I know nothing of what it is to be a gangster. Michael K. Williams More Quotes by Michael K. Williams More Quotes From Michael K. Williams I use my job to engage empathy and compassion for people society might stereotype or ostricise. Michael K. Williams compassion jobs people Our criminal justice system has swallowed up too many people I love. Michael K. Williams criminals justice people CHILDHOOD IS THAT STATE WHICH ENDS THE MOMENT A PUDDLE IS FIRST VIEWED AS AN OBSTACLE INSTEAD OF AN OPPORTUNITY Michael K. Williams childhood educational opportunity At the core of every person or belief, there's a pain and a thorn. There's always something, whether it's a physical thing, a health thing, or an I wish I had someone or something in my life thing. We all know some level of pain, so I like to see the ugliness of characters. It's a side that we show, only when we strip down in the bathroom mirror. Michael K. Williams pain wish character Revenge is not a positive state of mind or energy to indulge your self in. Michael K. Williams revenge self mind The streets would have chewed me up and spit me out and I knew that, but I found my own ways and different knacks for getting in trouble and being reckless with my life. And I've overcome a lot of personal demons and to be alive is really my greatest achievement. Michael K. Williams achievement alive way It's weird, sometimes I still see myself as just starting out. I tend to forget how much I've been doing, but in the beginning it is about the hustle, being out there and doing the work. Nothing is going to come to you, you have to get out there and do the work, and I've been doing that. But sometimes it's good to take a break and let these things air out. Reflect and take it in. Michael K. Williams hustle starting-out air I absolutely miss dancing. Don't want to do it for a living, I'm getting old, I can't move like I used to. If I had the opportunity to do something on Broadway or a musical, I would jump at the opportunity. Michael K. Williams dancing opportunity moving I love dealing with drama. I'm drawn to the painful side of storytelling, more so. I feel like that's where you get the most honesty from. My laughter comes from irony. You laugh at my pain. I can't look for the laugh 'cause I'll fall flat on my face. I like the type of laughter that comes from irony like, "Of course, it's sunny today when I wore a mink coat!" I'm that guy. I was raised on Benny Hill and The Odd Couple and The Honeymooners. Michael K. Williams laughter honesty couple I haven't had a problem with being typecast, but if I was only getting one type of role, I wouldn't mind. What I'm worried about is not working. Michael K. Williams roles problem mind I have a very healthy appetite for good writing and good characters. Having weak writing is my biggest fear. Michael K. Williams healthy writing character The most successful people reach the top not because they are free of limitations, but because they act in spite of their limitations Michael K. Williams spite successful people There are worse things in life to be attached to then seven seasons of Hap and Leonard: Mucho Mojo. It's in Atlanta, and we shoot during the fourth quarter of the year, so the weather is great. It's good Christmas money. I'm telling good stories with someone who I admire. Life could be worse. It could be a whole lot worse, at this stage in the game. Michael K. Williams seven admire Addiction is a health issue, not a social issue, not a crime, not a legal issue. Michael K. Williams issues addiction crime I grew in a community where I saw the process of how one becomes a drug dealer or a gang banger or a stick-up kid. There's a series of events that happen. People don't just wake up and decide they wanna be that. Michael K. Williams community kids people You know, my childhood was pretty colorful; I like to use the word turbulent. Michael K. Williams childhood use knows My only goal is to stay focused on my craft and make sure my life is as sharp as it can be to attack any character that is given to me. Michael K. Williams crafts goal character My goal as an actor, as an up-and-coming actor in this business is to stay consistent with the work, you know, and if you do good work, and stay focused on the work, writers and directors will pay attention. Michael K. Williams goal pay directors My goal is to end mass incarceration and change the laws to stop locking up low-level, nonviolent drug charges. Stop charging drug addicts as criminals. Michael K. Williams drug goal law Having been through the muck and mire, I've had my own brush with bad choices. Michael K. Williams brushes my-own choices
