William December Williams Jr., known professionally as Billy Dee Williams, is an American actor, novelist, and painter who has left an indelible mark on popular culture over a career spanning more than six decades. Born on April 6, 1937, in Harlem, New York, he is best known for his iconic portrayal of Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars franchise, making history as the first Black actor to take on a major role in the series. His smooth charm and distinctive voice have graced over 100 film and television roles, including acclaimed performances in Lady Sings the Blues, Mahogany, and Batman, earning him a lasting legacy as a trailblazer in Hollywood.

Williams’ journey into the arts began early, as he made his Broadway theatre debut at the age of seven in The Firebrand of Florence in 1945. Raised in Harlem, he attended The High School of Music & Art before winning a painting scholarship to the National Academy of Fine Arts and Design, where he earned a Hallgarten Prize for his artwork in the mid-1950s. He returned to acting to fund his art supplies, starting with stage work before transitioning to film and television. His film debut came in The Last Angry Man in 1959, but it was his role as football player Gale Sayers in the television movie Brian's Song in 1971 that brought him national acclaim, earning him an Emmy nomination for Best Actor. This performance established him as a leading man and opened doors to more prominent roles.

Williams’ career reached new heights in the 1970s and 1980s with a series of notable projects. He starred alongside Diana Ross in Lady Sings the Blues in 1972, playing the role of Louis McKay in the Billie Holiday biopic, and reunited with her in the romantic drama Mahogany in 1975. He also portrayed the legendary composer in Scott Joplin in 1977 and took on action roles in Hit! and Nighthawks alongside Sylvester Stallone. In 1980, he was cast as the suave and cunning Lando Calrissian in The Empire Strikes Back, a role he reprised in Return of the Jedi in 1983 and later in animated series and films like The Lego Batman Movie in 2017. He also appeared as Harvey Dent in Batman in 1989, directed by Tim Burton.

Beyond the big screen, Williams built an extensive television career with over 70 credits, including recurring roles on Dynasty, Gideon's Crossing, and General Hospital: Night Shift. He was frequently paired with Marla Gibbs on shows like The Jeffersons, 227, and The Hughleys, and later ventured into voice acting with the series Titan Maximum in 2009. He also participated as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars in 2014, showcasing his versatility to a new generation. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including three NAACP Image Awards and the NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award. He was inducted into the Black Filmmaker's Hall of Fame in 1984 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1985. Throughout his career, Williams has continued to paint, with his artwork exhibited in galleries worldwide, and he remains a celebrated figure known for breaking barriers and defining elegance in entertainment.