
The character was based on Donnie Andrews along with other crime figures in Baltimore. Williams gained recognition as an actor for his portrayal of Omar Little in The Wire, which began filming in 2002. Williams at Harvard University for a panel discussion on The Wire, November 8, 2010 Shakur reportedly decided on Williams for the role after spotting a polaroid photograph of him in a production studio. One of his first acting roles was alongside Tupac Shakur as High Top, the brother and henchman to Shakur's drug kingpin Tank, in the 1996 film Bullet. The scar became his signature feature, and resulted in offers to perform as a thug in music videos, and modeling opportunities with noted photographers like David LaChapelle. Williams had a large facial scar he received in a bar fight on Jamaica Avenue, New York City, on his 25th birthday, when he was slashed with a razor blade. He also choreographed Crystal Waters' 1994 single " 100% Pure Love". He got a job as a background dancer with singer Kym Sims, which led to more work appearing as a dancer in music videos and on tours with artists such as George Michael and Madonna, as well as some modeling work. During a year in which he was intermittently homeless, Williams visited record labels and dance studios looking for work. However, inspired by Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814, he left school and quit his job, against the wishes of his family, to pursue a career as a dancer.

Williams worked for Pfizer pharmaceuticals as a temp. According to a DNA analysis, he was descended partly from the Mende people of Sierra Leone.Īfter getting into trouble as a youth, he enrolled at the National Black Theatre in New York City.

Williams was raised in the Vanderveer Projects in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, and attended George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School. Williams, an American, from Greeleyville, South Carolina, where his African-American family has deep roots.

Williams was born in Brooklyn, New York City, the son of a Bahamian mother from Nassau and Booker T.
