American actor Michael K Williams, whose stardom rose with his role in HBO drama The Wire, has been found dead in his New York apartment at the age of 54.

Reports in the US media indicate his death was due to an apparent overdose of heroin. 

Williams – who was nominated for three Emmy Awards – had openly discussed his struggles with drugs over the years.

In The Wire, he played Omar Little, a streetwise robber of drug gangs.

He was also known for playing Albert “Chalky” White in the Boardwalk Empire TV series.

New York Police Department spokesman John Grimpel said police went to Williams’ Brooklyn apartment after receiving an emergency call at around 2pm on Monday.