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.