Billy Dee Williams brought a unique swagger to the role of Lando Calrissian in The Empire Strikes Back. "When I got that iconic cape, it sealed the deal for me," Billy tells Closer. "I envisioned Lando as a swashbuckling space adventurer. I wanted to create a character that transcended the ordinary, someone larger than life, without focusing on race or ethnicity. Lando was about charm, confidence, and charisma." At 87, Billy continues to inspire with his multifaceted career as an actor, artist, and author. Growing up in Harlem, New York, shaped his worldview. "Even now, at my age, I try to stay open-minded and childlike," he shares. "Life is an ongoing journey of discovery and growth." Recently honored at the TCM Classic Film Festival, Billy released his memoir, What Have We Here? Portraits of a Life, offering fans a glimpse into his remarkable journey.
Childhood in Harlem: A Vibrant Start to Life
What was your childhood like?
Billy's childhood was filled with warmth and love. Growing up in New York City on 110th Street between Lenox and Fifth Avenues, just across from Central Park, he lived in a vibrant community. "I had the most wonderful upbringing," he recalls fondly. "It was me, my twin sister Lady, our mom, dad, and grandma. My sister was actually eight minutes older than me, and her nickname was Lady. We had an incredible relationship. My family really shaped who I am today." Harlem provided a nurturing environment that fueled his creativity and curiosity from a young age.
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Acting at Age Seven: The Early Beginnings
How did you start acting at such a young age?
Billy's journey into acting began unexpectedly. "My mom had dreams of becoming a movie star," he explains. "She studied opera for years and worked with producers Ben Boyer and Max Gordon in New York. They were putting on a musical called The Firebrand of Florence and needed a little boy for the role. She had me audition. During the audition, I walked across the stage twice, but I was so captivated that I decided to walk across a third time. That’s when I started crying, and I’ve always joked that I cried my way into show business!"
The Singer Within: Following in His Mother’s Footsteps
Did you ever consider pursuing singing like your mother?
As a child, Billy admired his mother's talent and passion for music. "When I was young, I did dream of singing," he admits. "Later, when I was performing in A Taste of Honey on Broadway, I sang the title song to Joan Plowright. In 1961, I even released an album called Let’s Misbehave With Billy Dee Williams. Music has always been a part of my life, whether through acting or singing."
Learning from Legends: Studying Acting with Sidney Poitier
What was it like studying acting with Sidney Poitier?
Billy had the unique opportunity to learn from one of the greatest actors of his time. "Sidney was teaching acting classes just before he became a huge movie star," he recalls. "I was fortunate to be one of his students, along with other young actors. We were all immersed in the Stanislavski method, also known as Method acting. Sidney was a strong advocate of this technique. He was about a decade older than us, and we looked up to him with great admiration. Being around him was inspiring and life-changing."
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Artistic Exploration: Painting and Performing
Throughout his life, Billy has immersed himself in various forms of art. "From a young age, my life has revolved around the arts," he says. "I never questioned whether I wanted to be an artist; I simply embraced whatever came my way. I studied painting at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Design for two years while also working on television projects. Art has always been a part of who I am."
Breakthrough Roles: From Brian’s Song to Lady Sings the Blues
What do you remember about your role in the TV movie Brian’s Song with James Caan?
Billy's performance in Brian’s Song marked a significant milestone in his career. "Originally, Lou Gossett was supposed to play my character, but he got injured playing basketball. I auditioned and ended up landing the role. When James Caan and I met, we instantly clicked. This was just before he starred in The Godfather. Brian’s Song was a beautiful story about friendship and love between two men who weren't romantically involved. It was a groundbreaking film." Despite their nominations, neither Billy nor James won the Emmy that year. "We deserved it," Billy jokes. "The decision went to an English actor instead, which I thought was ridiculous."
Your collaboration with Diana Ross in Lady Sings the Blues was another highlight.
Billy's chemistry with Diana Ross in Lady Sings the Blues was unforgettable. "We had such a great time working together," he reminisces. "That’s when I became known as a romantic figure in films, which was unusual for someone with my background. It was a pivotal moment in my career."
Reuniting with Diana Ross: The Magic of Mahogany
What was it like working with Diana again on Mahogany?
Billy and Diana reunited for the 1975 film Mahogany, set in Rome, Chicago, and Hollywood. "Diana was dating Berry Gordy at the time, and he directed the film," Billy recalls. "During the kissing scene, Berry made sure the kiss wasn’t too long! It was a fun experience overall."
Family Life:
