Billy Dee Williams (April
6): Williams is one of the busiest African-American actors of his, or
any, generation. He worked steadily as a young man in TV and small film roles,
until his breakout turn in 1971's "Brian's Song." He followed that with memorable
roles in "Lady Sings the Blues ... more," "Mahogany" and as Lando Calrissian in "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi." He was especially compelling in "Batman" (1989) as Harvey Dent. He's had cameos in "Scrubs"
and a recurring self-parody bit in "Jimmy
Kimmel Live" and has several films in production. Words of wisdom: "I tell
my son Corey that the greatest teacher is the teacher who says, 'Don't follow
me, follow yourself. Because within you there is that kingdom, that life, that
force.'" (Sara De Boer/Retna Ltd.)
