In Memoriam

In Hollywood and Advertising, Michael K. Williams Set the Bar for Depth and Authenticity

The actor, who brought unwavering intensity to everything he did, has died at 54

michael-k-williams-obituary-1-2021 — Michael K. Williams debated with himself in The Atlantic's "Typecast" with HBO.The Atlantic

By David Griner

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In every role he played, regardless of the size or stakes, Michael K. Williams brought an intensity that was second to none.

Powerful even in silence, his scarred face conveyed emotions the way the sky carries weather. He was captivating and nuanced on a level very few actors have ever been, and he brought that focus and professionalism to everything he did—even advertising, a field in which celebrities rarely bring their A-game.

Williams died today at age 54.

David Griner

David Griner is Adweek's international editor and host of the Adweek podcast, "Yeah, That's Probably an Ad."

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