Photo:Dia Dipasupil/Getty, Paras Griffin/Getty, Karwai Tang/WireImage
Dia Dipasupil/Getty, Paras Griffin/Getty, Karwai Tang/WireImage
When HBO’sThe Wirepremiered on June 2, 2002, critics adored it but audiences were slow to find it. However, once it picked up momentum, it became a hit, and served as a launching pad for some of the biggest actors working today.At the show’s start, Dominick West, Sonja Sohn and Lance Reddick were among the biggest names; these days, you’ll recognize such A-listers as Michael B. Jordan, Idris Elba and Tristan Wilds as those who got their start on the gritty, darkly comedic series about the institutions that revolve around Baltimore’s crime scene, from the media to the police officers to the criminals themselves.Catch up on what the cast members ofThe Wirehave been up to since it wrapped in 2008. (Warning: Spoilers ahead!)
When HBO’sThe Wirepremiered on June 2, 2002, critics adored it but audiences were slow to find it. However, once it picked up momentum, it became a hit, and served as a launching pad for some of the biggest actors working today.
At the show’s start, Dominick West, Sonja Sohn and Lance Reddick were among the biggest names; these days, you’ll recognize such A-listers as Michael B. Jordan, Idris Elba and Tristan Wilds as those who got their start on the gritty, darkly comedic series about the institutions that revolve around Baltimore’s crime scene, from the media to the police officers to the criminals themselves.
Catch up on what the cast members ofThe Wirehave been up to since it wrapped in 2008. (Warning: Spoilers ahead!)
01of 16Dominic West: James McNultyDominic West.Paul Schiraldi/HBO; Dave Benett/GettyFrom watchingDominic West’s portrayal of detective James ‘Jimmy’ McNulty, you might guess the actor was a Baltimore native. However, it’s all just really great dialect work as West actually hails from the U.K.“Whenever I open my mouth in a room full ofWirefans I’m conscious of a sort of deflation of, ‘Oh, dear. He’s not McNulty,'” the actor joked in aninterview withAbsolutely Radio. “It’s nice that people thought I am American — otherwise it wouldn’t have worked, would it?“These days, West is playing it close to home as heportrays Prince Charlesin season five of Netflix’sThe Crown.Prior to landing the royal gig, he also played the polarizing Noah Solloway on Showtime’sThe Affair.In real life, West has been married to his wife, Catherine Fitzgerald, since 2010.The pair share four children.
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Dominic West: James McNulty
Dominic West.Paul Schiraldi/HBO; Dave Benett/Getty
Paul Schiraldi/HBO; Dave Benett/Getty
From watchingDominic West’s portrayal of detective James ‘Jimmy’ McNulty, you might guess the actor was a Baltimore native. However, it’s all just really great dialect work as West actually hails from the U.K.
“Whenever I open my mouth in a room full ofWirefans I’m conscious of a sort of deflation of, ‘Oh, dear. He’s not McNulty,'” the actor joked in aninterview withAbsolutely Radio. “It’s nice that people thought I am American — otherwise it wouldn’t have worked, would it?”
These days, West is playing it close to home as heportrays Prince Charlesin season five of Netflix’sThe Crown.Prior to landing the royal gig, he also played the polarizing Noah Solloway on Showtime’sThe Affair.
In real life, West has been married to his wife, Catherine Fitzgerald, since 2010.The pair share four children.
02of 16
Lance Reddick: Cedric Daniels
Lance Reddick.HBO/Everett; Leon Bennett/WireImage
HBO/Everett; Leon Bennett/WireImage
Fans ofThe Wire— and his subsequent works — were shocked to learn of Reddick’s death whenTMZbroke the news on March 17.
A rep for the beloved actorconfirmed his death to PEOPLE, saying, “Acclaimed actor Lance Reddick passed away suddenly this morning from natural causes.”
After his tenure as the staunch and dutiful Lieutenant Daniels onThe Wire,Reddick starred in theJohn Wickfranchise as well as the recently rebootedWhite Men Can’t Jump.
03of 16Michael B. Jordan: WallaceMichael B. Jordan.David Lee/HBO; Steve Granitz/FilmMagicThese days you know him as2020’s PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive, but before he was making the ladies swoon,Michael B. Jordanwas tugging at their heartstrings in his role as Wallace — a sweet neighborhood teenager with a big heart just trying to find his place in the drug-ridden Baltimore scene.Since leaving show after his character’s heartbreaking murder, the dimpled actor has graced the big screen, making a splash as Oscar Grant in 2013’sFruitvale Station,before taking on Killmonger inBlack Pantherand AdonisJohnson in theCreedfranchise.Earlier this year, the talented powerhouse made hisfeature film directorial debut, serving both in front ofandbehind the camera on the critically acclaimedCreed III.
