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What Have We Here?: Portraits of a Life
A film legend recalls his remarkable life of nearly eight decades—a heralded actor who's played the roles he wanted, from Brian’s Song to Lando in the Star Wars universe—unchecked by the racism and typecasting so rife in the mostly all-white industry in which he triumphed.
Billy Dee Williams was born in Harlem in 1937 and grew up in a household of love and sophistication. As a young boy, he made his stage debut working with Lotte Lenya in an Ira Gershwin/Kurt Weill production where Williams ended up feeding Lenya her lines. He studied painting, first at the High School of Music and Art, with fellow student Diahann Carroll, and then at the National Academy of Fine Art, before setting out to pursue acting with Herbert Berghoff, Stella Adler, and Sidney Poitier.
His first film role was in The Last Angry Man , the great Paul Muni’s final film. It was Muni who gave Billy the advice that sent him soaring as an actor, “You can play any character you want to play no matter who you are, no matter the way you look or the color of your skin.” And Williams writes, “I wanted to be anyone I wanted to be.”
He writes of landing the role of a co-starring alongside James Caan in Brian’s Song , the made-for-television movie that was watched by an audience of more than fifty million people. Williams says it was “the kind of interracial love story America needed.”
And when, as the first Black character in the Star Wars universe, he became a true pop culture icon, playing Lando Calrissian in George Lucas’s The Empire Strikes Back (“What I presented on the screen people didn’t expect to see”). It was a role he reprised in the final film of the original trilogy, The Return of the Jedi, and in the recent sequel The Rise of Skywalker.
A legendary actor, in his own words, on all that has sustained and carried him through a lifetime of dreams and adventure.
Billy Dee Williams was born in Harlem in 1937 and grew up in a household of love and sophistication. As a young boy, he made his stage debut working with Lotte Lenya in an Ira Gershwin/Kurt Weill production where Williams ended up feeding Lenya her lines. He studied painting, first at the High School of Music and Art, with fellow student Diahann Carroll, and then at the National Academy of Fine Art, before setting out to pursue acting with Herbert Berghoff, Stella Adler, and Sidney Poitier.
His first film role was in The Last Angry Man , the great Paul Muni’s final film. It was Muni who gave Billy the advice that sent him soaring as an actor, “You can play any character you want to play no matter who you are, no matter the way you look or the color of your skin.” And Williams writes, “I wanted to be anyone I wanted to be.”
He writes of landing the role of a co-starring alongside James Caan in Brian’s Song , the made-for-television movie that was watched by an audience of more than fifty million people. Williams says it was “the kind of interracial love story America needed.”
And when, as the first Black character in the Star Wars universe, he became a true pop culture icon, playing Lando Calrissian in George Lucas’s The Empire Strikes Back (“What I presented on the screen people didn’t expect to see”). It was a role he reprised in the final film of the original trilogy, The Return of the Jedi, and in the recent sequel The Rise of Skywalker.
A legendary actor, in his own words, on all that has sustained and carried him through a lifetime of dreams and adventure.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published February 13, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 15, 2024
"I have a glass of wine in front of me and am enjoying a warm spring day when I having nothing to do and no place I need to be other than where I am at the moment. Screw the pandemic, the politics, the divisions and name-calling, and the hate that is all we hear about these days." -- on page 3
I was mentioning to a friend the other day that actor Billy Dee Williams has a rare type of crossover appeal - women love him for his suave ladies' man persona (such as his hit '75 flick Mahoghany or a long-running series of Colt .45 commercials); men appreciate him for his part in the classic TV-movie biopic Brian's Song, in which he had memorable chemistry with co-star James Caan; and children (of all ages) recognize him for his swashbuckling role as Lando Calrissian in three of the Star Wars films. Williams' good luck and diligent work ethic but trademark laidback ethos is represented well in his autobio / memoir What Have We Here? - title copped via his smooth introductory dialogue as Lando from way back in 1980 - in which he lovingly details growing up in a nurturing middle-class family in New York City of the 40's and 50's, the struggle of his working actor days throughout the 60's, and the mainstream success he finally achieved in the 70's and 80's. I really enjoyed the many sections on his family - it is apparent that his mother, father, twin sister and grandmother all served as quite the positive and long-lasting influences on him - as well his memories of the various projects that established / solidified his acting credentials. Although it only received a brief mention in the text, I'm glad he referenced his part in the somewhat-forgotten 1983 miniseries Chiefs - based on an early bestseller by Stuart Woods - which is probably my favorite role that he has ever done. As a quietly heroic and recently-appointed police chief in a southern town during the early 60's Civil Rights-era, Williams' character has a great introductory scene in which he stuns the incredulous officers newly under his command with the line "My name is Tyler Watts . . . but you can call me CHIEF!" as he slams his badge on the station countertop. Somewhere, Sidney Poitier's Virgil Tibbs is applauding.
