The Lando Legacy: 5 Things Billy Dee Williams Is Doing Right Now (Beyond Star Wars)

Few actors possess the effortless charm and enduring cool of Billy Dee Williams, an iconic figure whose career spans over seven decades across stage, screen, and canvas. As of December 2025, the legendary actor—best known globally as the smooth-talking, cape-wearing Lando Calrissian—is experiencing a vibrant new chapter, marked by a revealing memoir, a celebrated art career, and a continued willingness to discuss his most famous role. This article dives into the most current and fresh details of his life, proving that his impact extends far beyond the cockpit of the *Millennium Falcon*.

The latest updates on Billy Dee Williams confirm that he remains an active and influential cultural voice. From reflecting on the 45th anniversary of *The Empire Strikes Back* to sharing the intimate details of his life in print, his recent activities highlight his multifaceted talent as both a performer and a visual artist. His current projects and public statements offer a unique, up-to-date look at the man behind the legend.

Complete Biography and Profile

William December "Billy Dee" Williams Jr. is a celebrated American actor, artist, singer, and writer. His career is distinguished by groundbreaking roles that challenged racial stereotypes in Hollywood, establishing him as one of the most important figures in film history.

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• Full Name: William December Williams Jr.
• Date of Birth: April 6, 1937
• Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
• Current Age (as of December 2025): 88 years old
• Education: High School of Music & Art; National Academy of Fine Arts and Design.
• Occupation: Actor, Painter, Novelist, Singer.
• Iconic Role: Lando Calrissian in the *Star Wars* franchise (*The Empire Strikes Back*, *Return of the Jedi*, *The Rise of Skywalker*).
• Notable Films: *Brian's Song* (1971), *Lady Sings the Blues* (1972), *Mahogany* (1975), *Batman* (1989).
• Spouse(s): Audrey Sellers (m. 1959; div. 1963), Marlene Clark (m. 1968; div. 1971), Teruko Nakagami (m. 1972; div. 1993; rem. 1999).
• Children: Hanako Williams (with Teruko Nakagami), Corey Dee Williams (with Audrey Sellers).
• Current Project Focus: Promoting his memoir, *What Have We Here?*, and his continued fine art career.

1. The Release of His Candid New Memoir: *What Have We Here?*

One of the most significant recent developments in Billy Dee Williams’s life is the release of his tell-all memoir, *What Have We Here?*. The book provides an intimate, unvarnished look at his life, career, and personal philosophy, offering fans a deeper connection to the man behind the iconic roles. The title itself is a classic Lando Calrissian line, immediately signaling the book's tone of self-reflection and playful charm.

The memoir delves into his early life in New York, his training at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Design, and his groundbreaking work on Broadway before his film career took off. He discusses his close relationship with Diana Ross, his co-star in both *Lady Sings the Blues* and *Mahogany*, and the challenges and triumphs of being a leading Black man in Hollywood during a period of intense social change.

In interviews promoting the book, Williams has been notably candid. He has expressed a sense of liberation, stating that "at this stage in my life, I don't need to apologise." This theme of unapologetic self-acceptance resonates throughout the book, offering a fresh perspective on his legacy as an actor who always prioritized his artistic integrity and personal freedom over industry expectations. The memoir is a crucial piece of current material for fans seeking to understand his full artistic journey.

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2. Star Wars: Willingness to Return and Thoughts on Donald Glover

Despite his age, Billy Dee Williams remains a central figure in the *Star Wars* conversation, especially regarding the future of Lando Calrissian. In recent interviews, he has openly discussed the possibility of reprising his role, but with a clear, business-minded caveat: he would return "for a lot of money."

This statement, made with his characteristic wit, highlights his awareness of his value to the franchise and his desire for a substantial role that honors the character's legacy. He has consistently appeared at fan conventions, including a panel at SpaceCon 2025, where he shared his experiences and reflected on the enduring appeal of the saga.

Furthermore, Williams has been asked about Donald Glover, who played a younger Lando in *Solo: A Star Wars Story*. Williams has shown support and respect for Glover's portrayal, noting that Glover is "part of a whole new generation" and will create whatever he needs to bring appeal to the role. This passing of the torch, coupled with his celebration of the 45th anniversary of *The Empire Strikes Back*, keeps him firmly in the contemporary pop culture spotlight.

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3. The Thriving Career as an "Abstract Reality" Painter

While the world knows him as an actor, Billy Dee Williams considers himself an artist first. His true passion lies in painting, a career he pursued long before his major film roles. He even returned to acting at one point primarily to fund his art supplies.

Williams's work is not merely a hobby; he is an accomplished painter whose pieces are included in the permanent collections of prestigious institutions, including the Smithsonian National Gallery in Washington D.C. and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

He describes his style as "abstract reality," a blend of abstract forms and recognizable figures, often featuring portraits that capture the essence of his storied career and life. His work has been featured in numerous solo exhibitions across America since 1991. A recent highlight of his artistic presence was the inclusion of his oil on canvas piece, *Tennis*, in the 31st annual Roundtable Exhibition at the National Arts Club (NAC), demonstrating his continued relevance in the fine art world. His dedication to painting ensures that his artistic output is diverse, extending his topical authority far beyond the world of acting.

4. Public Reflections on His Groundbreaking Legacy

As a veteran of the industry, Williams is frequently sought out for commentary on Hollywood's evolution and his role in breaking barriers. He was one of the first major Black leading men in mainstream cinema, a fact that resonates deeply with current audiences and filmmakers.

In his recent public appearances, he has reflected on the criticism that George Lucas received for casting him in *Star Wars*, a move that was pioneering for its time. He consistently champions the idea of artistic freedom and pushing boundaries, a philosophy that informs both his acting and his painting.

His legacy is a powerful combination of suave, sophisticated characters—like Lando Calrissian and Gale Sayers in *Brian's Song*—who transcended racial stereotypes and presented complex, charismatic Black masculinity on screen. These reflections, often tied to anniversaries and cultural milestones, keep his name in the news cycle and solidify his status as a cultural icon.

5. Maintaining an Active Presence in Pop Culture and Conventions

Even in his late 80s, Billy Dee Williams maintains a surprisingly active presence in the fan and convention circuit. His appearance at events like SpaceCon 2025 shows his commitment to connecting with the generations of fans who grew up with his characters.

This engagement is crucial for maintaining a public profile and ensuring his stories and experiences are passed down directly to the audience. While his social media presence faced a brief hiccup—with reports of his Facebook page being hacked in a recent incident—his official channels and public appearances ensure his voice remains clear and accessible to his global fanbase. His continued willingness to sign autographs, participate in panels, and share anecdotes reinforces his enduring popularity and his legendary status in the world of science fiction and beyond.