William December Williams Jr.(born April 6, 1937) is an American actor, novelist and painter. He has appeared in over 100 films and television roles over six decades. He is best known for portrayingLando Calrissianin theStar Warsfranchiseand has also appeared in critically acclaimed and popular titles such asMahogany(1975),Scott Joplin(1977), andNighthawks(1981), asHarvey DentinBatman(1989) andThe Lego Batman Movie(2017),The Last Angry Man(1959),Carter's Army,The Out-of-Towners(1969),The Final ComedownandLady Sings the Blues(both 1972),Hit!(1973),Fear CityandTerror in the Aisles(both 1984),Alien Intruder(1993) andThe Visit(2000).

Billy Dee Williams
Williams atGalaxyConRaleigh in 2023
Born
William December Williams Jr.

(1937-04-06)April 6, 1937(age 87)
EducationHigh School of Music & Art
National Academy of Fine Arts and Design
Harlem Actors Workshop
Occupations
  • Actor
  • novelist
  • painter
Years active1959–present
Known forLando Calrissianin theStar Warsfranchise
Gale SayersinBrian's Song
Spouses
  • Audrey Sellers
    (m.1959;div.1963)
  • (m.1968;div.1971)
  • Teruko Nakagami
    (m.1972)
Children3

Raised inHarlem,Williams made hisBroadway theatredebut at age seven inThe Firebrand of Florence(1945). He later graduated fromThe High School of Music & Art,then won a painting scholarship to theNational Academy of Fine Arts and Design,where he won aHallgarten Prizefor painting in the mid-1950s. He returned to acting to fund his art supplies, including stage, films, and television. He continued painting; his work has since been shown in galleries and collections worldwide. Williams’ film debut was inThe Last Angry Man(1959), but he came to national attention in the television movieBrian's Song(1971), which earned him anEmmynomination for Best Actor. In the 1980s, he was cast asLando CalrissianinThe Empire Strikes Back(1980), becoming the first black actor with a major role in theStar Warsfranchise.He reprised his role in subsequentStar Warsfilms and media. Williams's television work includes over 70 credits starting in 1966 including recurring roles over the decades inGideon's Crossing;Dynasty,General Hospital: Night Shift;andGeneral Hospital.Numerous cameos and supporting roles included being paired withMarla GibbsonThe Jeffersons,227,andThe Hughleys.Later work included voice acting in the seriesTitan Maximum(2009), and appearing on thereality showDancing with the Stars(2014).

His work has earned him numerous awards and honors including threeNAACP Image Awards,and theNAACPLifetime Achievement award. He was inducted into theBlack Filmmaker's Hall of Famein 1984, and earned a star on theHollywood Walk of Famein 1985.

Early life and education

edit

William December Williams Jr. was born in New York City, the son of Loretta Anne (1915–2016), anelevator operatorat theLyceum Theatreand aspiring performer fromMontserrat,and William December Williams Sr. (1909–1973), anAfrican-Americancaretaker,with someNative Americanancestry fromTexas.[1][2][3][4]He grew up inHarlemon 110th Street, between Lenox and 5th, adjacent toCentral Park North–110th Street station.[5]He used to go toCentral Parkto see theNegro league playersand theCuban baseball league,"They were fantastic, and I wound up working with a lot of those guys," (inThe Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings(1976).[6]He has a twin sister, Loretta, and they were raised by their maternal grandmother while their parents worked several jobs. His mom had studiedoperafor years, becoming an accomplished opera star who wanted to break into movies; the family was richly cultured, exposing the children early on to drawing, painting, theatre and similar creative experiences; Billy Dee would remain a fan of the arts including opera.[7][4][8]In March 1945, he made his Broadway debut at age seven portraying apageinThe Firebrand of Florence,Kurt WeillandIra Gershwin’s operetta starringLotte Lenya.[a][9][10][1]His mom, who worked at the theatre, volunteered him for the part which he found boring.[1]

Williams attendedBooker T. Washington Junior High Schoolwhere he had dreams of being a painter.[11]He graduated in 1955 from theLaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Artsin Manhattan, where he majored in arts with a focus onvisual arts.[1][12]The school would later be the subject forFame(1980),andits derivative television series.[1]While there he got a two-year scholarship for theNational Academy of Fine Arts and Designin New York—which later changed its name toNational Academy of Design—to study with a focus on "classical principles of painting".[13][1][12]He was nominated at eighteen or nineteen years old for aGuggenheim Fellowshipgrant—for "creative ability in the arts," and won aHallgarten Prizein the mid-1950s.[5]Although he had scholarships to pay for school tuition, he turned to acting to pay for his paints, supplies, and canvasses.[1]His firstBroadway theatre"big break" was a play,A Taste of Honey.[1]He continued to struggle as an actor for ten years working as an extra, doing small and large theatre, and "slowly breaking into television and film".[14]During art school he gained interest in theStanislavsky Method—experiencing a role in contrast to representing it, to mobilize an actor'sconsciousthought andwillto activate emotional response andsubconsciousbehavior—and began studying at theHarlem Actors Workshop.[15][14]It was run by blacklisted actorPaul Mannwho embraced actors of all races; Williams also studied there underSidney Poitier.[14]Though he first viewed his acting as a way to pay for his art supplies, by the early 1960s he began to "devote all of his energy to performance."[14]In succession, he got anactor agentthrough a friend, started getting majorOff-Broadwayroles, then work on Broadway.[14]