I was mentioning to a friend the other day that actor Billy Dee Williams has a rare type of crossover appeal - women love him for his suave ladies' man persona (such as his hit '75 flick Mahoghany or a long-running series of Colt .45 commercials); men appreciate him for his part in the classic TV-movie biopic Brian's Song, in which he had memorable chemistry with co-star James Caan; and children (of all ages) recognize him for his swashbuckling role as Lando Calrissian in three of the Star Wars films. Williams' good luck and diligent work ethic but trademark laidback ethos is represented well in his autobio / memoir What Have We Here? - title copped via his smooth introductory dialogue as Lando from way back in 1980 - in which he lovingly details growing up in a nurturing middle-class family in New York City of the 40's and 50's, the struggle of his working actor days throughout the 60's, and the mainstream success he finally achieved in the 70's and 80's. I really enjoyed the many sections on his family - it is apparent that his mother, father, twin sister and grandmother all served as quite the positive and long-lasting influences on him - as well his memories of the various projects that established / solidified his acting credentials. Although it only received a brief mention in the text, I'm glad he referenced his part in the somewhat-forgotten 1983 miniseries Chiefs - based on an early bestseller by Stuart Woods - which is probably my favorite role that he has ever done. As a quietly heroic and recently-appointed police chief in a southern town during the early 60's Civil Rights-era, Williams' character has a great introductory scene in which he stuns the incredulous officers newly under his command with the line "My name is Tyler Watts . . . but you can call me CHIEF!" as he slams his badge on the station countertop. Somewhere, Sidney Poitier's Virgil Tibbs is applauding.
January 20, 2024
Knopf /Borzoi Books provided an early galley for review.
Growing up in the 70's, Williams was known to me by his movie roles in Brian's Song, Lady Sings the Blues, Mahogany and several Star Wars films. He was also the smooth spokesman on the ever-present Colt 45 malt liquor commercials. Still, I never knew his story, so I was eager to dive into this one.
Right out of the gate, I was completely drawn into Williams' life. By the time he reached early adulthood, he was partaking in a variety of experiences and encounters that made up a varied tapestry. No surprise that he tends to name-drop quite a bit as he was connected to so many people in so many walks of life (music, theatre, film and more). I found that all quite fascinating.
Of course, Williams makes sure to spend a lot of time covering his many roles on the stage and on screen (both TV and film). He also talks about the many women in his life, some of whom he was more intimate than others. Throughout, he comes across exactly how he did in all of his work - with class and charm.
Growing up in the 70's, Williams was known to me by his movie roles in Brian's Song, Lady Sings the Blues, Mahogany and several Star Wars films. He was also the smooth spokesman on the ever-present Colt 45 malt liquor commercials. Still, I never knew his story, so I was eager to dive into this one.
Right out of the gate, I was completely drawn into Williams' life. By the time he reached early adulthood, he was partaking in a variety of experiences and encounters that made up a varied tapestry. No surprise that he tends to name-drop quite a bit as he was connected to so many people in so many walks of life (music, theatre, film and more). I found that all quite fascinating.
Of course, Williams makes sure to spend a lot of time covering his many roles on the stage and on screen (both TV and film). He also talks about the many women in his life, some of whom he was more intimate than others. Throughout, he comes across exactly how he did in all of his work - with class and charm.
February 18, 2024
Such a life lived, learned, loved. I loved the portrait of 1960s, 1970s NYC in Billy Dee’s circles, and then those of old and new Hollywood. The name dropping that he can do without even a pause is incredible! Yet you feel like he’s reflecting on time with these luminaries only to admire their talent, not to pat himself on the back for being there. Spiritual and centered, he is his own guide through life bolstered in confidence by a strong family unit. What an absolute charmer and lover he is too. His romantic vibe is not a facade! I was loving the book even before he joined the Star Wars universe, and those chapters were so joyful as well.
Having just finished the Beastie Boys book that painted a picture of the 80s NYC, it was interesting to read of another talent slightly before their time, growing up right across from Central Park.
Billy wasn’t given the same opportunities to be a Hollywood romantic leading man, as white men were. It’s a real shame, and we need to remember that as part of his legacy.
“No one ever called Robert Redford the white Clark Gable”.
One last comment- the book cemented my disdain for the Lando that was portrayed in the movie Solo. Having the universe’s most smooth and romantic guy love a manufactured robot misses the charm the Billy Dee brought to the character by like a billion parsecs.
Having just finished the Beastie Boys book that painted a picture of the 80s NYC, it was interesting to read of another talent slightly before their time, growing up right across from Central Park.
Billy wasn’t given the same opportunities to be a Hollywood romantic leading man, as white men were. It’s a real shame, and we need to remember that as part of his legacy.
“No one ever called Robert Redford the white Clark Gable”.
One last comment- the book cemented my disdain for the Lando that was portrayed in the movie Solo. Having the universe’s most smooth and romantic guy love a manufactured robot misses the charm the Billy Dee brought to the character by like a billion parsecs.
February 13, 2024
Definitely elevated by listening to Mr. Williams narrate the book himself. Lots to learn - successful painting career, an unfulfilled desire to play Duke Ellington, etc. - and in the end an honest and pretty self-aware recollection of life and legacy. Thanks for giving it to us from the heart once again, Billy Dee.
February 19, 2024
I don’t usually read memoirs but thought to grab this one. It’s interesting, especially where Williams interrogates the racial divides and lack of opportunities for Black actors and people of colour. He’s not angry or bitter in the book, but you can tell he’s disheartened.
I found the bits about his personal life…downright odd. It seems almost unbelievable but then again the 60s and 70s were interesting times. I did not know he had Native American heritage, and I kind of wish he’d engaged with that part of his life. But then again, maybe he didn’t engage with it in reality so why would he in the book.
His numerous love affairs were too much. And he’s blameless in all of them. It’s certainly a choice to write it as such in his memoir, which borders on making the book a hagiography.
I loved the bits about Star Wars—of course. It’s a much smaller portion of the book than I had imagined. Not surprising for him, I guess, considering his longstanding career on screen and stage. You definitely got the sense he really enjoyed creating the role and filming, even if post-release the experience wasn’t great with people attacking Williams for what Lando did to Han. Star Wars fans are weird.
I listened to the audiobook and it was, occasionally, difficult to follow because of the cadence and pauses in how Williams read out the tale. He also doesn’t engage with his health issues at all, even though we’ve seen him struggle at panels and other outings. Again, it’s a strange choice to make himself out to be totally infallible.
I did like how the narrative is built. Lando is known for being dashing and flamboyant, so the story begins with Williams always wanting to be a charming hero. Not saying he didn’t actually feel that way, but it helps develop a through line in the narrative. That kind of writing resurfaces throughout the book.
I think I learned a lot about Black artists and creators and the significance of Williams being a romantic hero in an age when the only ones on screen were white. I didn't know all that much about his career so that was interesting.
There’s a ton of name-dropping in the book, which is probably given the times when people in certain circles felt more accessible. It’s also because people love gossip so the name drops will probably excite a lot of folks.
I don’t care for memoirs and this book, while enlightening on one life and legacy, doesn’t change the fact that history is subjective, depending on who’s telling it.
I found the bits about his personal life…downright odd. It seems almost unbelievable but then again the 60s and 70s were interesting times. I did not know he had Native American heritage, and I kind of wish he’d engaged with that part of his life. But then again, maybe he didn’t engage with it in reality so why would he in the book.
His numerous love affairs were too much. And he’s blameless in all of them. It’s certainly a choice to write it as such in his memoir, which borders on making the book a hagiography.
I loved the bits about Star Wars—of course. It’s a much smaller portion of the book than I had imagined. Not surprising for him, I guess, considering his longstanding career on screen and stage. You definitely got the sense he really enjoyed creating the role and filming, even if post-release the experience wasn’t great with people attacking Williams for what Lando did to Han. Star Wars fans are weird.
I listened to the audiobook and it was, occasionally, difficult to follow because of the cadence and pauses in how Williams read out the tale. He also doesn’t engage with his health issues at all, even though we’ve seen him struggle at panels and other outings. Again, it’s a strange choice to make himself out to be totally infallible.
I did like how the narrative is built. Lando is known for being dashing and flamboyant, so the story begins with Williams always wanting to be a charming hero. Not saying he didn’t actually feel that way, but it helps develop a through line in the narrative. That kind of writing resurfaces throughout the book.
I think I learned a lot about Black artists and creators and the significance of Williams being a romantic hero in an age when the only ones on screen were white. I didn't know all that much about his career so that was interesting.
There’s a ton of name-dropping in the book, which is probably given the times when people in certain circles felt more accessible. It’s also because people love gossip so the name drops will probably excite a lot of folks.
I don’t care for memoirs and this book, while enlightening on one life and legacy, doesn’t change the fact that history is subjective, depending on who’s telling it.
March 4, 2024
What Have We Here?" Portraits of a Life, By Billie Dee Williams is a great memoir. The audiobook was narrated by him, giving it a true feel of the life he lived.
I learned many things about the long time and seasoned actor. That he was actually a painter, an artist. His friendship with James Baldwin and his Broadway career. The man is definitely multifaceted.
Growing up I recall watching him in Lady Sings the Blues and Mahogany, which is my favorite. And yes, as Lando in Star Wars. However, I didn’t recall him on Dynasty and as a kid I watched that show faithfully.
I’m happy he penned this memoir. I enjoy a good and well told origin story and this one didn’t disappoint. It was inspiring.
I learned many things about the long time and seasoned actor. That he was actually a painter, an artist. His friendship with James Baldwin and his Broadway career. The man is definitely multifaceted.
Growing up I recall watching him in Lady Sings the Blues and Mahogany, which is my favorite. And yes, as Lando in Star Wars. However, I didn’t recall him on Dynasty and as a kid I watched that show faithfully.
I’m happy he penned this memoir. I enjoy a good and well told origin story and this one didn’t disappoint. It was inspiring.
February 28, 2024
I listened to the audiobook and I enjoyed learning abt Billy Dee. The reason why I gave it 4⭐ because the way he was reading his story was very robotic lol other than that it was good. I had no idea he was a serious artist/painter...and of course he talked abt Lady Sings the Blues, Mahogany and Star wars no juicing stories though. He is a stand up guy and came from a nice family no abuse or trauma had a twin sister who passed. I would recommend reading the book instead of listening to the audiobook
February 23, 2024
What a great memoir about a really interesting person. I was familiar with Billy Dee Williams as Lando, Harvey Dent and as the guy who made the audience hoot and holler during 70s sitcom cameos, but he has many many layers.
The smoothest dude of all time, this was a great peek behind the cape.
The smoothest dude of all time, this was a great peek behind the cape.
February 25, 2024
I loved this book so much
February 14, 2024
4.25 rating! What a life Billy Dee Williams has led! I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish. It was interesting to hear how he grew up in NY, his break into Hollywood, and of course Star Wars. I got to know more about he as a person and not just him as Lando. Well done!
February 20, 2024
Mediocre memoir from a charming actor who overuses the pages to push a black agenda, making up for the criticism that he wasn't a "community activist" during his successful years. Williams brings a light tone and skips his way through different life situations that may make another man look bad--bedding women (including much older neighbor ladies when he was a teen), lots of cheating on spouses, lying to get work, a little bit of drugs, and a few naughty escapades into threesomes and encounters with gay men.
The problem is that all of it is teasing. These are half-baked "stories" that don't give details and are always spun to make the author look cutesy. He barely explains away his famous arrests and the women who made charges that he was an abuser. He only alludes to the weird marriage where he ended up living with someone else. And through it all he claims to be the perfect family man.
The memoir does tackle his most famous roles, but you'll not learn much that you didn't already know. The Brian's Song section is small and disappointing. There's a bit more about Star Wars but nothing really new. I can't picture fans as very satisfied with the minimal information given, but most will not care since the guy is so darn charming on paper.
There's way too much in the book regarding his skin color. Unlike other modern autobiographies that have turned woke by capitalizing the word black, the capitalizes it AND white. And though it's grammatically incorrect, at least he's aware that if he's going to use "Black" then he also has to use "White." So I admired that self-awareness. There are only two spots where I noticed he slipped up. And there was one press quote about him from decades ago that capitalized black, which of course didn't happen back then.
He admits that he was often asked to be a political activist but he chose to "say it through my art." Then he turns down some very leftwing political projects because he doesn't want to make statements!
The book is surprisingly pro-life. He gets a girl pregnant, keeps the baby and marries here, then devotes his life to his son. He gets called to military service but is deferred because he had a wife and child, picking up his son and "thanking him for saving my life."
I honestly came away thinking he was probably much more politically conservative or at least centrist than others wanted him to be. He writes that he never really experienced much racism growing up in a very happy middle-class family, but looking back he probably was mistreated by others! Huh? He writes, "When you're a (b)lack man, there are all sorts of invisible lines in the world that only you see, and you never get comfortable crossing them." Sadly, he seems to represent the common problem of blaming others for your own mental limitations. I'm not saying there's no such thing as racism; I'm saying that the black community does exactly what Williams admitted in this book by mentally seeing "invisible lines" that may not really be there, then use their own form of racism to blame others when in truth the problem is within their own thinking.
What have we here? A nice guy that doesn't really apologize for his life but wants to have a legacy of being a groundbreaking performer that well represented his community.
The problem is that all of it is teasing. These are half-baked "stories" that don't give details and are always spun to make the author look cutesy. He barely explains away his famous arrests and the women who made charges that he was an abuser. He only alludes to the weird marriage where he ended up living with someone else. And through it all he claims to be the perfect family man.
The memoir does tackle his most famous roles, but you'll not learn much that you didn't already know. The Brian's Song section is small and disappointing. There's a bit more about Star Wars but nothing really new. I can't picture fans as very satisfied with the minimal information given, but most will not care since the guy is so darn charming on paper.
There's way too much in the book regarding his skin color. Unlike other modern autobiographies that have turned woke by capitalizing the word black, the capitalizes it AND white. And though it's grammatically incorrect, at least he's aware that if he's going to use "Black" then he also has to use "White." So I admired that self-awareness. There are only two spots where I noticed he slipped up. And there was one press quote about him from decades ago that capitalized black, which of course didn't happen back then.
He admits that he was often asked to be a political activist but he chose to "say it through my art." Then he turns down some very leftwing political projects because he doesn't want to make statements!
The book is surprisingly pro-life. He gets a girl pregnant, keeps the baby and marries here, then devotes his life to his son. He gets called to military service but is deferred because he had a wife and child, picking up his son and "thanking him for saving my life."
I honestly came away thinking he was probably much more politically conservative or at least centrist than others wanted him to be. He writes that he never really experienced much racism growing up in a very happy middle-class family, but looking back he probably was mistreated by others! Huh? He writes, "When you're a (b)lack man, there are all sorts of invisible lines in the world that only you see, and you never get comfortable crossing them." Sadly, he seems to represent the common problem of blaming others for your own mental limitations. I'm not saying there's no such thing as racism; I'm saying that the black community does exactly what Williams admitted in this book by mentally seeing "invisible lines" that may not really be there, then use their own form of racism to blame others when in truth the problem is within their own thinking.
What have we here? A nice guy that doesn't really apologize for his life but wants to have a legacy of being a groundbreaking performer that well represented his community.
March 22, 2024
A good read but a disappointing portrait. Williams seems to have sailed through life with little moral compass and less regret. He doesn't take any responsibility for his 'rocky' times. In fact he either glosses over them like they weren't much of a problem or deftly deflects the blame onto the other people involved. While I wouldn't call him a 'bad' person he definitely seems to lack much substance. Seems to have been too busy just worrying about enjoying life. Which is fine but real people have to think about real life.
March 17, 2024
I listened to this book. I wish that my local library had it on Kindle. I would have liked to have highlighted passages and taken notes.
