Biography for
Billy Dee Williams More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

6 April 1937, New York City, New York, USA

Birth Name

William December Williams

Height

6' (1.83 m)

Mini Biography

Very good looking African American actor born in New York City with broad smile and gregarious manner, Billy Dee has notched up an impressive array of film and television appearances over the past 40+ years. He's easily best known to international film audiences as the roguish "Lando Calrissian" from Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and the third episode of the initial Star Wars trilogy Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983). Williams can also be seen on screen in Batman (1989), Moving Target (1996) and Undercover Brother (2002). A regular performer in many fine quality telemovies and TV series too!

IMDb Mini Biography By: firehouse44@hotmail.com

Spouse

Teruko Nakagami	(27 December 1972 - present) (filed for divorce) 1 child
Marlene Clark	(1968 - 1971) (divorced)
Audrey Sellers	(? - ?) (divorced)

Trivia

Was an accomplished art student even before his acting career began. Has had professional gallery showings where his oil canvases have sold for tens of thousands of dollars.

He appeared in the music video and sang in the choir on the song "Voices That Care."

Has a twin sister.

Was arrested in L.A. after police received a call from his live-in girlfriend accusing him of battery. Williams was charged with cohabitational abuse and released on $50,000 bail. [30 January 1996]

He and actress/singer Diahann Carroll were classmates at The New York City High School of the Performing Arts, the school that was featured on the popular TV show "Fame" (1982).

Originally auditioned for the role of Han Solo in 1976.

He accepted the role of D.A. Harvey Dent in Batman (1989) with the knowledge and expectation that Dent would eventually become Two-Face: he reportedly had a clause put into his contract reserving the role for him in any sequels, which Warner Bros. had to buy out so they could cast Tommy Lee Jones.

He has 2 children.

Has a son named Corey Williams who graduated from North Hollywood in 1978. Step-daughter Miyako also attended same high school, was in the 10th grade when Corey graduated.

Studied art at both New York's High School of Music and Art and at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Design.

When appearing at sci-fi conventions, he refuses to autograph Colt 45 merchandise, despite his being Colt 45's commercial pitchman for a brief period in the 1980s.

He still actively paints, and some of his work can be seen at his online gallery . He has had solo exhibitions in various galleries around the US, and his work hangs in the National Portrait Gallery, The Smithsonian Institution, and The Schomburg Museum. The beautiful covers of the Thelonious Monk Competition programs since 1990 are by him.

Personal Quotes

There's always been a lot of misunderstanding about Lando's character. I used to pick up my daughter from elementary school and get into arguments with little children who would accuse me of betraying Han Solo.

I tell my son Corey that the greatest teacher is the teacher who says, "Don't follow me, follow yourself. Because within you there is that kingdom, that life, that force.".

[Defending his appearance Colt 45 advertising] I drink, you drink. Hell, if marijuana was legal, I'd appear in a commercial for it.

Where Are They Now

(2008) Co-host, with Sheri Sanders, of an infomercial for the Time-Life "Motown" music collection.

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