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. Has a twin sister. 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" (1982). He accepted the role of D.A. Harvey Dent in Batman (1989) 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 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. When appearing at sci-fi conventions, he refuses to autograph Colt 45 merchandise, despite his being Colt 45's commercial pitchman for a brief period in the 1980s. Was cited as one of the most promising movie personalities of 1973 in John Willis' 1974 Film Annual "Screen World" book.