williams, best known for his work on The Wire and Boardwalk Empire, was found dead in his New York apartment on Monday, September 6th aged 54. US media quoted law enforcement sources as saying he died from a suspected drug overdose, but that has not been confirmed.
Ahead of the presentation for Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, for which Williams was nominated for his performance in Lovecraft Country, Washington paid tribute to the late actor.
“Michael was – it’s crazy to say was – a brilliantly talented actor and a generous human being who has left us far too soon,” Washington said. “Michael, I know you’re here because you wouldn’t miss this. Your excellence, your artistry will endure. We love you.”
Last week, Jamie Foxx took to Instagram to pay tribute to his late friend, “it took me a minute to gather my thoughts and emotions,” he wrote. “I wanted to do right by you with my words. I wanted to let you know that you are beloved.”
“We broke bread not long ago. We talked about art, we talked about acting. You spoke of your mother in such a powerful and endearing way, about how she was your biggest fan,” he continued. “I was always in awe of your performances. How could you be so grounded, so real.”
Foxx went on to recall a memory he shared with Michael K. Williams at an Oswald Boteng fashion show they both attended. “We saw this beautiful chiseled black man and then we realized it was you.
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“We jumped to our feet. We not only applauded the way you poured into the suit flawlessly, we cheered because we knew you were special. Fearlessness, mystique and pure raw talent was before us. It was soul stirring, angelic.”
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