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'I know he’s going to continue to be the angel': Michael K. Williams' sister reflects on his life

By Hailey Winslow
Updated  September 9, 2021 12:09pm EDT
Entertainment
FOX 35 Orlando

Sister of Michael K. Williams reflects on his life, legacy, battle with addiction

In an exclusive interview with FOX 11, Michelle Chambers, the sister of Michael K. Williams, talks about his life and her push for stronger legislation against dealers.

LOS ANGELES - "He wasn’t what you would consider Hollywood, you know? Mike was just down-to-earth," said Michelle Chambers, Michael K. Williams’ sister.

Fifty-four-year-old Michael K. Williams was most widely known as Omar Little on HBO’s The Wire. But his younger sister, Compton City Councilwoman Michelle Chambers, knew him better. 

Williams was found dead in his Brooklyn penthouse apartment Monday afternoon. His death is being investigated as a possible drug overdose, according to NYPD.

Growing up with six years between them but their birthdays just a day apart, they shared secrets and of course, many laughs… and supported each other’s careers. 

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In 2015, Chambers was his date to his first of five Emmy nominations for the film Bessie. They would go to church together, shopping on Sunset and hang with his good friend Queen Latifah.  

Williams had a heart of gold, a gentle soul and strong faith.  

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"I know he’s going to continue to be the Angel that he was here as he will be in Heaven and watching over us," she added.

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Investigators believe the actor may have overdosed on drugs. Williams was open about his struggle with them and road to recovery and worked to help others through addiction on and off-camera. 

"Addiction takes over your mind. There are going to be times when you are going to fall off but get back up again. Mike would say, ‘get back up again.’ Try again, you got this." 

Drugs, as Chambers says, knows no boundaries. She’s hoping for stronger legislation against dealers in honor of her brother, who throughout his acting career and in his death, gave people an idea what his and so many other families go through. 

"His heart, I don’t think this world will ever see another Michael Kenneth Williams," his sister stated.