Career

edit

1959–1970: Broadway debut and early roles

edit
Billy Dee Williams withJoan PlowrightinA Taste of Honeyon Broadway in 1960

Williams returned to Broadway as an adult in 1960 in the adaptation ofThe Cool World.He appeared inA Taste of Honeyin 1960. Williams made his film debut in 1959 inThe Last Angry Man,oppositePaul Muni,in which he portrayed a delinquent young man. He was frustrated in the 1960s with the "paucity of parts for leading black men," the majority of roles he wanted went toSidney Poitier.[4]He enjoyed doing theater and television, but "his slow-building film career ate at him." He foundLSD,a popularhallucinogenic drugwith the era'shippie movementto be a cure, "LSD saved my life... I wasn't doing it to get high. It let me get inside of myself."[4]Otherwise he is anti-drug.[4]

1971–1989: Film stardom and acclaim

edit

He rose to stardom after starring in the critically acclaimed television filmBrian's Song(1971), in which he playedChicago Bearsstar football playerGale Sayers,who stood by his friendBrian Piccolo(James Caan), during Piccolo's struggle with terminal cancer. Both Williams and Caan were nominated forPrimetime Emmy Awardsfor best actor for their performances.[16]Williams said the role was the one of which he was most proud "It was a love story, really. Between two guys. Without sex.... It ended up being a kind of breakthrough in terms of racial division."[17]Williams' success withBrian's Songearned him a seven-year contract withMotown'sBerry Gordy.[3]He became one of America's most well-known black film actors of the 1970s, after starring in a string of critically acclaimed and popular movies, many of them in the "blaxploitation"genre.

In 1972, he starred asBillie Holiday's husband Louis McKay inMotown Productions'Academy Award-nominated Holiday biopicLady Sings the Bluesacting oppositeDiana Rossas the titular character. Through his portrayal he became "a full-fledgedsex symbol,and was dubbed byThe New York Timesas the blackClark Gable.' "[4]Williams later stated, "I wanted to be known as one of the best actors of my generation, period, but the opportunities weren’t the same for me as they were for Gable, and I was frustrated."[18]Motown paired the two of them again three years later in the successful follow-up projectMahogany.Williams returned to Broadway in the 1976 production,I Have a Dream,which was directed byRobert Greenwald.Williams portrayedcivil rightsleaderMartin Luther King Jr.[19]In 1977, he played theeponymous lead roleinScott Joplin,biopic of musician's life, featuring many of hisragtimepieces in the soundtrack, including an epic piano duel in the early opening scenes. Williams was cast asLando CalrissianinThe Empire Strikes Back(1980), becoming the firstAfrican-Americanactor with a role in theStar Warsseries.[13]He would reprise the role inReturn of the Jedi(1983).[20]Williams voiced the character in the audio drama adaption ofThe Empire Strikes Back(1983).[21]

Between the twoStar Warsfilms, he starred alongsideSylvester Stalloneas a cop in the thrillerNighthawks(1981). Williams returned to Broadway in theAugust WilsonplayFences,as a replacement forJames Earl Jonesin the role of Troy Maxson in 1988.[22]Williams co-starred in1989'sBatmanas district attorneyHarvey Dent,a role that was planned to develop into Dent's alter-ego, the villain Two-Face, in sequels. He was set to reprise the role in the sequelBatman Returns,but his character was deleted and replaced with villain Max Shreck. WhenJoel Schumacherstepped in to directBatman Forever,where Two-Face was to be a secondary villain, Schumacher decided to hireTommy Lee Jonesfor the role.[23]There was a rumor that Schumacher had to pay Williams a fee in order to hire Jones, but Williams said that it was not true: "You only get paid if you do the movie. I had a two-picture deal withStar Wars.They paid me for that, but I only had a one picture deal forBatman."[24]Williams eventually voiced Two-Face in the 2017 filmThe Lego Batman Movie.[25]

1990–present: Television roles

edit
Williams in 1997

Williams' television work included a recurring guest-starring role on the short-lived showGideon's Crossing.He is also known for his advertisements forColt 45,amalt liquor,for a five-year period starting in the mid-1980s; he would reprise his spokesperson role in 2016.[26]Williams brushed off criticism—for the subtext of the ad campaign, 'works every time,' and the target audience—of the choice, "I drink, you drink. Hell, ifmarijuanawas legal, I'd appear in a commercial for it. "[1][27]Colt 45 hired Williams "simply because he was so cool," and went from trailing behindJoseph Schlitz Brewing Companyin barrels produced, to "skyrocketing" a year after the 1986 ads ran to two million barrels in the top spot for malt liquor.[1]

