There is more to Billy Dee Williams than his role as Lando Calrissian in The Empire Strikes Back: in addition to numerous other acting roles – including his long-time stint as the spokesperson for Colt 45 beer – he’s an avid painter and often shows his work in town at the Liss Gallery. But for those heading down to Toronto Comic Con (a pop-culture convention at the Direct Energy Centre, March 18-20) dressed as imperial guards, Wookies and Jedi Knights, it is all about Lando.
We tracked down Williams to settle the score once and for all.
What do you get asked most often at an event like a fan expo?
Well, they remember me for all the movies, like Lady Sings the Blues, Brian’s Song, Mahogany, Nighthawks, the Colt 45 commercials that I did for about nine years. I get a lot of that from the young guys, bringing their large bottles of Colt 45. But you know, the Star Wars movies, too.
Have your Star Wars fans forgiven you for handing over Han Solo to the Imperial Fleet?
Oh yeah. [Laughter]
They don’t hold a grudge?
I think people are starting to understand what that whole situation was all about. That was a very delicate kind of situation. Poor Lando lost his whole situation as a result of that.
Right. He was under threat.
[Silence].
Lando has got to be one of the most popular Star Wars characters ever. Why do you think that is?
Well, Lando was a very charming guy, you know. Characters who have something dubious about them are always interesting. They’re good guys, but you’re not always sure where they’re coming from.
Right. They could be double-crossing you.
Yeah, you don’t know. But that’s always a good character to play. But certainly me playing that character makes a huge difference … Because of the, well, you know, I have good looks.
The ladies do love Lando.
Yeah, I got the Billy Dee looks, the Billy Dee charm.
And I hear you’re doing a guest spot on White Collar this year.
Yeah, I don’t know exactly when it’s coming on, but it’s a good character. An old-time gangster.
Kind of a sneaky guy, similar to Lando? No, no, he’s not sneaky. Lando’s not sneaky!
Well, that dubious quality you were talking about.
Well, yeah. He’s a good guy–bad guy–good guy. Charming, charming is the word.