We continue our latest series of examining some of the works outside the saga of some of our most beloved actors in a galaxy far, far away.
Today we continue with the old smoothie himself, Billy Dee Williams.
William December Williams Jr, better known as Billy Dee, was born on April 6th 1937 in New York City. Williams made his acting debut on Broadway at the age of just seven years old but performing wasn’t his first calling. Williams had a passion and raw talent for painting and art. His early acting roles were taken to simply fund his art supplies for his first love. Williams has had an illustrious career both on and off the stage. He has three children and two grandchildren.
Batman (1989)
The comic book movie that really started it all in terms of modern trends. This original film was a powerhouse success and continues to be lauded over by fans and critics alike. Starring Michael Keaton as The Caped Crusader and Jack Nicholson as The Joker, the film took over $400 million at the box office on a relatively shoestring budget at the time of just over $48 million. Billy Dee Williams plays none other than Harvey Dent in the film and would return to voice the character again decades later in The Lego Batman Movie. For many, Keaton remains the definitive Batman of a generation and Tim Burton’s direction is on fine form here. No more needs to be said on Williams’s most famous movie outside of Star Wars.
Lady Sings The Blues (1972)
This musical drama tells the biography of Jazz star Billie Holiday and stars Diana Ross in her feature film debut as the title character. The film was a critical success and really put Williams on the map in Hollywood as he plays the love interest in the film. He, along with Ross, was nominated for many awards for his work on the film and stands as one of cultural significance of the time. Williams has often spoke about how there weren’t that many leading roles for black men at the time that were not relegated to stereotypes. The film also stars comedy legend Richard Pryor.
Brian’s Song (TV Movie – 1971)
This film won Billy Dee an Emmy nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role and cemented his status as a soon-to-be Hollywood heavyweight. The film tells the true story of Chicago Bear’s player Brian Piccolo, played by James Caan, who is stricken with cancer and strikes up a friendship with his teammate Gale Sanders – played by Billy Dee. It then delves into their different racial backgrounds and how unlikely a friendship between the two men would have been at the time in America. Williams has often spoke of grown men who would stop him in the street and tell him, with tears in their eyes, just how much this film meant to them. The film is often cited as one of the best TV movies ever made and one of the finest sports dramas – so, if that’s your thing, what are you waiting for?
Nighthawks (1981)
This action thriller, led by Sylvester Stallone and Billy Dee Williams, was originally meant to be the story of The French Connection III but ultimately reworked into this film. Though the plot is pretty by-the-numbers, the film stands out for its performances and action set pieces. The two leads work well together, and Williams proves that he can pretty much play into any genre and looks impressive as an action star here. The film is set to be remade into a television series headed under Balboa productions.
Art by Billy Dee Williams
To know Billy Dee is to know that although he’s one of the most charismatic performers of his generation he is also a world-renowned artist. It was his first love as a child and has remained with him throughout his life. Williams has often said that he wants to drop dead with a paint brush in his hand and such are the marvel of his talents that his work has been commissioned by the likes of Nissan for the 1996 Olympics and The Walt Disney Company. The latter of which were last used at the D23 EXPO in 2011 and auctioned off for charity. Williams even received permission from George Lucas himself to freely paint Lando Calrissian and sell them on. Williams has had numerous exhibitions worldwide and continues to paint to this day.
Earlier this year, Billy Dee Williams released his autobiography Hello, What Have We Here? which is a cracking read – trust me. He’s also still a regular favourite on the convention circuit and despite being aged 87, had appeared at four conventions this year alone. Does Japan call next?