Williams, Billy Dee (1937-…), is a popular African American actor known for his good looks and smooth manner. Williams is probably best known as the adventurer Lando Calrissian in The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983), two films in the Star Wars science-fiction series.
Williams was born in New York City. He made his first stage appearance at the age of 7. Williams attended the High School of Music and Art in New York City, where he studied painting. At the same time, he took acting lessons at the Actors’ Workshop in Harlem. Williams made his motion-picture debut in The Last Angry Man (1959) and his Broadway debut in The Cool World (1960). He also appeared in many television soap operas, dramatic programs, and TV movies. He played football star Gale Sayers in the acclaimed television film Brian’s Song (1971).
Williams became a motion-picture star as Diana Ross’s leading man in Lady Sings the Blues (1972) and Mahogany (1975). His other films include The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings (1976), Batman (1989), Giant Steps (1992), and Moving Target (1997).