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Michael B. Jordan: Wallace
Michael B. Jordan.David Lee/HBO; Steve Granitz/FilmMagic
David Lee/HBO; Steve Granitz/FilmMagic
These days you know him as2020’s PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive, but before he was making the ladies swoon,Michael B. Jordanwas tugging at their heartstrings in his role as Wallace — a sweet neighborhood teenager with a big heart just trying to find his place in the drug-ridden Baltimore scene.
Since leaving show after his character’s heartbreaking murder, the dimpled actor has graced the big screen, making a splash as Oscar Grant in 2013’sFruitvale Station,before taking on Killmonger inBlack Pantherand AdonisJohnson in theCreedfranchise.
Earlier this year, the talented powerhouse made hisfeature film directorial debut, serving both in front ofandbehind the camera on the critically acclaimedCreed III.
04of 16
Idris Elba: Stringer Bell
Idris Elba.HBO/Everett; Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
HBO/Everett; Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
As with West, fans were staggered when they learnedIdris Elba, who played criminal mastermind Stringer Bell on the series, was actually from the U.K.
But the actor said he worked incredibly hard to pass as a Baltimore native in order to impress creator David Simon.
“David Simon specifically told Alexa Fogel, who was the casting director, ‘Listen, this is about Baltimore. I don’t want to see no non-Americans for any of these roles, I need people that can really relate to the story I’m trying to tell here’ — which is a very fair thing to ask for, considering how observant he is of the culture,” he revealedduring an episode ofHot Ones.
Obviously, his accent won Simon over as Elba was hired and would give the breakthrough performance of his career in the first three seasons of the show.
In April 2019, the actor and DJtied the knotwith modelSabrina Dhowrein a gorgeous Moroccan ceremony.
05of 16Wood Harris: Avon BarksdaleWood Harris.HBO/Everett; Alberto E. Rodriguez/GettyPlaying the notorious drug kingpin at the head of the Barksdale Organization was veteran actor,Wood Harris.Prior to landing the role onThe Wire,Harris had a solid career going, with roles in iconic filmsAbove the Rim, Paid in Full,andRemember the Titans.Harris followed up his role onThe Wireas Brooke Payne in the acclaimed BET seriesThe New Edition Story.These days, you can catch him playing Tony ‘Little Duke’ Evers alongside Michael B. Jordan inCreed,as well as Spencer Haywood on Max’sWinning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.
05of 16
Wood Harris: Avon Barksdale
Wood Harris.HBO/Everett; Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
HBO/Everett; Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
Playing the notorious drug kingpin at the head of the Barksdale Organization was veteran actor,Wood Harris.
Prior to landing the role onThe Wire,Harris had a solid career going, with roles in iconic filmsAbove the Rim, Paid in Full,andRemember the Titans.
Harris followed up his role onThe Wireas Brooke Payne in the acclaimed BET seriesThe New Edition Story.
These days, you can catch him playing Tony ‘Little Duke’ Evers alongside Michael B. Jordan inCreed,as well as Spencer Haywood on Max’sWinning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.
06of 16Sonja Sohn: Kima GreggsSonja Sohn.HBO/Everett; Paul Archuleta/GettyAs police officer Kima Greggs, Sohn portrayed a woman who was tough, dedicated, thorough and could tackle criminals like any of her fellow squad members.Her post-The Wirelife has had highs andlows, but her career has stayed steady, with roles in hit shows includingThe ChiandStar Trek: Discovery.She currently stars as Amanda Wagner on ABC’s police procedural,Will Trent.
06of 16
Sonja Sohn: Kima Greggs
Sonja Sohn.HBO/Everett; Paul Archuleta/Getty
HBO/Everett; Paul Archuleta/Getty
As police officer Kima Greggs, Sohn portrayed a woman who was tough, dedicated, thorough and could tackle criminals like any of her fellow squad members.
Her post-The Wirelife has had highs andlows, but her career has stayed steady, with roles in hit shows includingThe ChiandStar Trek: Discovery.She currently stars as Amanda Wagner on ABC’s police procedural,Will Trent.
07of 16
Michael K. Williams: Omar Little
Michael K. Williams.Nicole Rivellli/HBO; Rodrigo Varela/Getty
Nicole Rivellli/HBO; Rodrigo Varela/Getty
Williams’ earned credit for his thoughtful portrayal of Little, but said initially he was conflicted about taking the role that would make his career.
“As for Omar’s homosexuality, it was groundbreaking 20 years ago, and I admit that at first I was scared to play a gay character,” Williams wrote in his memoirScenes of My Life,perVariety.
“I think my initial fear of Omar’s sexuality came from my upbringing, the community that raised me, and the stubborn stereotypes of gay characters. Once I realized that Omar was non-effeminate, that I didn’t have to talk or walk in a flamboyant way, a lot of that fear drained away. I made Omar my own. He wasn’t written as a type, and I wouldn’t play him as one.”
Williamsdied of an accidental fentanyl overdosein his Brooklyn apartment on Sept. 6, 2021. He was 54.
