Uploaded February 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
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In conversation with award-winning journalist and broadcaster Tracey Matisak
Screen icon Billy Dee Williams is perhaps best known for his role as Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars movies The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker. His dozens of other film appearances, which date back to the 1950s, include roles in Lady Sings the Blues, Brian’s Song, Mahogany, Nighthawks, and too many others to list; his similarly prolific television career includes starring turns, appearances, and cameos in more than 40 dramas, sitcoms, and TV movies; and he has acted in seven acclaimed Broadway plays. His many honors include induction into the Black Filmmaker’s Hall of Fame, two NAACP Image Awards, a primetime Emmy nomination, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and recognition from the African-American Film Critics Association. Also a prolific and prize-winning painter, Williams has seen his work displayed in museums and galleries around the world. In What Have We Here, he tells the story of his childhood in 1930s Harlem, his remarkable career, and his triumph over Hollywood racism and typecasting.
Recorded February 17, 2024
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Podcast Archive: libwww.freelibrary.org/programs/authorevents/podcast
The views expressed by the authors and moderators are strictly their own and do not represent the opinions of the Free Library of Philadelphia or its employees.
Because you love Author Events, please make a donation to keep this series available to everyone: support.freelibrary.org/site/Donation2?df_id=1860&mfc_pref=T&1860.donation=form1
In conversation with award-winning journalist and broadcaster Tracey Matisak
Screen icon Billy Dee Williams is perhaps best known for his role as Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars movies The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker. His dozens of other film appearances, which date back to the 1950s, include roles in Lady Sings the Blues, Brian’s Song, Mahogany, Nighthawks, and too many others to list; his similarly prolific television career includes starring turns, appearances, and cameos in more than 40 dramas, sitcoms, and TV movies; and he has acted in seven acclaimed Broadway plays. His many honors include induction into the Black Filmmaker’s Hall of Fame, two NAACP Image Awards, a primetime Emmy nomination, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and recognition from the African-American Film Critics Association. Also a prolific and prize-winning painter, Williams has seen his work displayed in museums and galleries around the world. In What Have We Here, he tells the story of his childhood in 1930s Harlem, his remarkable career, and his triumph over Hollywood racism and typecasting.
Recorded February 17, 2024
Facebook: facebook.com/authorevents
Instagram: instagram.com/flpauthorevents
Twitter: twitter.com/authorevents
Podcast Archive: libwww.freelibrary.org/programs/authorevents/podcast
The views expressed by the authors and moderators are strictly their own and do not represent the opinions of the Free Library of Philadelphia or its employees.