In the 1984–1985 season ofDynasty,he playedBrady LloydoppositeDiahann Carroll.Williams was paired with actressMarla Gibbson three situation comedies:The Jeffersons(Gibbs's character, Florence, was a major fan of Williams and challenged him on everything becauseshe thought Williams was an imposter);227(her character, Mary, pretending to be royalty, met Williams at a banquet); andThe Hughleys(Gibbs and Williams portrayed Darryl's parents). In 1992, he portrayedBerry GordyinThe Jacksons: An American Dream.In 1993, Williams made a guest appearance on the spin-off toThe Cosby Show,A Different World,as Langston Paige, a grumpy landlord, in abackdoor pilotfor his own series. Williams appeared as himself onMartinwhere he providedMartin Lawrence's character with advice on getting back together with Gina.[citation needed]

Williams made a special guest appearance on the hit sketch comedy showIn Living Colorin 1990. He portrayed Pastor Dan in an episode ofThat '70s Show.In this episode, "Baby Don't You Do It" (2004), his character is obsessed withStar Wars,and uses this to help counselEric Forman(himself aStar Warsfan) andDonna Pinciottiabout his premarital relationship. Williams made a cameo appearance as himself on the television seriesLostin the episode "Exposé".He also appears regularly on short clips on theJimmy Kimmel Live!as a semi-parody of himself. In February 2006, Williams guest starred as himself in the season 5 episode "Her Story II" ofScrubs,where he plays the godfather of Julie (Mandy Moore).Turkhugs him, calling him "Lando", even though he prefers to be called Billy Dee.[citation needed]

Williams played the GDI Director Redmond Boyle, in thefull-motion video(live-action) cutscenes of the video gameCommand & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars(2007). This made him the second formerStar Warsactor to appear in aCommand & Conquergame (with the first beingJames Earl Jonesas GDI General James Solomon inTiberian Sun).Williams played Toussaint Dubois forGeneral Hospital: Night Shiftin 2007 and 2008. In 2008, Williams reprised his role as Lando Calrissian to appear in a video onFunny or Diein a mock political ad defending himself for leader of theStar Warsgalaxy against vicious attack ads from EmperorPalpatine.[28]Williams was a cast member ofDiary of a Single Mom,a web-based original series directed by award-winning filmmaker Robert Townsend. The series debuted on PIC.tv in 2009.[29]Williams reprised his role as Toussaint onGeneral Hospitalbeginning in June 2009. Also in 2009, Williams took on the role of the voice of Admiral Bitchface, the head of the military on the planet Titan, in theAdult Swimanimated seriesTitan Maximum.In July 2010, Williams appeared in the animated seriesThe Boondocks,where he voiced a fictionalized version of himself in the episode "The Story of Lando Freeman".[citation needed]

In February 2011, Williams appeared as a guest star onUSA Network'sWhite Collaras Ford, an old friend ofNeal Caffrey's landlady June, played byDiahann Carroll.In February 2012, Williams was the surprise guest during a taping ofThe Oprah Winfrey ShowspotlightingDiana Ross.Ross and Williams were reunited after having not seen each other in 29 years. In October 2012, Williams appeared as a guest star onNCISin Season 10 Episode 5 titled "Namesake",as Gibbs's namesake and his father's former best friend, Leroy Jethro Moore. On January 9, 2013, Williams made acameo appearanceas himself onModern Family,season 4, episode 11 "New Year's Eve".In 2014, Williams competed on the18th seasonofDancing with the Stars,areality show/dancing competition partnered with professional dancerEmma Slater.[30]The couple had to withdraw from the competition on the third week due to an injury to Williams's back. He also voiced Colonel Jackson in the 2016 video gameLet It Die,who acts as the second major boss players face.[31]

Over the years Williams reprised his role ofLando Calrissianin four video games,The Lego Movie(2014), two episodes ofStar Wars Rebelsand multipleLEGO Star Warsanimated specials. He later returned to the role in theStar Wars: Star Wars Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker(2019),[32]marking one of the longest intervals between onscreen portrayals of a character by the same actor in American film history.[33]Episode IXdirectorJ. J. Abramsnoted, "Lando was always written as a complex, contradictory, nuanced character. And Billy Dee played him to suave perfection,... It wasn't just that people of color were seeing themselves represented; they were seeing themselves represented in a rich, wonderful, intriguing way."[34]Over the years, Williams has been a featured guest atfan conventions,mostlyscience fictionones for his role. Of his fan interactions he has said they have mostly been positive ones, "I love every single moment of it, I'll have an audience for the rest of my life."[35][36]

