Michael K. Williams‘ death has stunned fans and friends in the industry. But one thing people want to remember about him is how he celebrated life whenever he could.
Twitter account Black Women Views Media posted a video of Williams dancing in a New York park with the caption, “Saddened to hear about the passing of the immensely talented and brilliant Michael K. Williams. Let’s remember him not only for his talents but for spreading joy wherever he went. Rest in Power.”
Saddened to hear about the passing of the immensely talented and brilliant Michael K. Williams. Let’s remember him not only for his talents but for spreading joy wherever he went. Rest in Power ✊ pic.twitter.com/Wfnidsxv60 https://t.co/UJRH3h6uxE
— BlackWomenViews Media (@blackwomenviews) September 6, 2021
As Essence wrote in 2020, Williams was originally a successful dancer before going into acting. He toured with singers including George Michael and Madonna and also choreographed the dancing shown in Crystal Waters’ music video for “100% Pure Love.” He also performed his choreography in that music video. As he told his childhood friend Queen Latifah, he always aspired to be a professional dancer, including his dream of working as a backup dancer with Janet Jackson.
A clip from the music video made the rounds on Twitter thanks to Naima Cochrane.
“This is…where I’ll add for those who don’t know (although many do) that Michael K. Williams was a club kid turned choreographer and dancer before the acting,” she wrote. “He did a gang of tours, and choreographed Crystal Waters ‘100% Pure Love’ video (he’s in the middle).”
This is also where I’ll add for those who don’t know (although many do) that Michael K Williams was a club kid turned choreographer and dancer before the acting. He did a gang of tours, and choreographed Crystal Waters 100% Pure Love video (he’s in the middle) pic.twitter.com/gLrB4ThDMQ
— Naima Cochrane’s Burner Acct (@stillnaima) September 6, 2021
Cochrane posted another video of Williams’ love of dance, writing how Williams faced hardships in life, but also “grabbed moments of joy full out.”
But I also gotta talk about the joy. Not to again compare #MichaelKWilliams to X but they were both so characteristically Gen X Black men born and raised in these NYC streets. They had been through battle, they were haunted even, but they also grabbed moments of joy full out. pic.twitter.com/QxZ6P6Q6wN
— Naima Cochrane’s Burner Acct (@stillnaima) September 6, 2021
Also, who can forget his dance moment in Lovecraft Country?
More clips of Williams dancing instantly went viral Monday during other outpourings of grief and loss. The amount of joy Williams brought to fans through his acting and dancing has helped fans remember the happiness Williams created as they process their feelings regarding his death.
Williams was found in his Brooklyn apartment by his nephew Monday, according to reports. He was 54 years old. Our thoughts are with Williams’ family at this time.