Even at 70, Billy Dee still a leading man

Kam Williams

William December Williams Jr. — better known by his nickname, Billy Dee — was born on April 6, 1937 in Harlem, N.Y., where he was raised by his parents, William, Sr., a janitor, and Loretta, an elevator operator. The young man exhibited considerable promise both as an artist and as an actor early in life, and attended the prestigious Music and Art High School in Manhattan.

The famously handsome thespian’s big break came in 1971 in the acclaimed television movie “Brian’s Song,” where he played Chicago Bears running back Gale Sayers opposite James Caan. He immediately followed up that impressive performance with another as Billie Holiday’s husband in “Lady Sings the Blues,” which co-starred Diana Ross. The two would appear together again years later in “Mahogany.”

Arguably, Williams’ most memorable role was as Lando Calrissian in George Lucas’ epic “Star Wars” sequels “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.” Among the accomplished actor’s other feature film credits are appearances in “Batman,” “Undercover Brother,” “The Ladies Man,” “Moving Target,” as well as the upcoming “Fanboys,” a satirical paean to overzealous science fiction fans. And he’s already attached to “Barry Munday,” starring Luke Wilson, currently in production.

The Emmy-nominated legend’s extensive television work includes guest appearances on “Lost,” “Scrubs,” “Half & Half,” “That ’70s Show,” “The Hughleys,” “A Different World” and “227,” as well as daytime series “Another World” and “The Guiding Light.” Plus, he’s enjoyed recurring roles on “Dynasty” and “Gideon’s Crossing.”

Williams recently returned to TV as Toussaint Dubois, a hospital worker with a haunted past, on cable network SOAPnet’s first serialized drama for primetime “General Hospital: Night Shift,” which airs Thursday nights at 11 p.m. The steamy series ventures beyond the daytime “General Hospital” program to explore the lives and loves of viewers’ favorite characters during the hospital’s night shift. Williams’ character shares sage insights with various members of the hospital staff as they encounter assorted pitfalls and problems.

Williams recently took a few moments to speak with the Banner about both his new venture and his career.

How are you enjoying “General Hospital: Night Shift”?

Oh, I’m having a good time with that. It’s a whole different experience and format. It’s a lot faster than anything I’ve ever done, but it’s great practice. And the characters are involved in some very interesting situations.

Do you get fewer takes on a soap opera, fewer opportunities to re-do a scene?

Yeah. Whenever I’m ready to do another take, they’re already off to the next set, which always amuses me. That’s why I say, “It’s great practice.” After you’ve done a soap opera, you can do anything. You’ve got to get all this dialogue down, and then you have to give life to the dialogue. Plus, you get to practice your improvisational skills. I love it, and I love the people I’m working with. So I’m having a good time.

What was it like to suddenly be a heartthrob when your career took off in the 1970s?

I think being a celebrity is at the essence of that, because I’d been doing romantic stuff even on stage in New York City in the 1960s.

Wasn’t your mom originally from the Caribbean?

Yes, my mother’s side of the family. They’re from Montserrat in the Leeward Islands.

I know you went to Music and Art High School. What did you do after you graduated?

Next, I went to the National Academy of Fine Arts and Design, where I spent two years painting on a scholarship.

So when did you develop your passion for acting?

Acting, I started when I was six-and-a-half years old, on Broadway with Kurt Weill.

Wow, the composer of “The Threepenny Opera,” including the classic tune “Mack the Knife.”

Yeah, I was on stage with his wife, Lotte Lenya.

I see that besides “General Hospital: Night Shift,” you’re very busy making movies — including “Fanboys,” a comedy about some “Star Wars” fanatics.

Oh, yeah, yeah. I haven’t seen that. Is that already out?

No, but it’s in post-production.

I’m only doing a cameo in that. The only reason I’m in that movie is because of my association with “Star Wars.”

And then you have “This Bitter Earth,” which you’re shooting with Nichelle Nichols [who played Uhura on “Star Trek”]?

I was just in Arizona working on that yesterday. I did a cameo in that, too.

How about “Barry Munday”? That has an intriguing premise. It’s about a guy who wakes up missing a certain part of his anatomy …

His testicles.

Yeah, and suddenly he’s facing a paternity suit. Which of your movies are your favorites? “Brian’s Song”? “Lady Sings the Blues”? “The Empire Strikes Back”?

You just named three. Also, “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings” was one of my favorites. That was a classic, actually.

Aren’t you a jazz fan? I know you’ve served as chairman of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition.

Yeah, jazz is very much a part of my life. I work with the Thelonious Monk Institute and do the artwork for their program every year.

How much time do you find to paint?

Oh, I paint all the time.

Working with oils or acrylics?

Mostly acrylic, sometimes oil.

What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

I don’t know about following in my footsteps. You mean as far as acting is concerned?

Yeah.

I think it’s a good idea, a good trade, but it takes a lot of work, a lot of perseverance, and a belief in your capabilities. If you don’t have that belief in yourself, it’s not something that will work for you.