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Andre Royo: Bubbles
Andre Royo.HBO/Everett; Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
09of 16Deirdre Lovejoy: Rhonda PearlmanDeirdre Lovejoy.Cinematic Collection / Alamy Stock Photo, Bruce Glikas/WireImage)Navigating the corrupt law system in Baltimore wasn’t always easy and Deirdre Lovejoy’s Rhonda Pearlman was evidence of that. The assistant state’s attorney often found her professional interests in direct conflict with her personal ones.In real life, however, Lovejoy’s career seems to be going much smoother. She’s appeared in a string of other cop procedurals includingWithout a Trace, Law & Order: Criminal IntentandCriminal Minds.Most recently, she played U.S. senator Cynthia Panabaker on NBC’sThe Blacklist.
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Deirdre Lovejoy: Rhonda Pearlman
Deirdre Lovejoy.Cinematic Collection / Alamy Stock Photo, Bruce Glikas/WireImage)
Cinematic Collection / Alamy Stock Photo, Bruce Glikas/WireImage)
Navigating the corrupt law system in Baltimore wasn’t always easy and Deirdre Lovejoy’s Rhonda Pearlman was evidence of that. The assistant state’s attorney often found her professional interests in direct conflict with her personal ones.
In real life, however, Lovejoy’s career seems to be going much smoother. She’s appeared in a string of other cop procedurals includingWithout a Trace, Law & Order: Criminal IntentandCriminal Minds.
Most recently, she played U.S. senator Cynthia Panabaker on NBC’sThe Blacklist.
10of 16
Jamie Hector: Marlo Stanfield
Jamie Hector.Paul Schiraldi/HBO; Sylvain Lefevre/Getty
Paul Schiraldi/HBO; Sylvain Lefevre/Getty
It seems the knack for crime series stuck with Hector as he starred in Prime Video’sBosch,which aired from 2014 to 2021 on the streaming service. Hector also made appearances inAll Eyez on Me, Wu Tang: An American SagaandQueen of the South,throughout the years.
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Wendell Pierce: Bunk Moreland
Wendell Pierce.Nicole Rivelli/HBO; Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Nicole Rivelli/HBO; Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
McNulty’s best friend and ally inside the police department,Wendell Pierce’s Bunk Moreland never let his love for the job get in the way of his love for partying.
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Tristan ‘Mack’ Wilds: Michael Lee
Tristan ‘Mack’ Wilds.Paul Schiraldi/HBO; Tommaso Boddi/Getty
Paul Schiraldi/HBO; Tommaso Boddi/Getty
You may recognize him as the handsome love interest in Adele’s “Hello” music video, but Tristan Wilds is another young thespian who developed their acting chops onThe Wire.The now 33-year-old was only 15 when he was cast on the show.
He went on to snag a role on The CW’s reboot of90210and would link up with fellowThe Wirealums, Michael B. Jordan and Method Man in George Lucas’Red Tails.
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Seth Gilliam: Ellis Carver
Seth Gilliam.HBO/Everett; Jesse Grant/Getty
HBO/Everett; Jesse Grant/Getty
Actor Seth Gilliam played the guy who’s intentions were always good, but his execution was a bit more questionable: Lieutenant Ellis Carver.
14of 16Aiden Gillen: Tommy CarcettiAiden Gillen.HBO/Everett; Sylvain Lefevre/GettyNowadays, Aiden Gillen is mostly recognizable as the sneaky, conniving Lord Baelish fromGame of Thrones,but the actor has been playing shady politicians for HBO since his stint as ambitious city councilman Tommy Carcetti onThe Wire,which began in the show’s second season.Gillen has also appeared inPeaky Blinders,Those Who Wish Me DeadandMayor of Kingstown.
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Aiden Gillen: Tommy Carcetti
Aiden Gillen.HBO/Everett; Sylvain Lefevre/Getty
HBO/Everett; Sylvain Lefevre/Getty
Nowadays, Aiden Gillen is mostly recognizable as the sneaky, conniving Lord Baelish fromGame of Thrones,but the actor has been playing shady politicians for HBO since his stint as ambitious city councilman Tommy Carcetti onThe Wire,which began in the show’s second season.
Gillen has also appeared inPeaky Blinders,Those Who Wish Me DeadandMayor of Kingstown.
15of 16
Chris Bauer: Frank Sobotka
Chris Bauer.HBO/Everett; Fati Sadou/ABACAPRESS.COM/Shutterstock
HBO/Everett; Fati Sadou/ABACAPRESS.COM/Shutterstock
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Amy Ryan: Beatrice ‘Beadie’ Russell
Amy Ryan.Larry Riley/HBO; Jason Mendez/Getty
Larry Riley/HBO; Jason Mendez/Getty
Amy Ryan truly has range: The actress went from playing the serious and duty-bound officer Russell onThe Wireto goofing off and pulling pranks as Michael Scott’s love interest, Holly Flax, onThe Office.
This year, she had an appearance in the Joaquin Phoenix-ledBeau Is Afraid,which came out in April. She ismarried to formerSaturday Night Livewriter Eric Slovinand they have one daughter.
source: people.com