Ventures and interests

edit

Painting

edit

In the late 1980s, Williams resumed painting, devoting much of his time to the work.[14]He returned to New York to star inAugust Wilson's playFences,replacingJames Earl Jonesin the lead for four months starting in February 1988.[37][38]It marked a turning point for him, returning home, and for him, the center of the art scene.[8]He also renewed his friendship withPeter Max,who had also trained and sold art in the city, and renewed Williams' interest in painting.[39]Within a two-year span he "cranked out 120 original works of art".[b][8][40]

Williams is the honorary chairman ofHerbie Hancock Institute of Jazz(formerlyThelonious MonkInstitute of Jazz) inWashington, D.C.,which fostersjazzeducation.[41]The institution has used his artwork each year for its competition programs since 1990.[1]He had his first solo exhibition in 1991, followed by many throughout North America, and, later, the world.[42][14]Around 1992, Williams, inspired by his friend and fellow New York artist Peter Max who had ateapotcollection, started acookie jarcollection.[8]Being an opera fan, he first found a jar in the shape of a singer in an opera gift shop by artisan couple Michael and Shelley Buonaiuto; later buying more than a dozen from their limited lines including ones of jazz artistsJosephine BakerandFats Waller.[8]His 1993 self-portrait is at theNational Portrait Galleryof theSmithsonian Institution(Washington D.C.) with a description that he "specializes inacrylic paintingscombining traditional brushwork with anairbrushingtechnique "; he also works inoils.[6][43][44]Williams painted a series ofimpressionisticportraits of theTuskegee Airmen,the "African-American pilots whose real-life exploits changed the course of American military history."[39]He started the series in the 1990s but when officials fromNational Air and Space Museum(NASM) saw them they wanted more, and to use them in an exhibition.[39][45]In 1999 they were displayed at the African-American Museum of Art, Culture and History in New Orleans, and in early 2000, the NASM in Washington, D.C.[39]

He was commissioned for four paintings—including one oftrack and fieldstarJesse Owenssprinting, and another of a pair of boxers in a fight ring—forNissanthat were displayed at the1996 Summer OlympicsinAtlanta, Georgia.[46][35]In 1997, he did paintings forWalt Disney Company's Mighty Ducks arena for theAnaheim Ducks.[35]From a description, circa late 1990s, at one of the galleries that carries his work, "Billy's paintings are usuallyacrylicon canvas, applied with brush andairbrush.He also works withcollage elementsand has even created three-dimensional canvasses incorporatingceramic,Lucite,andneon light."[47]

He got permission fromStar WarscreatorGeorge Lucasto sell lithographs of a montage of Williams' iconic character from the franchise, Lando Calrissian.[11][8]As of 2001 his paintings sold for an average of $10,000 to $35,000 (equivalent to $60,226 in 2023).[14]"I call my paintings 'abstract reality,'" said Williams. "Sometimes I refer to them as 'impressions/expression.' It's the best way I can explain them."[1]In early 2001 Williams was one of the celebrity artists painting seven-foot angel sculptures as part of the Oscar Academy's sponsoring L.A.'s "A Community of Angels" charity project.[48][49]The art angels were displayed for months then auctioned to raise funds for L.A. youth programs.[48][49]In his online gallery biography, he states, "[an] interest inEastern philosophycharacterizes his images, first to record the physical reality, and then to uncover through the application of light, color and perspective. He citesEdward Hopper,M. C. Escher—the Dutch Master,Frida Kahlo,Tamara de Lempicka,Thomas Hart Benton,and the exciting, vibrant forms ofAfrican artas some of his strongest influences. "[8][44]Williams' work is included at theSchomburg Center for Research in Black Culturein New York, and theAmerican Jazz Museumin Kansas City, Missouri.[6]

In a 2001 interview he said, "Either I want to drop dead with a paint brush in my hand or I want to drop dead doing a soliloquy on the stage, I love acting. I love it. I take my acting very seriously, but I also find it fun. To do what children do and get paid for it is a lot of fun. I'm very fortunate."[14]In late 2007, he was a guest artist on a ten-dayPrincess Cruise liner.[50]They bought about eighty pieces which they put on their cruises and then auctioned off.[50]He was commissioned for another set of Disney paintings to be unveiled in 2011 at Disney'sD23 Expo,also inAnaheim, California.[36]For those, he set iconic Disney charactersMickeyandMinnie Mouse,andGoofyin jazz music settings.[36]In a 2011 interview he said, "I mostly create abstract paintings. I paint what's obvious to the eye and then incorporate an abstract point of view, which allows me a lot of space to play in. I work a lot with acrylic and oils, mostly acrylic right now and do a lot of line drawings."[51]In a September 2015 interview, he said he finds painting "cathartic" compared to collective film work, "When you're painting you just lock yourself up in your little private world. And it's all about you and your imagination and nobody else interfering with that. It's a great exercise because you really start discovering who you are and what you are without a lot of assistance… and the moment you come up with something interesting it's a success that’s really based on your own personal, private sensibility."[7]As of 2019 he has made around 300 paintings, which Williams sees as his legacy.[34]

