Seventies sex symbol born Billy December Williams along with his twin sister Loretta in New York on April 6, 1937, better known as Billy D. Williams was most famously known for his roles in Lady Sings The Blue, Mahogany, Dynasty and Empire Strikes Back, in which he was the first black actor to have a major role in the Star Wars series.
We might all think of Billy Dee Williams as an actor, but according to Williams, he considers himself first and foremost to be a painter. In high school, he focused on visual arts, and he went to college to focus on the classical principles of painting.
In fact, Williams turned to acting to help pay for painting supplies and canvas. His paintings have been put on display in the National Air and Space Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the African-American Museum of Art, Culture and History in New Orleans, as well as several other places.
In total, Billy Dee Williams has completed over 300 paintings and has said that he sees his painting as his legacy.
