The Warmth Of A Contented Life

"What Have We Here? Portraits of a Life," Billy Dee Williams, 2024.

Before we learn of his richly-told Harlem upbringing, and the spark of his lifelong love for theater, Williams' memoir begins with a prologue. 

In little more than four pages, Williams reflects on what it is like to look back from late in life. He is a contented man, knowing what happiness he has brought, and what he has enjoyed.

It's worth reading these pages, even if you don't read the rest of the book, to reflect on how many — or how few — of us will be able to do the same at the end of our lives.

This is not your standard lead-actor memoir. Williams goes deep in this book. He reflects on moments of beauty in life. He explores how being suave doesn't mean being macho. He explores aspects that many would consider gender-fluid. Although frequently only an observer, his life has been one relishing the rich textures of experience, and appreciating fascinating people. He feasts on life in an open, often sensual way. Better than most writers, he describes the experience of growing close to someone, whether friend or lover, to the point where the rest of the world blurs. And then, some time later, realizing the moment has passed, with fondness and affection for the richness such connections give us, accepting it is time to move on.

I enjoyed his recounting of moments from behind the scenes in many of his plays and movies — in particular Mahogany, the love story that I think is his best work. He frequently shares the frustration of being considered "the Black Robert Redford," being compared favorably to any other number of white leading men — but rarely thought of as a leading man in his own right for Hollywood mainstream movies. He pursued a successful career despite obstacles of perception. His journey was not always smooth, but it was always positive. He's collaborative, and kind, and curious about life's wonders.

This book is best when exploring the arc of a life rather than the arc of his career. It shines with warmth.