What Have We Here?: Portraits of a Life

by Billy Dee Williams

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • 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.

“Effortlessly charming. . . [Williams] writes with clarity and intimacy, revealing the person behind the persona.” —Maya S. Cade, The New York Times Book Review

“The story of a legend, written by the legend himself! Impressive, inspiring, entertaining and endearing.” —J. J. Abrams

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Star Wars, Audiobook, Autobiography, Biography Memoir

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 13, 2024

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

"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.

[Martin Maenza · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Dayle (the literary llama) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love listening to non fiction in the author’s own voice but having the physical copy, filled with pictures of people and art mentioned, is also a blessing I’m glad I had. So, if you’re able, do a bit of both.

An interesting autobiography that really focused on Billy Dee the man, his life, loves, and family, versus just remembrances or anecdotes as an actor. Though, his entire life is still filled with names and notables and we do get glimpses of his most memorable roles too. There is a lot of kindness and gratitude throughout as well as a deep appreciation for art as a whole. His experiences guided him but it was clearly a strong and beautiful family that shaped him. I definitely teared up a couple times. A rare talent on both stage and screen, on canvas, and with charm and appeal to many, discovering his thoughts and take on his own life was entertaining and a thoughtful experience.

* I received a free audio copy from the publisher

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Monita Roy Mohan · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Bernardo Martinho · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, Billy Dee Williams was Lando Calrissian. And it was one of the main aspects that made me want to read his autobiography. This book made me realize how much more he is than just a character. Yes, he's that intergalactic swashbuckler hero, but he's also Louis McKay, Brian Walker, Martin Luther King Jr., Harvey Dent and so much more. A painter. A sex symbol. A son, a brother, a father and a grandfather. Someone who grew up at a time when Hollywood didn't fully embrace him because of his skin color, and yet he was able to turn it around. In short, an extraordinary human being with 80+ years of incredible, sad and funny stories to tell, not just about his career as an actor, but about everything that defined him.

It's impossible not to admire the greatness of Billy Dee's life, his principles and his battles. And by the end he inspired me to be someone better and to reflect on life’s choices and meaning.

Chandelier.

[Cel · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Kent Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[KOMET · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT HAVE WE HERE? : Portraits of a Life is Billy Dee Williams' memoir. Actor, artist, bon vivant, ladies man, seeker, humanitarian. Taken together, these words encapsulate the essence of a unique and extraordinary man whose work as an actor spanned and, in many ways, defined the second half of the 20th century.

Prior to reading this book, I had to some extent been aware of Billy Dee Williams' work as an actor from the 1970s, having watched him in movies such as "Lady Sings the Blues", "Mahogany", "Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings", "The Empire Strikes Back", and "Return of the Jedi." I also remember seeing him during the 1980s in a series of seductive TV beer commercials and in the popular night-time soap "Dynasty" opposite Diahann Carroll (whom I learned in the memoir had attended the same high school as Billy Dee in New York). He struck me as a cool, urbane dude. But at the same time, I never evinced any interest or curiosity about his personal life. All I knew about the latter is that he had married a Japanese-American woman and had children.

In WHAT HAVE WE HERE?, Billy Dee Williams speaks with considerable candor about his life, his family (both his parents were strivers, hard working, and loving and supportive of Billy Dee and his twin sister whom the family affectionately referred to as 'Lady'; Williams also speaks with affection and respect for his maternal grandmother, a British subject who hailed originally from the Caribbean island of Monserrat and had immigrated with her husband to the U.S. in the early 20th century; following the death of her husband, she lived with Williams and his family and wielded a considerable influence in his early life, along with his mother whom he dearly loved and cherished), and the people -- many of them some of the most famous and notable people in the movies and music -- with whom he worked and had relationships, professional and/or personal.

From reading other Goodreads reviews of memoirs, it surprises me how some reviewers decry the use of "name dropping" by the memoirist in tracing the arc of his/her life. That makes no sense to me. After all, don't most of us read memoirs of famous or noteworthy people because we want to know something, not only about the memoirist, but also the correspondingly famous or notable people who figured significantly in the life of the memoirist? Well, I love the "name dropping", especially when it's spiced with stories by the memoirist that give me, the reader, a glimpse or insight into what that person was really like on a uniquely human level.

I'm glad I read this book because I learned A LOT MORE about Billy Dee Williams, who, it became clear to me, has an artistic soul and humanist approach to life. The memoir has plenty of photos from various times in Billy Dee Williams' life in addition to photos of his paintings, which display his talents in that medium as well.

WHAT HAVE WE HERE? is one of the best, most interesting memoirs I've read in a long time. It has deepened both my respect and admiration for Billy Dee Williams, who, despite the obstacles and challenges he faced in his life and career, refused to sell himself short. Soon to be 87, he's still going strong.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prior to listening to this memoir, Billy Dee was only Lando Calrissian to me. I feel lucky to have read this and now know him to be so much more. I’ve listened to Matthew McConaughey, to Dave Grohl, to Bono, to Prince Harry. But never before have I been charmed by a memoir like I was with Billy Dee. He starts recounting his romantic exploits by explaining that he got a girl to climax without even touching her. I mean, 1) what’s there to say after that? 2) please tell me more.

