Like many Hollywood stars before him, the time has come for Billy Dee Williams to spill the tea on what it means to be a legend among legends.
The 86-year-old known for playing Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars franchise is releasing a memoir, sharing all the juicy details about his life as an actor, painter, and Hollywood heartthrob.
Williams, born April 6, 1937 in New York City, made his Broadway debut at the age of seven in 1945. After graduating high school – The High School of Music & Art – and receiving a scholarship for painting, he returned to acting to fund his passion for art.
While he continued to paint he starred in his first film, The Last Angry Man (1959), and the television movie Brian’s Song (1971), which earned him an Emmy nomination.
In 1980 he found himself cast as Lando Calrissian in The Empire Strikes Back, becoming the first Black actor with a major role in the Star Wars franchise. Over the years he would reprise his role as Lando Calrissian.
Williams’ filmography also includes more than 70 credits dating back to 1966, including roles on Gideon’s Crossing, General Hospital, NCIS, and Dancing with the Stars.
In a new interview with People, Williams said in thinking about his legacy, he felt it was finally time to share his “very interesting experiences.”
Known for being a Hollywood heartthrob, one particular instance immediately came to mind.
“I’ve been getting hit on all my life,” he said. “Gay, straight, whatever, somebody’s always hitting on me.”
In his memoir, What Have We Here?: Portraits of A Life, Williams recalled the time Marlon Brando made sexual advances as the two stood in the library of Brando’s house while the Hollywood star held a party.
“I prefer women,” Williams responded.
As recent as 2019, rumors of Williams’ gender identity and sexuality have begun to swirl as the actor referred to himself as “feminine as well as masculine” in an Esquire interview.
While he has consistently said he spent a lot of his time around gay people, when it comes to himself, “I’m not into guys.”
“I had no qualms with that kind of stuff. Whatever you are, that’s who you are. I’m more interested in meeting interesting people.”
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