Friends, colleagues, and fans came together to honor the late Michael K. Williams on what would have been his 58th birthday.
On Thursday, November 21, at NeueHouse Madison Square, Steve Buscemi hosted a screening of the short film The Brown Dog, which features Williams’ final performance. It was a sentimental send-off for an actor who touched so many.
Hosted by WeTransfer, the animated production serves as a tribute to the actor’s unmistakable talent. The intimate event gave Buscemi the chance to recount his admiration for his former co-star. Known largely for his role as Omar Little in the iconic series The Wire, the acclaimed performer also appeared alongside Buscemi as Chalky White on Boardwalk Empire.
Directed by Nadia Hallgren and Jamie-James Medina, The Brown Dog tells the story of NOBODY, a lonely night watchman working at a high-end apartment complex. As isolation weighs on him, he embarks on a journey to find a mysterious brown dog, his search symbolizing a deeper existential crisis. The film’s minimalist animation, marked by rich yellows and deep blacks, serves as a visual extension of the character’s unraveling state of mind.
Williams, renowned for his ability to bring authenticity and depth to his roles, voices the character of NOBODY, a role that feels particularly poignant in the context of his legacy. In this film, his voice carries the weight of loneliness, vulnerability, and an unspoken longing for connection — elements that define much of his work as an actor.
The screening was followed by a reception and Q&A session with the directors, Hallgren and Medina, as well as executive producer Buscemi. The panel discussed the emotional journey of creating the film, its tribute to Williams, and the lasting impact of his work. Buscemi, who had a close professional relationship with Williams, shared his reflections on working with the actor and the profound influence Williams had on his peers.
At the heart of this screening was not just a celebration of Williams’ last performance but a reminder of the humanity he brought to the screen.
“He was such a gentle soul. ‘He took his work very seriously,’ Buscemi shared after the film, before expressing how thrilled he is that there is one last performance by Williams for audiences to enjoy. “When I first saw a rough cut of the film and heard Michael’s voice, it was like a gift. We have this last piece, of this beautiful, layered performance that he gives. I really feel him.”
The veteran screen star, whose voice briefly appears in the film, was sentimental when revisiting those moments.
“It’s very bittersweet but I’m so grateful for that opportunity. I wish there was more. I was just so happy to be a part of those scenes, that have my voice in there next to his.”
The star also recounted his emotional reaction to watching Williams act out a fictional death when his character Chalky White is killed in the fifth and final season of Boardwalk Empire.
“That was such an amazing character. I remember when his character gets killed – I don’t think I’ve ever cried that hard. I felt like I already grieved for him.”
A former dancer, Williams appeared in an array of memorable projects in both TV and film such as Lovecraft Country, When They See Us, 12 Years A Slave, Bessie, and Kill The Messenger. Williams died of a drug overdose in 2021 at the age of 54 in Brooklyn, New York.
The film is now available for streaming on WeTransfer’s YouTube channel.