Billy Dee Williams is so classy. His storytelling had me enthralled from his first words to his last in his well written memoirs.
I have been a fan of his since the ‘70’s. He has been so worth a special place in my heart.
Thank you for such a terrific book, Mr Williams.
Billy Dee Williams is so classy. His storytelling had me enthralled from his first words to his last in his well written memoirs.
I have been a fan of his since the ‘70’s. He has been so worth a special place in my heart.
Thank you for such a terrific book, Mr Williams.
March 3, 2024
I should have DNF'd this one because I could not ... wait ... for it ... to end. It was so boring and so slow and for the love of gawd, why didn't someone tell Billy Dee Williams that his narration is painfully awful? I don't understand how someone who reads scripts and acts for a living can narrate his own book so poorly. The narration was slow, stunted, and he paused often in the strangest parts of nearly every sentence. It was so painful to listen to, I told myself I just needed to get to the Star Wars/Lando years (roughly 70-something percent in). I even upped the playback speed to 2.3 and it didn't sound too fast at all. That's how slow this was!
Okay, so now that I've got the horrible narration out of the way, the book itself was ... just okay. Again, kind of boring and slow, which was disappointing. He really leans into his sexy lover persona. I really didn't need to know he was sleeping with neighborhood moms when he was 17. He does love his kids quite a bit, and weaves them into all aspects of his life story here, which was nice.
Unless you're a Billy Dee Williams super fan, skip this one. If you are a super fan, don't ruin it for yourself by getting the audio - pick up the physical book and read it yourself.
Okay, so now that I've got the horrible narration out of the way, the book itself was ... just okay. Again, kind of boring and slow, which was disappointing. He really leans into his sexy lover persona. I really didn't need to know he was sleeping with neighborhood moms when he was 17. He does love his kids quite a bit, and weaves them into all aspects of his life story here, which was nice.
Unless you're a Billy Dee Williams super fan, skip this one. If you are a super fan, don't ruin it for yourself by getting the audio - pick up the physical book and read it yourself.
March 10, 2024
This was lovely: an angst-free, breezy, informative story of a fascinating life that doesn't waste time on gossip, but doesn't skirt over the uncomfortable or regretful moments. It was fun reading about what seems to be an exceptionally fun & rewarding life.
March 22, 2024
I have just finished reading a very memorable memoir. It was written by Billy Dee Williams. It goes into very much detail about how he grew up in Harlem ny and how he decided to go make a name for himself.
March 13, 2024
I went into this expecting the Star Wars nerd in me to be satiated but wow, what a life Billy Dee has led. And he seems ever the handsome rogue in real life...just like Lando.
March 20, 2024
Chandelier, baby!
March 4, 2024
I felt a little shocked to realize BDW was mostly a struggling actor his entire career... Fortunately, his persona (built thru just a few break out performances) led to wealth via iconic ad work...
Most of this bio is surface fluff from his career or family... No penetrating revelations... But it all felt more shallow as I researched his daughter Hanako, when she was first mentioned abt 3/4 into the book. The excerpt about her, tossed mud at BDW by mentioning his arrest for domestic violence... I wondered if he'd mention it, so i did no further internet searches...
He DID bring the arrest up... The accusing gf Patricia Von Heitman, he incidentally briefly mentioned earlier in the book. Earlier in book BDW claimed she had trauma even before being abused as Richard Pryor's gf... BDW began dating her, on side of his marriage, sometime after her split from Pryor and it lasted over 20yrs until the abuse claim...
BDW claimed volatile PVH was pissed one rando night. She argued AT him in the car from dinner to home, while he just drove meekly looking straight ahead. They got home then both fumed and went separate directions, he to paint in his studio. Then cops arrived saying someone called claiming abuse... BDW was shocked, he'd been completely calm all night, and knew the gf lied. Cops apologetically claimed someone needed to be arrested then took him to jail... He then said he was released, gf recanted, cops apologetically returned him home, record expunged... everything written on internet, lies (i assumed he meant gossip columns). the end
https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/03/...
https://www.deseret.com/1996/3/30/192...
Someone can easily check paywalled court records to see if this stuff exists... I cant... But very sus that BDW did not delve further into what one might find. If anything was recanted, it was not done immediately, therefore the incident IS a lot messier than reported in bio. He may assert innocence but the courts seemed to extract a lb of flesh while things worked thru. BDW mentioned none of the drawn out situation...
given scant BDW depth here, i am left considering the rest of this milk toast bio... Even his portion about star wars is a bit light... he may as well had been an extra. if i hadnt run into this speed bump situation, prob 3*s
Jr HS book report, little soul...
Most of this bio is surface fluff from his career or family... No penetrating revelations... But it all felt more shallow as I researched his daughter Hanako, when she was first mentioned abt 3/4 into the book. The excerpt about her, tossed mud at BDW by mentioning his arrest for domestic violence... I wondered if he'd mention it, so i did no further internet searches...
He DID bring the arrest up... The accusing gf Patricia Von Heitman, he incidentally briefly mentioned earlier in the book. Earlier in book BDW claimed she had trauma even before being abused as Richard Pryor's gf... BDW began dating her, on side of his marriage, sometime after her split from Pryor and it lasted over 20yrs until the abuse claim...