Music

edit

In 1961, Williams recorded ajazzLP produced byPrestige RecordsentitledLet's Misbehave,on which he coveredswingstandards.[6]The album was named after itssecond track.it included the first-ever vocal recording of "A Taste of Honey",a song byBobby ScottandRic Marlowlater covered byThe Beatleson their 1963 debut albumPlease Please Me.[6]Williams was later the first to sing the song in the U.S., on theBroadwaystage withJoan Plowrightas part of the original Broadway production of the playA Taste of Honey.[6]The commercial success of his album lalter earned Williams a spot onMotown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever(1983). Williams said of the album, "Recording it was sort of a lark. I did some singing in clubs, for a moment, and then I stopped. I have too much respect for singers to really think that I'm a singer."[6]The album was re-released on CD, download and streaming platforms in 2014.

Thirty years later, in the early 1990s, he sang on a “celebrity-packedcharity single, ""Voices That Care,”to honor U.S. troop ofOperation Desert Storm,the1990–1991 Gulf War,and supporting theInternational Red Cross.[1]The single reached number eleven on theBillboardHot 100,and number six on theHot Adult Contemporary Tracks.[52][53]Through sales and plays of the song Williams and the other celebrities became platinum-recording and Billboard-charting artists.[1]

Personal life

edit

Marriage and relationships

edit

Williams has been married three times, and has three children, and two grandchildren.[54]His first marriage was to Audrey Sellers in 1959. They were divorced some years later, after which he apparently became depressed. He stated that "there was a period when I was very despondent, broke, depressed, my first marriage was on the rocks." They had a son, Corey Dee Williams, born in 1960.[54][55]In 1968, Williams married model and actressMarlene ClarkinHawaii.They divorced in 1971.[56][57][58]He moved from New York City to California in 1971.[34]

He married Teruko Nakagami on December 27, 1972. She brought a daughter, Miyako (born 1962), from her previous marriage to musicianWayne Shorter.Together they have a daughter, Hanako (born 1973).[54][59]In 1984, he bought a "Zen-like contemporary" home in theTrousdale Estatesneighborhood ofBeverly Hills, California;he sold it in 2012.[60][61]He filed for an amicable divorce from Nakagami in 1993, but they reconciled, and were again living together by 1997.[54][62][63]

Gender identity

edit

In late 2019, Williams talked about his feminine side in an interview, and used masculine and feminine pronouns to refer to himself.[34]Media outlets speculated that Williams might begender fluid,but he clarified that he was referring toanima and animus:the feminine side of men and the masculine side of women inJungian psychology.[64]

edit

Williams was arrested on January 30, 1996, after allegedly assaulting his live-in girlfriend, whom the police did not identify.[65]He posted a US$50,000 bail.[66]L.A. Police said the woman had minor bruises and scratches.[67]The district attorney's office filed misdemeanor charges of spousal battery and dissuading a witness.[68]The woman later stated that the incident was her fault and hoped the police would drop the case.[69]In a plea bargain, Williams agreed to undergo 52 counseling sessions.[70]In a 2019 interview, Williams says he never slapped or abused women.[4]

Acting credits and accolades

edit
Year Award Category Nominated work Result Ref.
1972 Primetime Emmy Award Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role Brian's Song Nominated [71]
1981 Saturn Award Best Supporting Actor Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back Nominated [72]
1984 Best Supporting Actor Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi Nominated [72]
2001 Independent Spirit Award Best Supporting Male The Visit Nominated [14][73]
2002 Black Reel Awards Theatrical - Best Supporting Actor The Visit Nominated [3]
1972 NAACP Image Award Best Actor - Motion Picture Lady Sings the Blues Won
1977 Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings Won
2001 Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture The Visit Nominated
2006 Lifetime Achievement Award Received [74]
2010 Indie Series Awards Best Performance by a Guest Actor Diary of a Single Mom Nominated
2011 Outstanding Supporting Actor Diary of a Single Mom Nominated
2003 TV Land Award Most Memorable Male Guest Star in a Comedy The Jeffersons Nominated
2006 Blockbuster Movie of the Week Brian's Song Won
2018 Behind the Voice Actors Awards Best Vocal Ensemble in a Feature Film The Lego Batman Movie Nominated

Special recognition

Books

edit
  • PSI/Net(1999),ISBN978-0-312-86766-9,novel co-written with Rob MacGregor based on an actual government program ofpsychic spying[77][39]
  • JUST/In Time(2001),ISBN978-0-8125-7240-7
  • Batman '89(2021–22), a comic book using the likeness of Williams and showing the transformationHarvey Dentinto Two-Face.[78]
  • What Have We Here: Portraits of a Life.New York: Alfred A. Knopf. February 13, 2024.ISBN9780593318607.OCLC1378101317.

