Billy Dee Williams Net Worth

What Is Billy Dee Williams’ Net Worth?

Billy Dee Williams, a multifaceted American actor, singer, and TV personality, has cultivated a substantial career over several decades. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be $9 million. This wealth has been accumulated through various avenues, including his notable roles in film and television, endorsements, and other ventures.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born William December Williams Jr. on April 6, 1937, in New York City, Billy Dee Williams’ upbringing was steeped in artistic influence. His mother, Loretta Anne, was an aspiring opera singer, and his father, William December Williams Sr., worked diligently to support the family. Williams, along with his twin sister Loretta, was primarily raised by their grandmother while their parents worked multiple jobs. This environment instilled in him a deep appreciation for the arts from a young age.

Williams’ formal education further nurtured his artistic inclinations. He graduated from the LaGuardia High School of Music & Performing Arts in 1955, where he majored in arts with a focus on visual arts. His talent earned him a two-year scholarship to the National Academy of Fine Arts and Design in New York, where he dedicated himself to mastering classical painting techniques. At the young age of 19, he was nominated for a Guggenheim Fellowship grant and won a Hallgarten Prize in the mid-1950s. Later, he honed his acting skills at the Harlem Actors Workshop, studying under the mentorship of the esteemed Sidney Poitier.

Williams’ journey into show business began on the stage. He made his debut at the tender age of seven in the 1945 production of “The Firebrand of Florence.” His first significant break on Broadway came with the play “A Taste of Honey.” Over the years, he periodically returned to the stage, appearing in productions such as “I Have a Dream” and “Fences.”

Film and Television Career Highlights

Billy Dee Williams transitioned to film with his debut in 1959’s “The Last Angry Man.” However, it was his role as Chicago Bears player Gale Sayers in the 1971 TV movie “Brian’s Song” that brought him widespread recognition. His performance earned him an Emmy nomination for Best Actor, marking a turning point in his career. Following the success of “Brian’s Song,” Williams secured a seven-year contract with Motown’s Berry Gordy, solidifying his position in the entertainment industry.

A year later, he starred alongside Diana Ross in the Billie Holiday biopic “Lady Sings the Blues.” By 1975, Williams had become a prominent Black actor in America. In 1980, Billy Dee Williams took on what is arguably his most iconic role: Lando Calrissian in the “Star Wars” film franchise. His first appearance was in “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980), followed by “Return of the Jedi” (1983), and later, “The Rise of Skywalker” (2019), reprising his role as the charming and resourceful character. Between his Star Wars appearances, he also starred alongside Sylvester Stallone in the 1981 thriller “Nighthawks.”

Williams’ role in the 1989 film “Batman” was initially intended to be more expansive. He played Gotham City district attorney Harvey Dent, who later transforms into the supervillain Two-Face. However, Tommy Lee Jones was cast in the role in the sequel “Batman Forever.” Williams eventually voiced Two-Face in the 2017 animated film “The Lego Batman Movie.”

His television career also includes a recurring guest-starring role on “Gideon’s Crossing.” He played Brady Lloyd in the 1984-1985 season of “Dynasty.” Additionally, he collaborated with actress Marla Gibbs in three sitcoms: “The Jeffersons,” “227,” and “The Hughleys.” In 1992, Williams portrayed Berry Gordy in “The Jacksons: An American Dream.” He also made guest appearances on “A Different World,” “Martin,” “In Living Color,” “That ’70s Show” as Pastor Dan, “Scrubs,” “General Hospital,” “Titan Maximum,” “The Boondocks,” and “White Collar.” In 2012, he reunited with Diana Ross on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” after nearly 30 years. In 2013, he made a cameo as himself on “Modern Family.” In 2014, he participated in the 18th season of “Dancing with the Stars,” but had to withdraw due to a back injury after week three.

Other Ventures and Income Streams

Beyond acting, Billy Dee Williams has also been successful in television commercials, most notably his advertisements for Colt 45 malt liquor. He has also been a frequent guest at fan conventions, particularly science fiction conventions, due to his iconic role as Lando Calrissian. In the late 1980s, Williams returned to painting, dedicating more of his time to his art. He has recorded a jazz LP titled “Let’s Misbehave” and has written two books, “PSI/Net” and “JUST/In Time,” adding to his diversified portfolio.

Personal Life and Real Estate

Williams has been married three times. He first married Audrey Sellers in 1959, and they had a son, Corey Dee Williams, before divorcing. In 1968, he married Marlene Clark, but they divorced in 1971. In December 1972, he married Teruko Nakagami, with whom he has a daughter, Hanako. Although they filed for divorce in 1993, they later reconciled and were living together again by 1997.

In January 1996, Williams was arrested for allegedly assaulting his live-in girlfriend. He was released on $50,000 bail and later agreed to undergo 52 counseling sessions as part of a plea bargain.

Regarding real estate, Billy Dee Williams owned a property in Beverly Hills, which he purchased in 1984 for $553,000. He initially listed the home for sale in 2011 for $4.5 million but eventually sold it for $2.8 million.

Billy Dee Williams’ Net Worth Components

Billy Dee Williams’ $9 million net worth is the result of a diverse range of income streams and assets accumulated over his long and successful career:

• Acting Income: This includes his earnings from film and television roles, starting with early stage performances and leading to iconic roles in “Star Wars,” “Batman,” and numerous television series. Specific salary figures for individual roles are not publicly available, but these roles have undoubtedly contributed significantly to his wealth.
• Endorsement Deals: His endorsements, particularly his commercials for Colt 45 malt liquor, have provided a steady income stream. The financial details of these endorsement deals are not public knowledge.
• Real Estate: His Beverly Hills property, bought for $553,000 in 1984 and sold for $2.8 million in 2011, contributed substantially to his net worth. This sale resulted in a considerable profit, enhancing his overall financial standing.
• Literary Works and Music: Revenue from his jazz LP, “Let’s Misbehave,” and his two books, “PSI/Net” and “JUST/In Time,” add to his income. While the exact sales figures are not available, these creative endeavors provide supplementary earnings.
• Fan Convention Appearances: Appearances at science fiction conventions as a featured guest, capitalizing on his Lando Calrissian role, generate income through appearance fees and autograph sales. Specific figures for these appearances are not publicly disclosed.

These elements collectively establish Billy Dee Williams’ financial position, reflecting his accomplishments in the entertainment industry and diverse business ventures. The actor’s career longevity continues to contribute to his Billy Dee Williams’ Net Worth.