BDW claimed volatile PVH was pissed one rando night. She argued AT him in the car from dinner to home, while he just drove meekly looking straight ahead. They got home then both fumed and went separate directions, he to paint in his studio. Then cops arrived saying someone called claiming abuse... BDW was shocked, he'd been completely calm all night, and knew the gf lied. Cops apologetically claimed someone needed to be arrested then took him to jail... He then said he was released, gf recanted, cops apologetically returned him home, record expunged... everything written on internet, lies (i assumed he meant gossip columns). the end
https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/03/...
https://www.deseret.com/1996/3/30/192...
Someone can easily check paywalled court records to see if this stuff exists... I cant... But very sus that BDW did not delve further into what one might find. If anything was recanted, it was not done immediately, therefore the incident IS a lot messier than reported in bio. He may assert innocence but the courts seemed to extract a lb of flesh while things worked thru. BDW mentioned none of the drawn out situation...
given scant BDW depth here, i am left considering the rest of this milk toast bio... Even his portion about star wars is a bit light... he may as well had been an extra. if i hadnt run into this speed bump situation, prob 3*s
Jr HS book report, little soul...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2024
"A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...."
You might recognize Billy Dee Williams in his out of this world role as Lando in the OG Star Wars trilogy or shamelessly cried along to “Brian’s Song” and his captivating role as Gale Sayers. Billy is a legendary actor with a long life lived – and at 86 years young, he’s finally ready to tell his story.
WHAT HAVE WE HERE? PORTRAITS OF A LIFE recounts how the smooth-talking actor started as a little boy in Harlem with a passion for painting to ultimately becoming an actor and paving the way for so many others, building a successful run in Hollywood for his iconic roles. Williams sought to break the mold throughout his career and helped to shape hiring and casting practices during a time where having a Black man in space was downright revolutionary.
It felt like a rite of passage when my dad introduced my brother and I to the original Star Wars movies. We grew up sharing his interest in a series that he had grown up with, between the movies or the collectable action figures and spending hours playing out scenes from space. It was only fitting that the memoir cover be Williams with his flowing cape as a nod to his Star Wars era.
Without being a Star Wars fan, I think anyone can appreciate reading the story of someone who’s lived a long and fulfilling life. There were many lessons learned, people along the way and it focused on sentiments of gratitude rather than using a memoir as a platform to spill a lifetime’s worth of secrets worthy to entice a gossip mag. I love celebrity memoirs and this one truly stood out to me since Billy started his career in the 30’s/40’s and the challenges he faced throughout his career. I also appreciated the Tom Cruise car breakdown scene, which could only happen in Los Angeles in the 90s.
You might recognize Billy Dee Williams in his out of this world role as Lando in the OG Star Wars trilogy or shamelessly cried along to “Brian’s Song” and his captivating role as Gale Sayers. Billy is a legendary actor with a long life lived – and at 86 years young, he’s finally ready to tell his story.
WHAT HAVE WE HERE? PORTRAITS OF A LIFE recounts how the smooth-talking actor started as a little boy in Harlem with a passion for painting to ultimately becoming an actor and paving the way for so many others, building a successful run in Hollywood for his iconic roles. Williams sought to break the mold throughout his career and helped to shape hiring and casting practices during a time where having a Black man in space was downright revolutionary.
It felt like a rite of passage when my dad introduced my brother and I to the original Star Wars movies. We grew up sharing his interest in a series that he had grown up with, between the movies or the collectable action figures and spending hours playing out scenes from space. It was only fitting that the memoir cover be Williams with his flowing cape as a nod to his Star Wars era.
Without being a Star Wars fan, I think anyone can appreciate reading the story of someone who’s lived a long and fulfilling life. There were many lessons learned, people along the way and it focused on sentiments of gratitude rather than using a memoir as a platform to spill a lifetime’s worth of secrets worthy to entice a gossip mag. I love celebrity memoirs and this one truly stood out to me since Billy started his career in the 30’s/40’s and the challenges he faced throughout his career. I also appreciated the Tom Cruise car breakdown scene, which could only happen in Los Angeles in the 90s.
March 1, 2024
A much different book and life story than I expected.
I only knew Williams from his Star Wars character. Literally, unaware of any of his other work. So I read the book for that and because he came out briefly as non-binary, but because people were so cruel had his people walk it back, which is totally his right.
The writing style was upbeat, conversational, and funny. Williams comes across as essentially likeable and easy-going. A lot of the book deals with his childhood, family, and early years - a typical New York upbringing with exposure to arts and culture. Not dissimilar to what Harvey Fierstein describes in his book (I Was Better Last Night), although Williams' family is a generation older and in some ways more progressive (gay relatives).
I read far more queer biography/memoir, but Williams' various personal connections to the community throughout his life were neat to read about and it was nice to know there were connections back then in the Black community between gays and straights.
The parts about painting were interesting/surprising, and seeing some examples of his work was neat. I think he made a good choice to go with acting, but it's good to have other things to do as well.
Having read about his career as an actor, I imagine that if he had been born ten or twenty years later, he would have had a career that would have easily eclipsed many other actors from that generation. Or if the movie industry had been more interested in casting diverse actors sooner.