It was interesting listening to this after having recently listened to Barbra Streisand’s memoir, and to peripherally compare and contrast the obstacles they encountered and overcame (or didn’t). I loved that he talked about seeing Streisand at the Bon Soir, and I loved that both of them talked of their (different yet) deep love for Brando. Again, I really had no idea of his early success, exploits, fame, etc. It was enlightening.

All this, and yet the best was finally getting to Star Wars. The vim and vigor with which BD recounts his excitement learning about the character - and the cape! - and playing the part — it’s gracious and rewarding. I loved his unabashed love for Star Wars when I feel he would be warranted in those feelings being more muted.

His love for his parents is so palpable. Billy Dee’s voice cracks when he talks about his father’s passing. His “advice from this old man” at the end is perfect in its wisdom. Lovely man. Lovely words. Lovely tribute to the challenges but the beauty of a full life lived.

[Thom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up on impulse from the library, I finished the first two chapters quickly. Noted that the author read the audiobook, so I checked that out also. While the quotes are great (his voice hasn't lost a step), the author stumbles a bit on the rest of the text. Went back to the hardcover.

Billy Dee Williams has led a heck of a life, intersecting with singers, painters, directors, and actors of both stage and screen. He pulls few punches here, charting the course of a Hollywood with only certain roles for black actors. Through it all, charm and sensitivity nearly always helped him take the high road.

If anything, this memoire doesn't have enough detail on a whole life. Regardless, it was a very enjoyable way to spend a few hours of reading, over the course of a few weeks.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Justin Bitner · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[kesseljunkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billy Dee Williams is a beautiful man, and I love him a little more now than I did.

[Dee Dee G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Williams really has a kind soul. He read this himself, so keep in mind that he’s elderly now so his words sound a bit slurred at times listening to the audiobook.

[Kat V · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aww I didn’t know he was a twin! I wonder why he’s so against being an activist. Ok there’s a lot of drama in his love life. If you’re looking for Star Wars skip to chapter 16. I love how much he loves Lando Calrissian. I admit that I was completely unaware of the DV charges and I have no idea if I believe his story or not but I would not have picked up this book if I had known. Very disappointed. He sounds like someone who concocted a cover story he knows nobody can refute but that’s just my gut instinct. I’ll need to look into that after I finish the book. Conflicted about this one. Leaving it at a neutral 3 stars

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billy Dee Williams loves the ladies and he loves the name-dropping. I didn't really know what I was expecting when I grabbed this book by random from the library, but it was surprisingly nuanced! He's got great perspectives and insight on the craft of acting, especially for the stage, and seems to have a real appreciation for the arts. I also just adored how he spoke about his family, especially his kids. It's very clear that despite the drama with their moms, he loves his kids to the moon and back. The constant lady drama and mentions about how much people loved him were borderline obnoxious at a certain point, but his insight on how his film career was impacted by his skin color and the racism at the time made me weirdly sympathetic that we never got a Billy Dee Williams romance era. He would've killed it, especially given how he was passionate about the genre.

Star Wars and Batman don't come in until the 70% mark and barely get a mention compared to the rest of his thoughts on his career, but it was still an incredibly enjoyable read.

[Barry Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whether in his breakthrough role as a football player in "Brian's Song," a suave lover in "Lady Sings The Blues," and "Mahogany," TV's "Dynasty" or the dashing Landau Calrissian in the "Star Wars" franchise, Billy Dee Williams has been a striking and talented actor. Less well known are his real-life roles as an equally talented painter, father, and family man. This memoir paints a portrait of his entire career from the art world, theatre, television, film and ad spokesperson in all its variety and complexity. A solid depiction of a gifted human being. - BH.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a hard read. Listening to him was difficult because it almost felt exploitive to have him read this.

That aside, it was really interesting to learn about his career and everything he did prior to Star Wars, and even after. I loved hearing his take on what makes a leading man, and I wish that Hollywood had pulled their heads out of their asses to make that a reality.

A really great read, but I would recommend reading this with your eyes and not your ears, it might make it more enjoyable.

[Autumn Kearney · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Topeka · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to read and hear about Billy Dee Williams' life and perspectives in his words and legendary voice. There were so many things learned and remembered while reading his story. I truly enjoyed his truth and his vulnerability. What an icon!!!

And he will always be Lando Calrissian. (Smile)

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

As celeb memoirs go, this is one of the best if for no other reason than the excellent writing style: The text sounds like BDW, whom I like as an actor, which makes the book that much better. Way to go, Lando.

[Brightness · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Knotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! Loved learning so much film history with the man, the myth, and the Colt 45 LEGEND!!
Loved listening to Billy Dee’s narration. I sped it up at some points. He did a magnificent job.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Autobiography

A nice account of Billy Dee Williams life. I had no knowledge of his early career so I was very interested there. The rest is fun and heartwarming.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extraordinary man detailing his extraordinary life ❤️

[MaryAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved listening to Billy Dee Williams's life story. He has lived a fascinating life and has a wonderful attitude about people and life itself.