Explanatory notes

edit
  1. ^Credited as Billy Williams.
  2. ^Based on an art piece's artist bio, he was painting during hisFencesBroadway run in 1988.

References

edit
  1. ^abcdefghijklmnHutchinson, Sean (April 6, 2017)."8 Suave Facts About Billy Dee Williams".Mental Floss.RetrievedDecember 2,2019.
  2. ^"Billy Dee Williams – Interview".African American Literature Book Club.RetrievedSeptember 20,2014.
  3. ^abcde"S W A D – Williams, Billy Dee".nerf-herders-anonymous.net. Archived fromthe originalon July 1, 2009.
  4. ^abcdefgHiatt, Brian (December 5, 2019)."Billy Dee's Last Ride".Rolling Stone.RetrievedDecember 9,2019.
  5. ^abDowney, Ken Jr. (October 11, 2019)."Billy Dee Williams greets rebels alike at New York Comic Con".Central Jersey.RetrievedDecember 3,2019.
  6. ^abcdefgSarti, Doug (February 26, 2019)."Billy Dee Williams dishes on Fan Expo, the nature of coolness, and—yes—Star Wars Episode IX".The Georgia Straight.RetrievedDecember 8,2019.
  7. ^abCrisolago, Mike (September 16, 2015)."Billy Dee Williams Talks His Artwork and Star Wars".Everything Zoomer.RetrievedDecember 8,2019.
  8. ^abcdefgHall, Ken (June 3, 2002)."The Celebrity Collector - Billy Dee Williams".Go Star.RetrievedDecember 10,2019.
  9. ^"The Firebrand of Florence - 1945 Broadway - Backstage & Production Info".Broadway World.RetrievedDecember 2,2019.
  10. ^"The Firebrand of Florence Original Broadway Cast - 1945 Broadway".Broadway World.RetrievedDecember 2,2019.
  11. ^ab"S W A D - Williams, Billy Dee".July 1, 2009. Archived fromthe originalon July 1, 2009.RetrievedDecember 3,2019.
  12. ^abO'Leary, Devin D. (June 7, 2012)."Lando of Enchantment: An interview with actor Billy Dee WIlliams".Alibi.com.RetrievedDecember 3,2019.
  13. ^abSchobert, Christopher (May 15, 2017)."Billy Dee Williams discusses his life, career and Lando".The Buffalo News.RetrievedDecember 3,2019.
  14. ^abcdefghijYoung, Jamie Painter (March 1, 2001)."Billy Dee Williams Revisited".Backstage.RetrievedDecember 4,2019.
  15. ^Benedetti (1999a, 201), Carnicke (2000, 17), and Stanislavski (1938, 16—36 "art of representation"corresponds toMikhail Shchepkin's "actor of reason" and his "art of experiencing" corresponds to Shchepkin's "actor of feeling"; see Benedetti (1999a, 202).
    • Benedetti, Jean. 1999a. Stanislavski: His Life and Art. Revised edition. Original edition published in 1988. London: Methuen.ISBN0-413-52520-1.
    • Carnicke, Sharon M. 2000. "Stanislavsky's System: Pathways for the Actor". In Hodge (2000, 11–36).
    • Stanislavski, Konstantin. 1938. An Actor's Work: A Student's Diary. Trans. and ed. Jean Benedetti. London and New York: Routledge, 2008.ISBN0-415-42223-X.
  16. ^Marill, Alvin H. (1987).Movies Made For Television: The Telefeature and the Mini-series, 1964–1986.New York: Baseline/New York Zoetrope. pp.53–4.ISBN0-918432-85-5.
  17. ^France, Lisa Respers (December 2, 2019)."Billy Dee Williams praised for using gender-fluid pronouns".CNN.RetrievedDecember 3,2019.
  18. ^Cade, Maya S. (February 13, 2024)."Pushing for Recognition Took Billy Dee Williams to the Stratosphere".The New York Times.RetrievedFebruary 13,2024.
  19. ^"The Theater: A King in Darkness",Time,October 4, 1976, archived fromthe originalon February 20, 2011,retrievedJanuary 3,2009
  20. ^"Lando Calrissian".StarWars.com.Archivedfrom the original on July 3, 2014.RetrievedMarch 26,2024.
  21. ^Sterling, Christopher H. (2004).Encyclopedia of Radio (Vol. 3).Routledge.ISBN9781135456498.RetrievedJuly 25,2016.
  22. ^Falkner, David (February 7, 1988),"The Actor as Athlete: Subtle and Complex Portrait",The New York Times,retrievedJanuary 3,2009
  23. ^Bentley, David (July 2008)."Aaron Eckhart on creating the new face of Two Face".Coventry Telegraph.Archived fromthe originalon May 24, 2013.
