While he continued to paint he starred in his first film, The Last Angry Man (1959), and the television movie Brian’s Song (1971), which earned him an Emmy nomination.

In 1980 he found himself cast as Lando Calrissian in The Empire Strikes Back, becoming the first Black actor with a major role in the Star Wars franchise. Over the years he would reprise his role as Lando Calrissian.

Williams’ filmography also includes more than 70 credits dating back to 1966, including roles on Gideon’s Crossing, General Hospital, NCIS, and Dancing with the Stars.

In his memoir, What Have We Here?: Portraits of A Life, Williams recalled the time Marlon Brando made sexual advances as the two stood in the library of Brando’s house while the Hollywood star held a party.

“I prefer women,” Williams responded.

As recent as 2019, rumors of Williams’ gender identity and sexuality have begun to swirl as the actor referred to himself as “feminine as well as masculine” in an Esquire interview.