Billy Dee Williams Biography: Age, News, Net Worth, Spouse, Height, Family, Children, Wikipedia, Parents, Awards, Movies

William December Williams Jr. is a celebrated American actor, novelist, and painter with a career spanning over six decades.

Renowned for his iconic portrayal of Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars franchise, Williams has appeared in more than 100 films and television series. His notable works include Lady Sings the Blues (1972), Nighthawks (1981), and Batman (1989).

Over the years, he has earned numerous accolades, including three NAACP Image Awards, and was honoured with induction into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1984.

Profile

• Full Name: William December Williams Jr.
• Stage Name: Billy Dee Williams
• Born: April 6, 1937
• Age: 87 years old
• Birthplace: New York City, United States.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American actor, novelist, and painter
• Height: 1.83 m
• Parents: Loretta Anne Williams ,William December Williams Sr.
• Siblings: Loretta Williams
• Spouse: Teruko Nakagami (m. 1972), Marlene Clark (m. 1968–1971), Audrey Sellers ​(m. 1959–1963)
• Children: Corey Williams ,Hanako Williams
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $7 million to $9 million

Early Life And Education

William December Williams Jr. was born on April 6, 1937, in New York City, United States.

He is the son of Loretta Anne (1915–2016), an elevator operator at the Lyceum Theatre and aspiring performer from Montserrat, and William December Williams Sr. (1909–1973), an African-American caretaker with some Native American ancestry from Texas.

He has a twin sister, Loretta Williams. Williams graduated from the High School of Music and Art in Manhattan in 1955.

He earned a scholarship to the National Academy of Fine Arts and Design, where he studied classical painting principles, showcasing his talent as a visual artist.

Although initially focused on an art career, Williams shifted to acting, training under influential figures like Sidney Poitier at the Harlem Actors Workshop.

Williams is of African-American and African-American descent, reflecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of his parents. His father hailed from Texas, while his mother was from Montserrat in the Caribbean.

Career

Billy Dee Williams began his career as a child actor, debuting on Broadway at seven in The Firebrand of Florence (1945).

He later attended The High School of Music & Art and earned a painting scholarship to the National Academy of Fine Arts and Design, where he received the Hallgarten Prize for painting.

Williams returned to acting to fund his art supplies, establishing himself in stage productions, films, and television.

His film debut came with The Last Angry Man (1959), but his role in the television movie Brian’s Song (1971) gained him national recognition and an Emmy nomination.

In the 1970s, Williams became a leading figure in Hollywood, starring alongside Diana Ross in Lady Sings the Blues (1972) and Mahogany (1975).

His work during this era, including his performances in “blaxploitation” films, showcased his versatility and cemented his status as a romantic lead.

In 1980, Williams made history as Lando Calrissian in The Empire Strikes Back, becoming the first Black actor with a significant role in the Star Wars franchise.

He reprised the role in Return of the Jedi (1983) and later in Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019), marking nearly four decades of association with the character.

In addition to his film success, Williams enjoyed a prolific television career, appearing in over 70 productions since 1966.

He had recurring roles in Dynasty, Gideon’s Crossing, and General Hospital and made memorable appearances in series like The Jeffersons and 227. His work also extended to voice acting, including roles in animated series like Titan Maximum (2009).

Beyond acting, Williams maintained a lifelong passion for painting, with his artwork exhibited in galleries worldwide.

He balanced his creative pursuits with a steady presence in Hollywood, appearing on shows like Dancing with the Stars (2014) while continuing to act and paint.

Williams has received numerous accolades, including three NAACP Image Awards and a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

His legacy as an actor, artist, and cultural icon continues to inspire generations, bridging art and entertainment in unique and impactful ways.

Awards and Nominations

• NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture:
• Winner for “Lady Sings the Blues” (1972)
• Winner for “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings” (1977)
• TV Land Award for Most Memorable Male Guest Star in a Comedy as Himself:
• Winner (2003)
• TV Land Blockbuster Movie of the Week Award: Winner for “Brian’s Song” (2006)
• Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor:
• Nominated for “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” (1981)
• Nominated for “Return of the Jedi” (1984)
• Independent Spirit Award for Best
• Supporting Male:
• Nominated for “The Visit” (2001)
• NAACP Image Award for Outstanding
• Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture:
• Nominated for “The Visit” (2001)

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @therealbillydee
• Facebook handle: Billy Dee Williams
• Twitter handle: @realbdw

Personal Life

Billy Dee Williams is married to Teruko Nakagami, whom he wed on December 27, 1972.

Together, they have a daughter named Hanako, born in 1973. The couple faced a separation in 1993 but reconciled and renewed their relationship in 1997.

Teruko Nakagami, a Japanese-American, was previously married to jazz musician Wayne Shorter and has another daughter, Miyako, from that marriage. Williams also has a son, Corey, who was born in his first marriage to Audrey Sellers.

His blended family reflects a rich and diverse background, with enduring ties through his and Teruko’s previous relationships.

Filmography

• The Last Angry Man (1959)
• Lady Sings the Blues (1972)
• Brian’s Song (1971)
• Hit! (1973)
• Mahogany (1975)
• The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings (1976)
• Scott Joplin (1977)
• Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
• Nighthawks (1981)
• Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
• Batman (1989)
• The Visit (2001)
• Undercover Brother (2002)
• The Ladies Man (2000)
• Fanboys (2009)
• The Lego Movie (2014)
• Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
• The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
• Dirty Dancing (2017)
• The Defenders (1961)
• The F.B.I. (1965)
• Mission: Impossible (1966)
• The Mod Squad (1968)
• Dan August (1970)
• The Out of Towners (1970)
• Most Deadly Game (1970)
• The Interns (1970)
• Lost Flight (1970)
• Coach Paysinger (2014)
• The Lego Movie (2014)
• LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures (2016)
• LEGO Star Wars: The Resistance Rises (2016)
• LEGO Star Wars (2016)
• Never Cool (2016)
• Robot Chicken (2016)
• Fudge Turnover (2016)

Net Worth

Billy Dee Williams’s estimated net worth is between $7 million and $9 million.

His wealth stems from a six-decade career as an actor, painter, and singer, including iconic roles in Star Wars and Batman. He also earned income from real estate investments and his 1961 jazz album.