Michael K. Williams, known for his portrayal of openly gay stickup man Omar on HBO’s highly praised series “The Wire,” presented a groundbreaking depiction of masculinity during that era.
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In his posthumously published memoir, “Scenes of My Life,” Williams revealed that he urged “The Wire” to push boundaries in portraying Omar’s intimacy with his boyfriend Brandon Wright (Michael Kevin Darnall).
you are watching: Michael K. Williams Wished ‘The Wire’ Went ‘All In’ on Omar’s Intimacy: ‘You Know Gay People F—, Right?’
Discussing Omar and Brandon’s relationship, Williams noted, “It seemed like everyone was dancing around their intimacy issue. There was lots of touching hair and rubbing lips and things like that. I felt like if we were going to do this, we should go all in. I think the directors were scared, and I said to one of them, ‘You know gay people have intimate relationships, right?'”
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While Williams, who died of a drug overdose at age 54 last year, did not identify as gay, he mentioned in his memoir that he was called “Faggot Mike” growing up.
The book, co-written by Jon Sternfeld, details Williams’ initial fears about playing a gay character onscreen.
“As for Omar’s homosexuality, it was groundbreaking 20 years ago, and I admit that at first I was scared to play a gay character,” Williams wrote. “I think my initial fear of Omar’s sexuality came from my upbringing, the community that raised me, and the stubborn stereotypes of gay characters. Once I realized that Omar was non-effeminate, that I didn’t have to talk or walk in a flamboyant way, a lot of that fear drained away. I made Omar my own. He wasn’t written as a type, and I wouldn’t play him as one.”
Given that his character defied stereotypes of hood types, Williams actively pushed for the series to fully embrace the portrayal of Omar’s relationships. Recalling a conversation with co-star Darnall, he expressed the need to elevate the romantic intimacy between Omar and Brandon.
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Williams recounted telling Darnall, “I’m thinking in this scene we should kiss,” to which Darnall, noting the absence of the kiss in the script, cautiously responded: “Okay. But — that’s not in the script, though.” Unfazed, Williams suggested skipping consultation with director Craig Johnson, asserting, “Naw. I don’t think we should ask anyone. I think we should just do it.”
Darnall concurred, desiring a spontaneous and natural look for the kiss. During rehearsal, when Williams kissed Darnall on the lips, the reaction was profound: “Everyone stopped what they were doing and went slack-jawed. Twenty years ago, men — especially men of color — were not kissing on television. I don’t mean it was rare; I mean it did not happen.”
Upon rolling action, Johnson, the director, reportedly requested the actors to repeat the daring scene, commending them as “some brave individuals.”
“The Wire” spanned five seasons from 2002 to 2008, securing two Emmys for outstanding writing in a drama series. Michael K. Williams’ memoir, “Scenes From My Life,” is currently accessible for readers.
Source: https://dominioncinemas.net
Category: TV