Overall, it's a good, fast read for anyone who's loved the actor in any one of his major roles. Great cover. Fast read.
Pairs well with Fierstein's memoir mentioned above; juxtaposes with Unprotected (Billy Porter).
I only knew Williams from his Star Wars character. Literally, unaware of any of his other work. So I read the book for that and because he came out briefly as non-binary, but because people were so cruel had his people walk it back, which is totally his right.
The writing style was upbeat, conversational, and funny. Williams comes across as essentially likeable and easy-going. A lot of the book deals with his childhood, family, and early years - a typical New York upbringing with exposure to arts and culture. Not dissimilar to what Harvey Fierstein describes in his book (I Was Better Last Night), although Williams' family is a generation older and in some ways more progressive (gay relatives).
I read far more queer biography/memoir, but Williams' various personal connections to the community throughout his life were neat to read about and it was nice to know there were connections back then in the Black community between gays and straights.
The parts about painting were interesting/surprising, and seeing some examples of his work was neat. I think he made a good choice to go with acting, but it's good to have other things to do as well.
Having read about his career as an actor, I imagine that if he had been born ten or twenty years later, he would have had a career that would have easily eclipsed many other actors from that generation. Or if the movie industry had been more interested in casting diverse actors sooner.
Overall, it's a good, fast read for anyone who's loved the actor in any one of his major roles. Great cover. Fast read.
Pairs well with Fierstein's memoir mentioned above; juxtaposes with Unprotected (Billy Porter).
February 25, 2024
I tend to avoid celebrity autobiographies. They don't feel objective. They are often ghostwritten to a certain degree (as I believe this book was, or at least the author was assisted). Or they confirm things you already knew and don't make things sound interesting.
I am of the generation where Billy Dee Williams is Lando. And while I very much enjoyed reading about his approach to the character, there's no denying he has led a fascinating life. Growing up in New York in the 1930s, he found himself between the Harlem renaissance and the Civil Rights movement, and his career offered an interesting perspective on what it was like to pursue roles as a Black man in the mid-20th century.
I don't think this book will change anyone's impression of Billy Dee Williams, but I do think his perspective on that period in the 20th century is important, and I'm glad it's documented. I'm also glad the sections about Star Wars didn't feel like fan service, as interesting as they were, but rather something he genuinely enjoyed doing and how he was able to bring his own charisma to a new role in an already massively successful saga.
I am of the generation where Billy Dee Williams is Lando. And while I very much enjoyed reading about his approach to the character, there's no denying he has led a fascinating life. Growing up in New York in the 1930s, he found himself between the Harlem renaissance and the Civil Rights movement, and his career offered an interesting perspective on what it was like to pursue roles as a Black man in the mid-20th century.
I don't think this book will change anyone's impression of Billy Dee Williams, but I do think his perspective on that period in the 20th century is important, and I'm glad it's documented. I'm also glad the sections about Star Wars didn't feel like fan service, as interesting as they were, but rather something he genuinely enjoyed doing and how he was able to bring his own charisma to a new role in an already massively successful saga.
March 2, 2024
I picked this up at the library solely because of the cover and title. Who can resist the charm of Lando? Well, the real Billy Dee apparently isn't so far removed from that old smoothie -- a ladies' man with a flair for style and flamboyance. Of course, he might be exaggerating a lot. His many exes could have a different opinion, and whew, does he ever have a lot of them. The name-dropping was a bit much too, even if they were all people he actually met and had relationships with. He did unquestionably move in famous circles.
But what I enjoyed most was his genuine affection for his parents, grandparents and sister, the family that gave him a rather idyllic childhood for an aspiring artist. No doubt he struggled as well, particularly when parts for Black men were so limited, but between his talent and his lucky circumstances, success was almost inevitable. Being naturally most familiar with his work in Star Wars, I appreciated a look at the many other roles he played, and how those opportunities changed and shifted through the decades. Overall, a fun light read.
But what I enjoyed most was his genuine affection for his parents, grandparents and sister, the family that gave him a rather idyllic childhood for an aspiring artist. No doubt he struggled as well, particularly when parts for Black men were so limited, but between his talent and his lucky circumstances, success was almost inevitable. Being naturally most familiar with his work in Star Wars, I appreciated a look at the many other roles he played, and how those opportunities changed and shifted through the decades. Overall, a fun light read.
March 15, 2024
Grabbed this up immediately on sight. It's a great, interesting, compelling look at the life of someone whose career spanned tumultuous times (within Hollywood and without). There is an unbelievable amount of namedropping going on here, just because Billy's life has placed him in all different kinds of interesting circles. He gives a heartfelt look at his experiences as a Black actor in Hollywood over many decades, and how that experience and the opportunities he was offered and created for himself differed and stayed the same.
Also, I did not understand how much Lando Calrissian has in common with Billy Dee Williams. He's quite the smoothie himself and has had flirtatious with a wide-ranging array of women (and a ton of friendships with gay men where he always seems to feel the need to clearly state he slept on the couch...), someone which I sure wouldn't have committed to paper (but that's his choice).
I was interested to see that he is also anaccomplished painter. Overall, I feel like I learned a great deal about many things and this was well worth reading.
