Very good looking African American actor born in New York City with broad smile and gregarious manner, Billy Dee has notched up an impressive array of film and television appearances over the past 40+ years. He's easily best known to international film audiences as the roguish "Lando Calrissian" from Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back and the third episode of the initial Star Wars trilogy Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi. Williams can also be seen on screen in Batman, Moving Target and Undercover Brother. A regular performer in many fine quality telemovies and TV series too!
Was an accomplished art student even before his acting career began. Has had professional gallery showings where his oil canvases have sold for tens of thousands of dollars. He appeared in the music video and sang in the choir on the song "Voices That Care." Has a twin sister. Was arrested in L.A. after police received a call from his live-in girlfriend accusing him of battery. Williams was charged with cohabitational abuse and released on $50,000 bail. [30 January 1996] He and actress/singer Diahann Carroll were classmates at The New York City High School of the Performing Arts, the school that was featured on the popular TV show Fame. Originally auditioned for the role of Han Solo in 1976. He accepted the role of D.A. Harvey Dent in Batman with the knowledge and expectation that Dent would eventually become Two-Face: he reportedly had a clause put into his contract reserving the role for him in any sequels, which Warner Bros. had to buy out so they could cast Tommy Lee Jones. Has four children Has a son named Corey Williams who graduated from North Hollywood in 1978. Step-daughter Miyako also attended same high school, was in the 10th grade when Corey graduated.