In 1976, he auditioned for the role of Han Solo, during the casting of Star Wars. Although he didn't get the role, he was eventually cast as Lando Calrissian in the two follow-up films The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
Williams guest-starred on That '70s Show as a pastor. When counseling Eric and Donna, Eric continually made Star Wars references to which the pastor replied, "Star Wars is one of the greatest films ever made." He guest-starred on Scrubs as the godfather of J.D.'s love interest in the episode. Turk called him Lando all throughout the episode, much to the annoyance of Williams. In 2014, he appeared on two episodes of Dancing with the Stars, in which he and a partner danced to Meco's version of the Star Wars theme.
- The Jedi Master's Quizbook
- "Star Wars 10th Anniversary Convention!!" — The Lucasfilm Fan Club Magazine 1
- Billy Dee Williams: The Life and Times of Lando Calrissian on Hyperspace
- "Assistant of the Empire" — Star Wars Insider 147
- "Classic Moment: Lando's Second Surprise" — Star Wars Insider 152
- Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga – The Official Collector's Edition