RIP to Melvin "Little Melvin" Williams, 73, who made me begin to rethink the drug war. You ended it free, brother. pic.twitter.com/UjtshQAmzz
According to Mashable, Simon featured the former Baltimore drug kingpin as the subject of a five-part series in 1987 before creating the beloved series. The premium cable show lasted for five seasons, from 2002-2008, and is highly regarded as one of the greatest to ever grace the small screen.
Williams was released from prison in 1996 and went on to lead a life away from crime. He even guest-starred on the show as a recurring character named the Deacon.
A cause of death has not been disclosed.