The adventurous life of Billy Dee Williams
CBSN
Valentine's Day at the historic Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, in Harlem, served as the perfect backdrop for Billy Dee Williams' fans to show their love. Williams, now 86, helped define the modern romantic leading man on the big screen, first in 1972 opposite Diana Ross in "Lady Sings the Blues," then again three years later in "Mahogany." "I decided to become a romantic figure on the screen," he said.
Was that a literal decision, to become a romantic figure? "Yeah. I've always wanted to be. I used to tell my mom I want to be like Rudolph Valentino!"
Williams didn't stop at Rudolph Valentino; he added a little Errol Flynn, as a suave swashbuckler in a cape in "The Empire Strikes Back." His introductory line to Princess Leia – "Hello, what have we here?" – became the title of his new memoir. It details his public and personal life; his close friendship with James Baldwin; backstage conservations with Laurence Olivier; and his love of being in love. He writes: "I had a weakness when it came to love and romance. The first moment of eye contact, a glance indicating interest, a mischievous smile, a sexy walk, a playful touch. That was my song."
