Billy Dee Williams

Birth Name:

William December Williams

Birth Place:

New York City, New York, United States

Profession

Actor, Writer

Won an Image award in 1977 for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for "The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings․"
Won an Indie Series Award in 2010 for Best Performance by a Guest Actor for "Diary of a Single Mom․"
Appeared on Broadway as a child in 1945 in "The Firebrand of Florence․"
Quote: "I tell my son Corey that the greatest teacher is the teacher who says, 'Don't follow me, follow yourself․ Because within you there is that kingdom, that life, that force․'"
Quote: "There's always been a lot of misunderstanding about Lando's character․ I used to pick up my daughter from elementary school and get into arguments with little children who would accuse me of betraying Han Solo․"
Gained international recognition for playing Lando Carlissian in "Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back" and "Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi․"
Known for playing leading men in African American cinema in the 1970s
An accomplished artist, his paintings have sold for five figure prices and hang in the National Portrait Gallery, the Smithsonian Institution and the Schomburg Museum
Recorded a jazz LP of swing standards called "Let's Misbehave" In 1961
Though he was Colt 45's spokesperson for a little while during the 1980s, he will not autograph Colt 45 merchandise at science fiction conventions

1972Image Award - Best Actor - Motion Picture:Winner
1972Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role:Nominated
1977Image Award - Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture:Winner
1981Saturn Award - Best Supporting Actor:Nominated
1984Saturn Award - Best Supporting Actor:Nominated
2001Independent Spirit Award - Best Supporting Male:Nominated
2001Image Award - Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture:Nominated
2003TV Land Award - Most Memorable Male Guest Star in a Comedy as Himself:Nominated
2006TV Land Award - Blockbuster Movie of the Week:Winner
2010ISA - Best Performance by a Guest Actor:Winner
2011ISA - Outstanding Supporting Actor:Nominated
2018BTVA Feature Film Voice Acting Award - Best Vocal Ensemble in a Feature Film:Nominated
2022May Award - Best Acting Ensemble:Winner

Fast Facts