  24. ^"Billy Dee Williams Talks Two-Face, Did Not Get Paid For Batman Forever".Comicbook.com. November 2, 2013.RetrievedSeptember 20,2014.
  25. ^Shanley, Patrick (February 2, 2017)."Billy Dee Williams on Secret 'Star Wars' Lunch with Donald Glover and Finally Playing Two-Face".Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedFebruary 4,2017.
  26. ^Kell, John (March 28, 2016)."Billy Dee Williams is a Colt 45 spokesman again".Fortune.RetrievedDecember 8,2019.
  27. ^Kiefaber, David (July 20, 2007)."Billy Dee's charisma still works every time".AdWeek Blogs.RetrievedNovember 13,2011.
  28. ^"Vote for Lando Calrissian! w/ BILLY DEE WILLIAMS".Funny or Die. Archived fromthe originalon September 24, 2014.RetrievedSeptember 20,2014.
  29. ^"About the show – Robert Townsend's Diary of a Single Mom".PIC.tv. June 9, 2010. Archived fromthe originalon September 24, 2014.RetrievedSeptember 20,2014.
  30. ^"Dancing With the Stars Cast Revealed! Cody Simpson, Nene Leakes and James Maslow Are Among the Names—See the Full List!".E! Online.March 4, 2014.RetrievedSeptember 20,2014.
  31. ^Matulef, Jeffrey (November 3, 2016)."Let it Die is like a reunion for the original Star Wars trilogy cast".Eurogamer.RetrievedFebruary 15,2021.
  32. ^"'Star Wars': Billy Dee Williams Reprising Role as Lando Calrissian ".Hollywood Reporter.July 9, 2018.RetrievedJuly 10,2018.
  33. ^Wild, Allison (July 10, 2018)."Billy Dee Williams to Return as Lando in Star Wars: Episode IX".The Portalist.RetrievedOctober 21,2018.
  34. ^abcdMiller, Matt (November 26, 2019)."The Enduring, Intergalactic Cool of Billy Dee Williams".Esquire.RetrievedNovember 28,2019.
  35. ^abcCastellani, Christopher (May 15, 2002)."CNN.com - The original 'Star Wars' cast members - May 15, 2002".CNN.RetrievedDecember 9,2019.
  36. ^abcBrigante, Ricky (August 4, 2011)."Interview: Billy Dee Williams dishes on Star Tours, Disney D23 Expo artwork and fans".Inside the Magic.RetrievedDecember 9,2019.
  37. ^"'Fences' Cast Change ".The New York Times.December 15, 1987.ISSN0362-4331.RetrievedDecember 10,2019.
  38. ^Beck, Marilyn (December 17, 1987)."A NEW LEAD FOR 'FENCES'".Chicago Tribune.RetrievedDecember 10,2019.
  39. ^abcdeWard, Jean Marie (April 19, 2000)."Billy Dee Williams: An Actor's Art".Crescent Blues.RetrievedDecember 9,2019.
  40. ^Williams, Billy Dee."Original 1992 Billy Dee Williams Signed Contemporary Art Jazz Abstract Oil Painting".Proxibid.RetrievedDecember 10,2019.
  41. ^"Junko Moriya Named BMI/Thelonious Monk Jazz Composers Competition Winner".Broadcast Music Incorporated.September 19, 2005.RetrievedDecember 8,2019.
  42. ^Berman, Nat (April 7, 2017)."Billy Dee Williams Turns 80 and It's All About the Colt 45".TVOvermind.RetrievedDecember 9,2019.
  43. ^"Billy Dee Williams Self-Portrait".National Portrait Gallery.RetrievedDecember 4,2019.
  44. ^abWilliams, Billy Dee (January 10, 2006)."Billy Dee Williams World Art gallery".BDW World Art Gallery.Archivedfrom the original on January 10, 2006.RetrievedDecember 10,2019.
  45. ^""Tuskegee Pilot" Price on Request | Bilotta Gallery ".bilottagallery.com.RetrievedDecember 10,2019.
  46. ^"Billy Dee Williams Art For Sale - 12 Listings".Art Brokerage.RetrievedDecember 9,2019.
  47. ^"Billy Dee Williams".Liss Gallery - Toronto, Canada.RetrievedDecember 8,2019.
  48. ^abArcherd, Army (March 21, 2001)."Streisand complements new 'Snow White' DVD".Variety.RetrievedDecember 11,2019.
  49. ^ab"City of Angels".Los Angeles Downtown News.October 16, 2000.RetrievedDecember 11,2019.
  50. ^abNewbold, Mark (August 18, 2019)."Vintage Interview: Billy Dee Williams: 18th November 2007".Fantha Tracks.RetrievedDecember 8,2019.
  51. ^Leatherman, Benjamin (May 26, 2011)."Billy Dee Williams on Lando Calrissian, Colt 45, Robot Chicken, Painting, and More".Phoenix New Times.RetrievedDecember 9,2019.
