Actor Michael K. Williams will resume his signature role of "Omar" in the fourth season of HBO's critically- acclaimed series "The Wire" this fall. "No one who saw Williams' performance on "The Wire" could fail to appreciate it," wrote Robert Bianco in USA Today's cover story, "10 Reasons We Still Love TV," "In Omar, a gay drug dealer who turns government witness to avenge his murdered boyfriend, Williams brought to life a character who is unlike any we've ever seen before." Citing Michael K. Williams among a list of extraordinary television personalities, including Kelsey Grammer and Sarah Jessica Parker, the critic praised Michael's ability to "imbue the character with wit and humour." The Brooklyn-born actor was awarded Entertainment Weekly's"Great Performance of the Year" for 2002. In addition to The Wire, Williams will showcase his comedic talent in the new Chris Rock Comedy “I Think I Love My Wife” with Rock and actress Kerry Washington.  Michael will then appear opposite Ed Harris and his Idol Oscar-Winning actor Morgan Freeman in the highly anticipated Ben Affleck directorial debt film “Gone Baby Gone”.   Michael states “this is an honor and a dream comes true to work along side Mr. Freeman, whom I have much respect for in this industry.”Martin Scorcese chose Williams to appear opposite Nicolas Cage in "Bringing Out the Dead," following his film debut opposite TuPac Shakur in "Bullet." Michael's films include: HBO's "Lackawanna Blues," "Doing Hard Time," "The Orphan King," "Broke Even" and "Mug Shot." His television credits: included multiple episodes of "The Sopranos," "Law and Order, "Third Watch" a three-episode arc of "Alias" and an episode of "CSI” and Boston Legal"  This fall he will add a lead guest starring role in the Law & Order SVU franchise. A professional dancer at age 22, the innovative choreographer appeared in numerous music videos before deciding to study acting.  He was part of several productions of the renowned Greenwich Village La MaMa Theater Company and the distinguished National Black Theatre Company. Powerful, sensitive, and engaging Michael K. Williams many faceted talents promise and increasingly brilliant career on stage, film and television. 
INTERVIEW: Strive recently had the opportunity to sit with Michael and get the real scoop on how he became such a player in the industry.
 
STRIVE: Tell me a little about yourself?  Where are you from, Brothers/Sisters, Children, Affiliations, Marital Status or anything else?
 
MKWilliams: I was born and raised in Vandervere, East Flatbush, Brooklyn. I am the last of 10 children. I am of Bohemian decent. I hate those little questions when people say tell me a little bit about yourself. Just ask me what you want to know. LOL!, no children, not that I know of. lol.. Very single and always looking!!!!
 
 
STRIVE: How did you get started? Have you always wanted to do this?  Where did the inspiration and passion come from?
 
MKWilliams: I didn't know I always wanted to be an actor. I started off as a dancer, choreographer, modeling, doing music videos. It wasn't until I got the scar on my face, that I really started getting a lot more work in the music video world. That is where I learned my way around the set. It was there I started studying acting and the theater world, which is where a lot of my inspiration comes from.
 
STRIVE: What jobs did you hold before you became successful?

 
MKWilliams: The question should be, what job didn't I hold before I became an entertainer?
 
 
STRIVE: Who influenced you the most in your career/life when you were starting out? Is there anyone's path that you particularly admire and would like to emulate?
 
MKWilliams: My moms. I admire a lot of people like, Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X, Nelson Mendela, and Ali.   They say the grass is always greener, I think I am going to stay in my own backyard and not emulate anyone. That’s the path I will follow!
 
  
STRIVE: What signifies a STRIVER to you?
 
MKWilliams: Resiliency
 
 
STRIVE: What makes you original or sets you apart?  Why are you on top of your game?
 
MKWilliams: What makes me original is my heart - I love people and I think that comes across in my work, which makes it successful.
 
What makes me unique? Top of game? I am a perfectionist.
I love, I love, I love my job!!!!!!!!
 
STRIVE: How do you define success? People often talk about "Making IT", but when will you consider yourself as having made it?
 
MKWilliams: Happiness... When will I know? When I have made it, successful... I will let you know when I get there... LOL!
 
To Our Readers
STRIVE: Do you see any changes or patterns in the industry and what is your opinion of that?  What is the insider perspective on getting ahead in your industry?
 
MKWilliams: For me art is ever changing so it imitates life. As long as art is going it will always evolve. How do I feel about it? It is what it is. Art is life, so it is always going to change. My perspective for this industry to get ahead is  ". Study your craft in whatever it is you do". And pray always helps, cause it works.lol
 


  STRIVE: What advice would you give others attempting to make their dreams come true?   What are your 3 lessons for success? Or what is your recipe for success?
 
MKWilliams: My advice is to Follow your dreams, follow your heart.
The beautiful Halle Berry, once told me these 3 lessons that I have incorporated within my day to day for success:
Be on time,
Know your lines
Never, ever, ever give up
 
 

STRIVE: What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning and what is the last thing you think of at night.
 
MKWilliams: I just thank God for another day. When it is time to go to bed, I try not to think at all.
 
 
STRIVE: What do you know for sure?
 
MKWilliams: I know that I am a part of something much greater than myself.
 

 
STRIVE: Any last overall advice?
 
MKWilliams: Love yourself because if you don't, nobody else will.
 
article by Nook@strivemagazine.com
  article made possible by Ulysses Carter  Management to the Greatest (Whitney Houston Enterprises/Nippy)