Melvin Williams, former drug kingpin who had a recurring role on ‘The Wire,’ dead at 73

BALTIMORE – A former West Baltimore drug kingpin who had a recurring role on the television show “The Wire” has died.

The Baltimore Sun (http://bsun.md/1MZ5l2K) reports Melvin Williams died Thursday at a Baltimore hospital. The Wylie Funeral Home says it is handling the arrangements.

The Sun reports that the 73-year-old known as “Little Melvin” spent years in federal prison for drug and gun convictions but later spoke out against drug use and gang life.

“The Wire” co-creator David Simon covered Williams as a Sun reporter. After Williams met with Simon and a former homicide detective collaborating with Simon, Williams was offered the role of the deacon on “The Wire.” He appeared in episodes in seasons three and four. The Wire ran from 2002 to 2008.