“The Wire” Actor Melvin Williams Dead At Age 73 If you’re a fan of the acclaimed HBO series “The Wire”, you surely remember the character of Deacon, a church man who was “all up in everybody’s s#!t”. Although he was acting, Melvin Williams wasn’t exactly playing a role. He was really in these streets HEAVY back in the day. Via WashingtonPost Melvin Williams, whose life as a West Baltimore drug kingpin in the 1960s and post-prison redemption earned him a place on HBO’s “The Wire,” died Dec. 3 at a hospital in the city. He was 73. Citing friends of Mr. Williams, the Baltimore Sun reported the cause was cancer. Known as “Little Melvin” — or Slim or Black, the latter for his preference for dark clothing — he once ruled the illegal drug trade along the city’s Pennsylvania Avenue that prosecutors said grossed $1 million a day. He served many years in federal prison for drug and gun convictions, and was one of the first criminals profiled on the BET program “American Gangster.” He later spoke about having undergone a personal religious awakening while in prison, warned against drug use and counseled young men to steer clear of gang culture. While still a prisoner, Williams told a Federal Judge of his drug-dealing deliverance: “Sometime in my 50s, I became aware that there was a God in charge, and not a Melvin” Williams’ story is fascinating and we highly suggest you looking him up. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. R.I.P. Melvin Williams aka “Little Melvin” aka “Slim” aka “Black”. Image via HBO
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R.I.P Drug Kingpin-Turned-The Wire-Actor Melvin Williams Dead At Age 73