Also, I did not understand how much Lando Calrissian has in common with Billy Dee Williams. He's quite the smoothie himself and has had flirtatious with a wide-ranging array of women (and a ton of friendships with gay men where he always seems to feel the need to clearly state he slept on the couch...), someone which I sure wouldn't have committed to paper (but that's his choice).
I was interested to see that he is also anaccomplished painter. Overall, I feel like I learned a great deal about many things and this was well worth reading.
March 25, 2024
What Have We Here?: Portraits of a Life is an entertaining memoir straight from the heart by the charming and multifaceted Billy Dee Williams. Williams has such a passion for life that comes through in his writing which focuses on his family, career, art, and relationships. In the chapter where he talks about getting the part of Lando Calrissian I could feel his excitement come through about becoming what he always wanted to be which was a swashbuckling hero! There were so many things in this book that I did not know about Billy Dee Williams which made it extremely interesting to read. I love that there were pictures throughout the chapters along with two sections of glossy photos of his family, his different acting roles, and his paintings. Billy Dee Williams is such an accomplished man and his love of life comes through in this fascinating autobiography that I highly recommend.
March 4, 2024
Reading 2024
Book 48: What Have We Here? By Billy Dee Williams
Picked this one up on audio. Wanted to listen to this memoir especially since Billy plays Lando Calrissian in Star Wars. Of course Billy’s voice is so velvety to listen to as he narrates his life.
Synopsis: A film legend recalls his remarkable life of nearly eight decades—a heralded actor who's played the roles he wanted, from Brian’s Song to Lando in the Star Wars universe—unchecked by the racism and typecasting so rife in the mostly all-white industry in which he triumphed.
Review: In some places I felt that the book went off on tangents that lost my interest. Of course, this is Billy’s platform to tell his story and I was along for the ride. What an interesting journey! So many great experiences, and I loved the whole Lando story. My rating 4⭐️.
Book 48: What Have We Here? By Billy Dee Williams
Picked this one up on audio. Wanted to listen to this memoir especially since Billy plays Lando Calrissian in Star Wars. Of course Billy’s voice is so velvety to listen to as he narrates his life.
Synopsis: A film legend recalls his remarkable life of nearly eight decades—a heralded actor who's played the roles he wanted, from Brian’s Song to Lando in the Star Wars universe—unchecked by the racism and typecasting so rife in the mostly all-white industry in which he triumphed.
Review: In some places I felt that the book went off on tangents that lost my interest. Of course, this is Billy’s platform to tell his story and I was along for the ride. What an interesting journey! So many great experiences, and I loved the whole Lando story. My rating 4⭐️.
March 12, 2024
What I find interesting is that this book is very current with Billy Dee Williams writing it in he 86-87th year. A few years ago he started having a recurrent dream that he is saying goodbye to his friends and walking to his car, except he can't find it: getting confused, lost, and unsettled. He doesn't know what the dream means but he doesn't want to take that confusion with him; he wants to feel he has fulfilled his life's purpose.
I don't like the parts of the book that are about his philandering, and I don't care too much for his paintings (although they do seem very professional). It is good that he made some inroads into better roles in the movies. He seemed to do well on Broadway. Of course, I love Star Wars and his part in it. He ends the book with acknowledging his resurrection of the role of Lando.
I don't like the parts of the book that are about his philandering, and I don't care too much for his paintings (although they do seem very professional). It is good that he made some inroads into better roles in the movies. He seemed to do well on Broadway. Of course, I love Star Wars and his part in it. He ends the book with acknowledging his resurrection of the role of Lando.
February 25, 2024
Williams has written a rather lighthearted account of his time on the planet and except for the account of his early years growing up in Harlem and his eccentric family members, and then later the two chapters about Star Wars, I didn't find it all that compelling. I was also unimpressed with his casual mentions of his sexual encounters as a youth and as a young man in his 20s, then his cheating on his wife. Contextually, his acting story is interesting, given the time in which he was growing his fame and his talent through theater (with such superstars as Olivier) and later in movies, as a young black actor. Still, the overall reading experience here is just so-so. And avoid the audiobook, which is voiced by Williams in a halting monotone. Adult.
March 4, 2024
A charming and effortless read, I truly enjoyed getting to know Lando better. Like many Star Wars fans, I only knew Billy Dee Williams as Lando; I had no idea of the rich and varied theater, film, TV, and art life he had lived before and after his time in a galaxy far, far away. I was fascinated to read about Williams's life from past to present--so much name dropping (but not in an obnoxious way)! The only off-putting thing about this recollection was the casual mention of the man's many affairs, extramarital or otherwise, without a hint of self-reflection or remorse. I guess Lando's roots have to come from somewhere. Recommended for casual Star Wars fans, diehards, and everyone in-between, what we have here is a charismatic star who will show you a good time.
March 25, 2024
Williams' complicated and colorful path is a pleasure to follow. While on one hand, the book reads like a lengthy list of names he continually drops, the number of people who participated in the Harlem Renaissance and the heydey of jazz is pretty small. This era, and samples of Williams' early art, area really textured and fascinating. Williams claim is that he strived for excellence and universality in his acting. That leading male roles for black actors were practically non-existent during his prime does not deter him from living life to the fullest. He's open about his various forms of experimentation, and always gentle. Yes, he's the original Lando Calrissian, and always will be. But he's also a lot more.
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