BILLY DEE WILLIAMS: Lando’s Significance to Star Wars, Chemistry with Diana Ross & Innate Smoothness

Billy Dee Williams (Star Wars, Brian’s Song) joins us this week to reflect on his incredible legacy in this industry - from the importance of his casting as Lando Calrissian in Star Wars, to his chemistry with Diana Ross, and why he’s steadfast with his unique creative approach rather than playing the victim.

Truly appreciate Billy Dee coming on the podcast as a self admitted ‘private person,’ his honestly about dark times in life and the idea of not dwelling on the negatives was refreshing.

Tons of stories about the golden age of Hollywood in this episode, hope you enjoy and make sure to check out his book What Have We Here?

Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
3:26 - Billy Dee Williams
7:01 - Product of an eclectic upbringing
11:09 - Crying his was into show business
13:30 - Trying not to dwell + Life is hard
17:32 - Meeting Laurence Olivier + Old Hollywood
20:39 - Breaking the rules in acting
23:10 - Shopify
24:59 - Rocket Money
26:41 - Scaring himself in roles
32:10 - Darkest time in his life
35:15 - Lady Sings the Blues + Diana Ross giddiness
37:24 - Brian's Song experience + Academy snub
39:50 - Funny Nighthawks story with Stallone
41:20 - Star Wars experience and flak
43:34 - Discover
44:30 - Embodying Lando Calrissian
46:01 - Time with Carrie Fisher
47:50 - NEW BOOK What Have We Here?
50:02 - Reflecting on his legacy + crazy life altering trip
55:42 - I did it my way...
58:30 - Outro
1:00:22 - Couldn’t do it without you

Thank you to our sponsors:
🚀 Rocket Money: https://rocketmoney.com/inside
❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/inside
🟠 Discover: https://discvr.co/3Cnb1V8
👕 Inside Of You Merch: https://store.insideofyoupodcast.com

Follow us on:
⚃ Rumble: https://rumble.com/insideofyoupodcast
▶️ Youtube: https://youtube.com/insideofyoupodcast
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/insideofyoupodcast
🤣 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@insideofyou_podcast
📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/insideofyoupodcast
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/insideofyoupod
🌐 Website: https://www.insideofyoupodcast.com/