  52. ^"Music: Top 100 Songs | Billboard Hot 100 Chart: May 4, 1991".Billboard.RetrievedJune 28,2017.
  53. ^"Adult Contemporary Music Chart: April 27, 1991".Billboard.RetrievedJune 28,2017.
  54. ^abcdPrengel, Kate (April 12, 2019)."Teruko Nakagami, Billy Dee Williams' Wife: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know".Heavy.RetrievedDecember 8,2019.
  55. ^Ebert, Roger (October 26, 1975)."Interview with Billy Dee Williams".Archived fromthe originalon September 25, 2012.RetrievedSeptember 20,2014.
  56. ^Goldweber, David Elroy (2014).Claws & Saucers: Science Fiction, Horror, and Fantasy Film 1902–1982: A Complete Guide.Lulu Press, Inc.ISBN9781312288034.[permanent dead link]
  57. ^McCann, Bob (2009).Encyclopedia of African American Actresses in Film and Television.McFarland.ISBN9780786458042.
  58. ^Pierce, Ponchitta (April 1974)."A Look Into The Private Life of Billy Dee Williams".Ebony.RetrievedJuly 16,2015.
  59. ^"Billy Dee Williams' daughter with Japanese wife is grown up and doesn't look like father".July 18, 2018.RetrievedJuly 18,2018.
  60. ^Beale, Lauren (April 3, 2012)."'Star Wars' star Billy Dee Williams sells Beverly Hills home ".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedDecember 9,2019.
  61. ^Barrionuevo, Alexei (October 25, 2018)."Billy Dee Williams' former Beverly Hills home lists for $13M".The Real Deal Los Angeles.RetrievedDecember 9,2019.
  62. ^"Billy Dee Williams, wife to end 23-year marriage - actor and wife Teruko Nakagami".Jet.Johnson Publishing Co. July 5, 1993. Archived fromthe originalon March 11, 2011.
  63. ^"Billy Dee Williams".Hollywood.com.RetrievedSeptember 20,2014.
  64. ^Carter, Kelley L. (December 4, 2019)."Billy Dee Williams: 'What the hell is gender fluid?'".Andscape.RetrievedDecember 5,2019.
  65. ^Merril, Laurie C (February 1, 1996)."Cops Nab Billy Dee Williams in Beating".Daily News.
  66. ^"Billy Dee Williams Arrested".Chicago Tribune.January 31, 1996.RetrievedMay 31,2011.
  67. ^"Actor Billy Dee Williams Is Freed in Domestic Violence Case".Los Angeles Times.February 1, 1996.RetrievedMay 31,2011.
  68. ^"Billy Dee Williams Charged in Spousal Battery Case".Los Angeles Times.February 8, 1996. Archived fromthe originalon November 8, 2012.RetrievedMay 31,2011.
  69. ^Benza, A.J.; Lewittes, Michael (February 20, 1996)."Gal Pal's Billy Dee-Fense".Daily News.
  70. ^"Actor Billy Dee Williams charged with slapping girlfriend; ordered to undergo counseling".Jet.April 15, 1996. Archived fromthe originalon November 6, 2012.RetrievedMay 31,2011.
  71. ^Miller, Matt (November 26, 2019)."The Enduring, Intergalactic Cool of Billy Dee Williams".Esquire.RetrievedDecember 19,2019.
  72. ^abClark, Mark (2000).Star Wars FAQ: everything left to know about the trilogy that changed the movies: unofficial and unauthorized.Rowman & Littlefield.ISBN9781495046094.
  73. ^"Billy Dee Williams".ABC.RetrievedDecember 19,2019.
  74. ^Wilson-Combs, Lana (March 17, 2014)."Acting Legend, Billy Dee Williams on Dancing With The Stars".Sacramento Observer.RetrievedDecember 3,2019.
  75. ^"Billy Dee Williams".Hollywood Walk of Fame. October 25, 2019.RetrievedDecember 19,2019.
  76. ^Burwick, Kevin (December 27, 2018)."Harrison Ford Honors Billy Dee Williams in Heartwarming Legacy Award Video".Movieweb.RetrievedDecember 8,2019.
  77. ^"Fiction Book Review: Psi/Net by Billy Dee Williams, Author, Rob MacGregor, Author, Tor Books $22.95 (256p)".Publishers Weekly.RetrievedDecember 8,2019.
  78. ^Arvedon, Jon (May 26, 2021)."Jerry Ordway Batman '89 Variant Debuts Billy Dee Williams' Two-Face".Comic Book Resources.Valnet Inc.RetrievedOctober 1,2022.

Further reading

edit
  • Nishikawa, Kinohi. "Billy Dee Williams".The Greenwood Encyclopedia of African American Literature.Ed. Hans Ostrom and J. David Macey Jr. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2005. 1742–43.
edit