View the list There are no secrets that time does not reveal. William December "Billy Dee" Williams, Jr. (born April 6, 1937) is an American actor, artist, singer, and writer best known for his role as Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars film franchise, as well as acting in the movies Brian's Song, Lady Sings the Blues, Nighthawks, The Last Angry Man, Carter's Army, and for playing Harvey Dent in Tim Burton's Batman. It is expected to be released the USA on December 20, 2019. Corey is now a bass guitarist. Billy Dee Williams was called ‘Black Clark Gable’ for his suave and sexual mannerism in 'Lady Sings the Blues'. Billy Dee Williams net worth and salary: Billy Dee Williams is an actor, singer and TV pitchman who has a net worth of $9 million.Billy Dee Williams is probably most famous … Thereafter, he earned a scholarship and entered National Academy of Fine Arts and Design, New York, with classical principles of painting. They got married on December 27, 1972. Billy Dee Williams, born as William December Williams Jr., is an eminent actor, artist and singer, best known for his role as Lando Calrissian in the ‘Star Wars’ film franchise. Billy Dee Williams, better known for his role as Lando Calrissian in the “Star Wars” film franchise, has been married three times and has two children from two different women. William December Williams Jr., better known as Billy Dee Williams, was born on April 6, 1937 in New York City. But by late 1950s, he must have had a second thought because he started studying acting under Sidney Poitier at the Harlem Actors Workshop. We’re currently in process of confirming all details such as Billy Dee Williams’s height, weight, and other stats. But it was his role as Louis McKay in 'Lady Sings the Blues', a biographical drama film based on Billie Holiday’s autobiography and released in 1972, that actually turned him into a matinee idol. In 2002, he had two films released, ‘The Last Place on Earth’ and ‘Undercover Brother’. He had a twin sister called Loretta. Billy Dee Williams was born William December Williams on April 6, 1937 in New York City. Williams met his third wife, Teruko Nakagami, who is of Japanese-American ancestry, in New York through a friend and eventually fell in love. All the while, he continued to act and paint, holding numerous solo art exhibitions across USA. Once he almost broke his hand, trying to look professional baseball player. His mother, Loretta Ann, an aspiring opera artist from Montserrat, Caribbean Island, worked as an elevator operator at Lyceum Theater on Broadway. View this post on Instagram In 2005, he reprised the role of Lando Calrissian in ‘Star Wars: Battlefront II‘, another video game based on ‘Star Wars’ film franchise. Billy Dee Williams is a popular actor, voice actor, and artist from America. Yaphet Kotto Dies, Alien Star, Bond Villain and Freddy's Dead Actor Was 81, 13 March 2021 Billy Dee has notched up an impressive array of film and television appearances over the past 50+ years. Most of Billy’s money comes from being a movie actor. In 1980, Williams took his talent to space with his supporting role in "The Empire Strikes Back" (1980), the second entry in the Star Wars series. As a child, he loved to paint and to play baseball. In September 1976, he returned to the Broadway to play Martin Luther King, Jr. in ‘I Have a Dream’. Billy Dee Williams Back with 'Constellation' Actor Billy Dee Williams talks about his film and television career with Tony Cox. All net worths are calculated by applying a proprietary algorithm. William December "Billy Dee" Williams, Jr. is an American actor, artist, singer, and writer best known for his role as Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars film franchise, as well as acting in the movies Brian's Song, Lady Sings the Blues, Nighthawks, The Last Angry Man, Carter's Army, and for playing Harvey Dent in Tim Burton's Batman. About. Loved Actor Favorite. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Billy_Dee_Williams_(5777863385).jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Billy_Dee_Williams_(5777866719).jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Billy_Dee_Williams_(21106353480).jpg, https://www.flickr.com/photos/studiogerk/3879026435/in/photolist-cXLNR1-9mjkqa-dqfeX7-bXMyAb-9Fd8FG-6UM2q8-7L9Fcp-7cBGYw-69rjxn-nYoQys-nG24Fq-7LfuXa-7LjwNj-7Lfw5g-7Ljy9h-7LfuXx-7Lfw58-7LfuXe-7LfuXr-7Lfw5i-7Ljy9d-7Lfw56-4PeQhy-ZBw2Q-6U3t2j-MZ5AjN-ancRWe-3oesMA-ZAR2J-LzAbH2-nu6cDY-ncRpSY-LzAbD4-UzFf4K-7YnMV4-dk1kQt, https://www.flickr.com/photos/captainkanji/14236359458/in/photolist-cXLNR1-9mjkqa-dqfeX7-bXMyAb-9Fd8FG-6UM2q8-7L9Fcp-7cBGYw-69rjxn-nYoQys-nG24Fq-7LfuXa-7LjwNj-7Lfw5g-7Ljy9h-7LfuXx-7Lfw58-7LfuXe-7LfuXr-7Lfw5i-7Ljy9d-7Lfw56-4PeQhy-ZBw2Q-6U3t2j-MZ5AjN-ancRWe-3oesMA-ZAR2J-LzAbH2-nu6cDY-ncRpSY-LzAbD4-UzFf4K-7YnMV4-dk1kQt, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dONLPzeAA9c. Because his parents were busy all day, Billy was mostly raised by his grandmother on 110th Street in Harlem, where people of different races used to live. He continued to work