Born in Brooklyn, New York, he gained recognition for his distinctive scar and powerful performances. Rising to fame as Omar Little on HBO's "The Wire," he became renowned for his ability to portray complex, often morally ambiguous characters. His work extended to series like "Boardwalk Empire" and "The Night Of," earning critical acclaim and several Emmy nominations. Off-screen, he was an advocate for social issues, using his platform to address systemic inequality and support community programs.