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Billy Dee Williams
Billy Dee Williams, born as William December Williams Jr. on April 6, 1937, is an American actor, novelist, and painter. Noted for his appearance in over 100 films and television roles spanning six decades, he had his breakthrough playing Lando Calrissian in the illustrious Star Wars franchise. His career boasts critically acclaimed and popular titles such as Mahogany (1975), Scott Joplin (1977), Nighthawks (1981), Batman (1989) and The Lego Batman Movie (2017), among others.
Born and raised in Harlem, Williams kicked off his Broadway career at the early age of seven. Later, he graduated from The High School of Music & Art, and secured a painting scholarship at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Design. During this period, he earned a Hallgarten Prize for his painting talent. Despite his success in painting, he returned to acting, scaling up from stage to films and TV. Over the years, he has received numerous accolades, including three NAACP Image Awards, and the NAACP Lifetime Achievement award. He was also inducted into the Black Filmmaker's Hall of Fame in 1984, and procured a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1985.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Billy Dee Williams, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Billy Dee Williams rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: William December Williams Jr.
Born: New York City, U.S.
Citizenship: American
Birthday: April 6, 1937
Occupations: Actor, Novelist, Painter
Years Active: 1959-present
Children: 3
Spouses: Audrey Sellers, Marlene Clark, Teruko Nakagami
External Links and Streaming Options
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Awards and Nominations Received by Billy Dee Williams
Explore the awards, honors, and nominations Billy Dee Williams has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.
Movies Featuring Billy Dee Williams
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker
Is That Black Enough for You?!?
Nighthawks
Constellation
Brian's Song
Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode III
Batman Is Just Not That Into You
Star Wars Rebels: The Siege of Lothal
The Man in 3B
Dirty Dancing
Movie Sound Effects: How Do They Do That?
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge - Adventure Awaits
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Good Neighbor
It’s Black Entertainment
Epoch Evolution
Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy
Merry F#%$in’ Christmas
Snoop Dogg’s Hood of Horror
Fear Runs Silent
Dangerous Passion
Secret Agent 00 Soul
Voices That Care
The Empire Strikes Back
The Hostage Tower
Return of the Jedi
Shooting Stars
Classic Creatures: Return of the Jedi
Time Bomb
Fear City
Marvin & Tige
Night of 100 Stars II
The Right of the People
Bugs Bunny/Looney Tunes All-Star 50th Anniversary
North and South
Oceans of Fire
Courage
Number One with a Bullet
Deadly Illusion
Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever
Chiefs
The Skywalker Legacy
LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special
Stallone: Frank, That Is
Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever
Message from Nam
Falling For You
Lost Flight
The Jacksons: An American Dream
Alien Intruder
Triplecross
The Final Comedown
The Contract
The Last Angry Man
Carter’s Army
The Perfect Age of Rock ’n’ Roll
Lady Sings the Blues
Mask of Death
The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings
Marked for Murder
The Glass House
Moving Target
The Take
Mahogany
The Fourth King
iMurders
Scott Joplin
Woo
Steel Sharks
Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight
Christmas Lilies of the Field
Hard Time
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Billy Dee Williams, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
2019
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker
Lando Calrissian
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge - Adventure Awaits
Self
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Lando Calrissian
2017
Batman Is Just Not That Into You
Two-Face (voice)
Dirty Dancing
Tito
Movie Sound Effects: How Do They Do That?
Two-Face (voice)
1986
The Right of the People
Mike Trainor
Bugs Bunny/Looney Tunes All-Star 50th Anniversary
Self
Oceans of Fire
Jim McKinley
Courage
Bobby Jay
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