William December Williams Jr., known professionally as Billy Dee Williams, was born on April 6, 1937, in New York City. He was the son of Loretta Anne, an elevator operator and aspiring performer, and William December Williams Sr., a caretaker with some Native American ancestry. Raised in Harlem, Williams grew up on 110th Street, adjacent to Central Park North. Williams showed early talent in the arts, attending the High School of Music & Art. He won a painting scholarship to the National Academy of Fine Arts and Design, where he received the Hallgarten Prize for painting in the mid-1950s. Despite his initial focus on painting, financial needs led him to return to acting to fund his art supplies.
Williams made his Broadway debut at the age of seven in “The Firebrand of Florence” (1945). His film debut came with “The Last Angry Man” (1959), but he gained national attention with his role in the television movie “Brian’s Song” (1971), earning an Emmy nomination for Best Actor. He is best known for his iconic role as Lando Calrissian in the “Star Wars” franchise, starting with “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) and continuing in “Return of the Jedi” (1983) and later installments. Williams has appeared in over 100 films and television roles, including notable performances in “Lady Sings the Blues” (1972), “Mahogany” (1975), “Nighthawks” (1981), and as Harvey Dent in “Batman” (1989).
Williams’s television work includes over 70 credits starting in 1966, with recurring roles in series such as “Gideon’s Crossing,” “Dynasty,” “General Hospital: Night Shift,” and “General Hospital.” He has also made numerous cameos and supporting roles, including appearances on “The Jeffersons,” “227,” and “The Hughleys.” In addition to his acting career, Williams is an accomplished painter. His work has been displayed in galleries and collections worldwide, including the National Portrait Gallery, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Schomburg Museum. He has had solo exhibitions in various galleries across the United States, and his paintings have sold for tens of thousands of dollars.
Williams has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He has won three NAACP Image Awards and the NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1984, he was inducted into the Black Filmmaker’s Hall of Fame, and in 1985, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Williams has been married three times. His first marriage was to Audrey Sellers, with whom he had a son, Corey Dee Williams. He then married Marlene Clark, but the marriage ended in divorce. In 1972, he married Teruko Nakagami, with whom he has a daughter, Hanako Williams. Williams continues to be active in both his acting and artistic careers, leaving a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
Billy Dee Williams remains a beloved figure in the entertainment world, known for his charm, talent, and versatility. His contributions to film, television, and art have made him a cultural icon, and his portrayal of Lando Calrissian continues to be celebrated by “Star Wars” fans around the globe.