Billy Dee Williams, the actor who plays Lando Calrissian in “Star Wars,” just opened up about his use of gender-fluid pronouns. Williams is reprising his role as Lando for the first time since 1983 in “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.”
Williams described the key to his infamously cool persona during an interview with Esquire, and he used both male and female pronouns.
“I never tried to be anything except myself,” he said. “I think of myself as a relatively colorful character who doesn’t take himself or herself too seriously.”
The 82-year-old actor then explained why he uses both pronouns to refer to himself.
“You see, I say ‘himself’ and ‘herself,’ because I also see myself as feminine as well as masculine,” Williams said. “I’m a very soft person. I’m not afraid to show that side of myself.”
Esquire writer Matt Miller pointed out that Donald Glover, who played Lando in 2018’s “Solo,” talked about the character’s gender fluidity. In response, Williams “lighted up” and responded: “Really? That kid is brilliant.
Lando is pansexual, as confirmed by “Star Wars” writer Jonathan Kasdan in 2018.
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” is out on December 19.
Update 12/5/19: After widespread reporting of his new pronouns, Billy Dee Williams said his comments to Esquire were misunderstood: “What the hell is gender fluid?”