throughout 1990s, beginning the decade with ‘Secret Agent OO Sou’ (film) and ‘Dangerous Passion’ (TV movie). | In spite of his busy schedule, he has held several exhibitions since then. Billy Dee Williams Quotes. Later, he gave voiceover for Calrissian in several animated TV series and video games. He has starred in movies and TV shows like The Empire Strike Back, The Lego Movie, Satr Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, etc. While studying at National Academy of Fine Arts and Design, he often found himself running short of money, unable to pay for his art supplies. If you any have tips or corrections, please send them our way. William's new film is Constellation. There's always been a lot of misunderstanding about Lando's character. In 1980s, other than the ‘Star War’ films, he appeared in array of productions, making his presence felt both on the big and the small screen, appearing in seven films, including ‘Batman’, and eleven television movies. In 1968, he married his second wife, model and actress, Marlene Clark, known for her films like ‘Ganja & Hess’ and ‘Night of the Cobra Woman’. Originally from Texas, he worked as a caretaker in New York City, maintaining three different jobs to support his family. ‘Marked for Murder’, ‘Percy and Thunder’ and ‘A different World’ all aired in 1993, were his three other significant works of the decade. Williams has also appeared in critically acclaimed films like Brian’s Song, Lady Sings the Blues, Mahogany, Nighthawks, and Batman, in which he played Harvey Dent. — Matt Mustin (@MattMustin) December 1, 2019 William December “Billy Dee” Williams Jr. is an American actor, artist, singer, and writer. 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. Billy Dee Williams turns 80: A look at 5 of his best roles. Birthday: April 6, 1937 Black Celebrities Born on April 6. Billy Dee Williams began his acting career with stage, appearing in different Broadway productions since his college days, making a splash with ‘A Taste of Honey’ in 1960. Billy Dee Williams’s height and weight. In mid 1990s, he reprised the same role in the audio dramatization of ‘Dark Empire’. His parents actively encouraged his artistic abilities, fostering in him a love for all kinds of expressions. In 1972, Williams earned his first lead role, appearing as Johnny Johnson in ‘The Final Comedown’. Billy Dee Williams was born William December Williams on April 6, 1937 in New York City. As a child, he often accompanied his mother to her workplace. Debuting in films and television at the age of 33, he had his breakthrough at the age of 34, when he appeared in the role of Gale Slayer in 'Brian's Song'. Born William December Williams Jr on 6th April, 1937 in Manhattan, New York City, New York USA, he is famous for Lando Calrissian, Colt-45 malt liquor pitchman in a career that spans 1957-present and 1943–present. G. Gordon Liddy Dies: Watergate Felon Who Went On To Showbiz Career Was 90, 16 March 2021 In it, he played the part of Gotham City District Attorney, Harvey Dent, modeling it on the controversial African-American politician, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. About. Later in 1983, he reprised the role in ‘Return of the Jedi’, the final film ‘Star War’ series. However, he did not return to the big screen till 1970. Williams, who wants to be known simply as an actor, not merely as a black actor, was happy to receive the role of Lando Calrissian in 'The Empire Strikes Back', because the script did not specify any race. In the same decade, he appeared in the television commercials for Colt 45 malt liquor; but was criticized by many in the African-American community for aggressively hawking liquor. African American Actors' Voices of Authority, Disney-Produced 'Star Wars' You Most Want to See, Best 'Star Wars' Franchise Resistance Leader, G. Gordon Liddy Dies: Watergate Felon Who Went On To Showbiz Career Was 90, Yaphet Kotto Dies, Alien Star, Bond Villain and Freddy's Dead Actor Was 81, Star Wars: 10 Characters Who Could Appear In Lando's Disney+ Series, Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker. Right before 'Brian's Song' there was a period when I was very despondent, broke, depressed; my first marriage was on the rocks. At home, his parents, who paid greater emphasis on culture and education, made sure that he had an ordinary, but comfortable childhood. Billy was well-known for his role as Lando Calrissian, as he also proudly shares on his Instagram page. The High Fructose Adventures of Annoying Orange, The Most Interesting BLACK Man in the World, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back - The Original Radio Drama, The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings, 20th Century Masters: The Best of 'The Temptations' - The DVD Collection, Opus: Live Is Life rund um die Welt - Streiflichter eines Erfolges, SP FX: Special Effects - The Empire Strikes Back. Screen Rant William December Williams Played Lando Calrissian in Star Wars Episode V and Star Wars Episode VI. | MovieWeb All his previous roles had been scripted especially for a black actor. Williams’ role in ‘Lady Sings the Blue’ is considered a milestone as it glamorized blacks in a novel way. Hailed as the ‘Black Clark Gable’, he starred in films like ‘Hit!’ (1973), ‘The Take’ (1974), ‘Mahogany’ (1975) and ‘The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings’ (1976). A post shared by Billy Dee Williams (@therealbillydee) He is best known for his role in the 'Star Wars' film franchise, as evident in the picture above, he's pictured with Harrison Ford, a 'Star Wars' lead star. Later in the decade he also starred in television films like ‘Scot Joplin’ (1977) and ‘Christmas Lilies of the Field’ (1979). The NAACP Image Award -winning actor Billy Dee Williams is widely popular for portraying a character of Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars Franchise. Equally active on big screen, he had 16 films released between 2003 and 2017. The couple divorced in 1963. Star Wars: 10 Characters Who Could Appear In Lando's Disney+ Series. Billy Dee Williams Biography A native of New York, Billy Dee Williams who was born as William December Williams Jr. is an American actor, voice actor, and artist. Billy Dee Williams coming out as gender fluid at 82 years old is arguably the coolest thing he's ever done, and he's fucking famous for being cool. His first breakthrough came when in 1971 he was chosen to play Gale Slayer in 'Brian's Song', a television film narrating the life of Brian Piccolo (played by James Caan). In 1959, while he was in his early twenties, he got married to Audrey Sellers, with whom he has a son named Corey Williams. Very soon, he also started painting, holding his first solo exhibition at the age of 56. His father, William December Williams, Sr. was of African-American descent. To celebrate his 80th birthday, a look back at some of his famous roles. In mid 1990s, he reprised the same role in the audio dramatization of … Billy Dee Williams. Although he made his stage debut at the age of seven, he did not return to it until he was an adult. 1937 In addition to the ‘Star Wars’ franchise series, he appeared in two other video games; as GDI Director Redmond Boyle in ‘Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars’ (2007) and ‘Let It Die’ (2016). However, it was his role as Louis McKay in 'Lady Sings the Blues', which actually turned him into a matinee idol and very soon he began to be known as the ‘Black Clark Gable’. One day, when he was seven years old, he was invited by producer, Max Gordon, who at that time was working on ‘Firebrand of Florence’, to audition for a walk on part and was selected for the job. In 1984-85, he also appeared in five episodes of the ABC soap opera, ‘Dynasty’. He is currently working in 'Star Wars: Episode IX', the final installment of the ‘Star Wars’ film franchise, reprising the role of Lando Calrissian. Other significant works of the decade were ‘The Cool World’ (1960), ‘Tiger Tiger Burning Bright’ (1962) and ‘Hallelujah, Baby!’ (1967). Billy Dee Williams is a 83 year old American Actor. So what is Billy Dee Williams’s salary per year? In a 2019 Esquire, Williams spoke about having a fluid sense of gender and uses masculine and feminine pronouns.. References Mingling with children from various race, religion and culture, he learned to think of himself as a human being, not merely as black. | https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/billy-dee-williams-33831.php, Top NBA Players With No Championship Rings, The Top 25 Wrestling Announcers Of All Time, Famous Role Models You Would Like To Meet, 21st Century Film & Theater Personalities, 21st Century American Film & Theater Personalities. Also, in 1993, he held the exhibition of his paintings at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York City. The role of Gale Sayers had been cast with Lou Gossett, and then he hurt himself playing basketball. Among his works for television in 2000s and 2010s, most memorable are ‘That '70s Show’ (2004), ‘Scrubs’ (2006), ‘Lost’ (2007), ‘General Hospital’ (2009), ‘The Boondocks’ (2010) and ‘White Collar’ (2011). Writer. William gained fame when he played a role in in the television movie, Brian’s Song in 1971 … New York City, New York, USA, 31 March 2021 William December Williams, better known as Billy Dee Williams (born April 6, 1937), is an actor best known for playing Lando Calrissian in Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, and Star Wars: Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker. April 6 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Aries. Billy Dee Williams is best known for his role of Lando Calrissian in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ and ‘Return of the Jedi’. Billy Dee Williams was born on April 6, 1937 in New York, NY. Also in 1959, he debuted in television with 'Look Up and Live'. He later becam… He received an Emmy nomination for his role in Brian's Song and became a national heartthrob due largely to his turns opposite Diana Ross in Lady Sings the Blues and Mahogany. 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