Billy Dee Williams

William December Williams, better known as Billy Dee Williams (born April 6 1937) is an actor.

His first big break was in the acclaimed 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 Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (and its radio adaptation), Return of the Jedi and Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast, as well as the audio dramatization of Dark Empire. He originally auditioned for the role of Han Solo, however, during the casting of Star Wars.

Reportedly, kids who met him on the streets, accused him angrily 'for crossing Han Solo'.

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 with the agreement that it would land him in a sequel playing the villain Two Face, but the studio did not use him when the time came for the third installment, Batman Forever. In between, Williams has appeared in supporting roles in a number of films.

Williams is also well-known for his appearance in advertisements for Colt 45, a low-cost brand of malt liquor.