1. Billy Dee Williams was born on April 6, 1937, in New York City, and he initially pursued a career in painting before turning to acting.
2. He is best known for his role as Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars franchise, first appearing in “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980).
3. Billy Dee was also a talented singer and dancer, performing in Broadway shows like “The Wiz” before gaining fame in film.
4. He has lent his voice to various animated characters, including Lando in “Star Wars: Rebels” and other Star Wars video games.
5. Williams is known for his smooth and charismatic persona, which has earned him the nickname “the black Clark Gable.”
6. In addition to his acting career, he has appeared in numerous commercials, including a famous Colt 45 malt liquor campaign.
7. Billy Dee Williams is a skilled artist and has exhibited his paintings in galleries, showcasing his passion for visual art.
8. He played a leading role in the 1989 film “Batman,” where he portrayed Harvey Dent, a character later transformed into the villain Two-Face.
9. Williams has openly discussed his struggles with dyslexia and how it has impacted his life and career, advocating for awareness of the condition.
10. In 2019, he reprised his role as Lando Calrissian in “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” marking his return to the franchise after nearly 40 years.
