Billy Dee Williams
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Billy Dee Williams (born April 6 1937) is an African American actor.
His first big break was in the acclaimed Television movie, Brian's Song in which he played Gale Sayers. His next hit came in 1973 when he played Louis McKay in Lady Sings the Blues.
His most famous role is Lando Calrissian in the epic science fiction film series, Star Wars ; the character made appearances in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. He originally auditioned for the role of Han Solo, however, during the casting of Star Wars.
Williams has appeared in numerous other films, most recently in Constellation (2005). His last major film role was in 1989's Batman as district attorney Harvey Dent. Williams originally took the role knowing that it would land him in a sequel playing the supervillain Two Face, but the studio did not use him when the time came for the third installment, Batman Forever.
Williams is also well-known for his appearance in advertisements for Colt 45, a low-cost brand of malt liquor.
In January 1996, Williams was arrested for physically abusing his girlfriend during an argument.
Williams is also an avid artist.
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Filmography
- The Last Angry Man (1959)
- The Out-of-Towners (1970)
- Brian's Song (1971)
- The Final Comedown (1972)
- Lady Sings the Blues (1972)
- Hit! (1973)
- The Take (1974)
- Mahogany (1975)
- The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings (1976)
- Scott Joplin (1977)
- The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Nighthawks (1981)
- Marvin and Tige (1983)
- Return of the Jedi (1983)
- Fear City (1984)
- Number One with a Bullet (1987)
- Deadly Illusion (1987)
- Batman (1989)
- Secret Agent OO Soul (1990)
- Driving Me Crazy (1991)
- Giant Steps (1992)
- Alien Intruder (1993)
- Steel Sharks (1996)
- The Prince (1996)
- Moving Target (1996)
- Mask of Death (1996)
- The Contract (1998)
- Woo (1998) (Cameo)
- The Visit (2000)
- The Ladies Man (2000)
- Very Heavy Love (2001)
- Good Neighbor (2001)
- The Last Place on Earth (2002)
- Undercover Brother (2002)
- Oedipus (2004) (short subject) (voice)
- Constellation (2005)
Books
Fiction
- PSI/Net (1999), ISBN 0312867662
- JUST/In Time (2001), ISBN 0812572408
- Twilight: A Novel (2002), ISBN 0312879091
External links
- Template:Imdb name
- A shrine to Williams' appearances in support of Colt 45 (http://bfcgroup.com/helluvatough/moremalt.htm)