In the annals of theatrical history, Billy Dee Williams embarked on his thespian journey at the tender age of 7 upon the illustrious boards of Broadway. Subsequently, he catapulted into the expansive realm of "Star Wars" as one of its most captivating personalities, leaving scant room for ennui amidst his endeavors.

Reflecting on his myriad exploits, Williams modestly remarks, "One might venture to deem it a replete existence," a notion scarcely disputed upon perusing his densely packed memoir titled "What Have We Here? Portrait of a "Typically, I refrain from self- exposition, yet the present juncture seems opportune," he adds.

The octogenarian luminary, adept in the realms of acting, painting, and now literature, regales readers with anecdotes spanning his myriad passions and magnum opuses: how he evoked tears from stoic spectators in "Brian's Song," harmonized with Diana Ross in the cinematic symphony of "Lady Sings the Blues," and debuted spectacularly as Lando Calrissian in "The Empire Strikes Back."

Anecdotes abound of his camaraderie with luminaries and cultural icons such as Duke Ellington and Barbra Streisand, as well as his intimate bond with his offspring, Corey, who occasionally doubles for him in cinematic stunts. However, interspersed with these tales of triumph are accounts of arduous times, particularly during the civil rights epoch, when securing employment as a Black performer proved exceeding arduous. Anticipating a sequel, Williams harbors aspirations of publishing a coffee-table compendium chronicling his journey through the medium of paint, boasting a collection 300 pieces.

Concurrently, he finds himself contemplating his legacy and existential significance. Reminiscing about his formative years in Harlem, Williams recollects his identification with JD Salinger's protagonist, Holden Caulfield, in "The Catcher in the Rye." "I vividly recall relating to the protagonist, perceiving a reflection of myself—a perpetual voyager, imbued not with malice, but an innocence and naivety," he muses. "Indeed, that essence still pervades my being, akin to a receptacle eagerly absorbing the elixir of life and its myriad wonders. "
In dialogue with USA TODAY, Williams expounds upon his profound familial bonds, illustrious acquaintances, and the nebulous terrain of his future endeavors.

In the nascent stages of your narrative, you allude to an ethos of "Excellence, filial pride, and audience captivation ." Do you perceive these tenets as guiding principles throughout your illustrious career?

"My genesis within this realm stems from maternal impetus. In her youth, she harbored dreams of celluloid stardom—a prospect rendered implausible by the era's stringent mores. Nevertheless, she years devoted to operatic pursuits,her comeliness and benevolence unfaltering. Hence, I endeavored to realize her aspirations vicariously."

"I am a scion of an illustrious lineage, the culmination of an esteemed lineage. We're I afforded another iteration of this existence, I would fervently opt for an exact replication of my progenitors—my maternal and paternal figures, my maternal progenitor, and my fraternal twin. Their influence upon my trajectory remains indelible, a testament to my profound gratitude."

Your candor regarding matters of the heart, specifically your avowed susceptibility to the allure of love and romance, is noteworthy. Was divulging such intimacies a daunting endeavor?

"At this juncture of my sojourn, I am disposed to regard such recollections with an air of amusement—an inclination shared, I daresay, by acquaintances conversant with my disposition. My attitude towards such matters is imbued with whimsy, characterized by a penchant for curiosity rather than unbridled self-indulgence. Indeed, my sojourn has unfolded as an enthralling odyssey, replete with moments of serendipitous discovery." 

I harbored profound admiration for Brando, an iconoclast whose artistic oeuvre deeply deeply with me. Concurrently, James Baldwin, an intimate confidant, entrusted me with the portrayal of Malcolm X for Columbia Pictures. During an encounter at Brando's domicile, a party was in progress—a milieu ripe with intrigue. Subsequently, we found ourselves ensconced within his library, engaging in a protracted dialogue that spanned an hour. Brando exuded an almost childlike exuberance, his effervescence palpable. Akin in astrological disposition—both being Aries—our affinity was unmistakable."