Billy Dee Williams Biography - The Famous People

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Billy Dee Williams Biography (Best Known for His Role of 'Lando Calrissian' in the 'Star Wars' Film Franchise)

Birthday: April 6, 1937 (Aries)

Born In: New York, New York, United States

Advanced Search 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. Born in the USA to African-American parents, he debuted in stage at the age of seven. However, his goal was to become a painter and he started acting in order to buy his art supplies while studying at National Academy of Fine Arts and Design, eventually taking it up as a career option. 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'. 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’. At the age of 43, he reached the pinnacle of his glory, appearing as Lando Calrissian in 'The Empire Strikes Back'. Very soon, he also started painting, holding his first solo exhibition at the age of 56. In spite of his busy schedule, he has held several exhibitions since then. Image Credit https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Billy_Dee_Williams_(5777863385).jpg(Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)]) Image Credit https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Billy_Dee_Williams_(5777866719).jpg(Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)]) Image Credit https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Billy_Dee_Williams_(21106353480).jpg(GabboT [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)]) Image Credit 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(Mark Guertin) Image Credit 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(William Wilson) Image Credit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dONLPzeAA9c( HipHollywood) Image Credit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rklOZXJxwig(New York Film Academy) Previous Next

Birthday: April 6, 1937 (Aries)

Born In: New York, New York, United States

576 Actors #785 Film & Theater Personalities #1588 Actors #785 Film & Theater Personalities #1588 576

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Also Known As: William December Williams Jr.

Age: 88 Years, 88 Year Old Males

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Teruko Nakagami (m. 1972), Audrey Sellers (m. 1959 – div. 1963), Marlene Clark (m. 1968 – div. 1971)

father: William December Williams Sr.

mother: Loretta Anne Williams

children: Corey Williams, Hanako Williams

African Americans African American Men

Height: 6'0" (183 cm), 6'0" Males

Ancestry: Montserratian American

Notable Alumni: National Academy Of Fine Arts And Design, Harlem Actors Workshop

U.S. State: New Yorkers

More Facts

education: National Academy Of Fine Arts And Design, Harlem Actors Workshop

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You wanted to know

• 1

  What other movies has Billy Dee Williams appeared in besides Star Wars?

  Some of the other movies Billy Dee Williams has appeared in include "Mahogany," "Lady Sings the Blues," and "Brian's Song."
• 2

  Did Billy Dee Williams voice any characters in animated films or TV shows?

  Yes, Billy Dee Williams has lent his voice to characters in animated projects such as "The Lego Movie" and "The Lion Guard."
• 3

  Has Billy Dee Williams written any books?

  Yes, Billy Dee Williams co-authored a book titled "PSI/Net" with Rob MacGregor, a science fiction novel exploring themes of technology and power.
• 4

  What is Billy Dee Williams' involvement in the world of art?

  Billy Dee Williams is also known for his work as a painter and has exhibited his artwork in galleries across the United States.
• 5

  Is Billy Dee Williams involved in any charitable causes?

  Yes, Billy Dee Williams is known for his support of various charitable organizations, including those focused on arts education and youth empowerment.

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American PeopleActorsAmerican MenNew Yorkers ActorsTall Celebrities Childhood & Early YearsWilliam December Williams Jr., better known as Billy Dee Williams, was born on April 6, 1937 in New York City. His father, William December Williams, Sr. was of African-American descent. Originally from Texas, he worked as a caretaker in New York City, maintaining three different jobs to support his family.His mother, Loretta Ann, an aspiring opera artist from Montserrat, Caribbean Island, worked as an elevator operator at Lyceum Theater on Broadway. He had a twin sister called Loretta.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. Mingling with children from various race, religion and culture, he learned to think of himself as a human being, not merely as black.As a child, he often accompanied his mother to her workplace. 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.Although he made his stage debut at the age of seven, he did not return to it until he was an adult. At home, his parents, who paid greater emphasis on culture and education, made sure that he had an ordinary, but comfortable childhood.As a child, he loved to paint and to play baseball. Once he almost broke his hand, trying to look professional baseball player. His parents actively encouraged his artistic abilities, fostering in him a love for all kinds of expressions.For his high school education, Billy entered High School of Music & Art (now the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art), graduating from there in 1955. Thereafter, he earned a scholarship and entered National Academy of Fine Arts and Design, New York, with classical principles of painting.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. He saw a way out when one of the producers of ‘Take A Giant Step’ asked him if he could act.Although the role eventually went to Louis Gossett Jr. he now started performing regularly on stage, still wanting to become a painter. But by late 1950s, he must have had a second thought because he started studying acting under Sidney Poitier at the Harlem Actors Workshop.Continue Reading Below