Most people know Billy Dee Williams as the smooth, charming actor from Star Wars — the one who played Lando Calrissian. But very few people know about the woman who’s been by his side for more than 50 years. Her name is Teruko Nakagami, and her story is just as fascinating as her famous husband’s.
Teruko Nakagami is more than just “Billy Dee Williams’ wife.” She has lived a full and quiet life, with a past that includes love, strength, and big moments in history. In this article, we’ll talk about her early life, her past marriage to a jazz legend, how she met Billy Dee Williams, and how she became one of the most private yet powerful people in Hollywood relationships.
Let’s start from the beginning.
Teruko Nakagami Quick Bio
| Full Name | Teruko Irene Nakagami |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1946 |
| Age (2025) | 78 years old |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | Japanese-American |
| Ethnicity | Asian |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 5’5″ (165 cm) |
| Weight | 121 lbs (55 kg) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Billy Dee Williams |
| Ex-Husband | Wayne Shorter |
| Children | 2 (Miyako and Hanako) |
| Current Residence | Studio City, California, USA |
| Profession | Former model and actress (unconfirmed) |
| Famous For | Being Billy Dee Williams’ wife |
Who Is Teruko Nakagami?
Teruko Nakagami is a Japanese-American woman best known as the wife of actor Billy Dee Williams. She has been in the spotlight quietly for decades, not for her own fame, but because of the well-known men she married — first, jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter, and then Billy Dee Williams.
Even though she is connected to two major stars, Teruko has always stayed away from Hollywood lights. She prefers a calm, private life, and that’s part of what makes her story so interesting. According to Legit.ng, she has always chosen peace over publicity.
Teruko Nakagami’s Early Life and Childhood
Teruko was born in 1946 in Chicago, Illinois. But life was not easy in her early years. When she was just six years old, she and her twin sister were sent to a Japanese-American internment camp in California during World War II. This was a dark time in U.S. history when many Japanese-American families were forced from their homes.
Imagine being that young and taken away from everything you know. Teruko faced it all with strength. She later talked about playing childhood games in the camp, finding joy even in hard times. This experience shaped her into someone strong, calm, and quiet — traits that would help her later in life.
Her birth name was Irene Nakagami, but she changed it to Teruko, embracing her Japanese roots more deeply.
Her First Marriage to Wayne Shorter
Before Billy Dee Williams, Teruko was married to Wayne Shorter, a famous jazz saxophonist and composer. They got married on July 28, 1961, when she was still very young. The marriage brought them a daughter, Miyako, born later that same year.
Wayne Shorter deeply loved Teruko and even dedicated music to her. He described her as looking like a Japanese Audrey Hepburn, and her photo was featured on the cover of his 1966 album “Speak No Evil.” That’s a big deal — not many people can say they’re on the cover of a legendary jazz album!
He also wrote songs like “Infant Eyes” and “Miyako” as gifts for their daughter. So even though the marriage didn’t last, their time together left a lasting mark on music history.
How She Met Billy Dee Williams?
After her marriage to Wayne Shorter ended, Teruko’s life moved in a new direction. Not long after, she met Billy Dee Williams, who was already building a strong acting career.
We don’t know the exact moment they met, but it’s clear that their bond was powerful. Billy has said in interviews that Teruko brought peace and calm into his life. She had a strong sense of honor and values, something he deeply respected.
Billy once said:
“She forces me to deal with things. Otherwise, I’d be running around like a crazy person.”
It’s clear that Teruko wasn’t just a partner — she helped him grow and stay balanced during the busy years of fame.
Wedding and Life Together
Billy Dee Williams and Teruko Nakagami got married on December 27, 1972, in a small private ceremony in Tokyo, Japan. They wanted a quiet start, far away from all the media attention in Hollywood.
In 1973, just one year after their wedding, they welcomed their daughter Hanako Williams. The couple lived in a peaceful home above the Hollywood Hills — not too fancy or flashy, just the way Teruko liked it.
Their life together wasn’t all easy, but it was real. They shared many quiet years, built a strong family, and stayed close even when things got tough. That’s rare in Hollywood.
Meet Their Daughter Hanako Williams
Their daughter, Hanako, grew up to live a creative and meaningful life. She became the general manager of an art gallery in Los Angeles, showing that art and calm expression run in the family.
Hanako married Liam Toohey, and together they have two children — a daughter named Lucie Katsumi and a son named Finnegan Ichiro. Teruko and Billy are now loving grandparents, often spending time with their grandkids.
In 2015, they even appeared with Finnegan at a Star Wars premiere in Hollywood — a sweet family moment that reminded everyone how close they still are.
Teruko Nakagami’s Impact on Billy Dee Williams’ Life
It’s clear that Teruko Nakagami is not just Billy Dee Williams’ wife — she has played a big role in his personal growth and peace of mind. In interviews, Billy often praised her character. He said she had strong values, calm energy, and a deep sense of honor — something he connected to her Japanese background.
She didn’t just support him as a wife. She helped guide him when he felt overwhelmed or stressed. Billy once shared that she had a way of “calming him down” when he felt like life was moving too fast. For a man living in the fast-paced world of Hollywood, that meant everything.
Living a quiet life together in the Hollywood Hills, they chose peace over parties. While other celebrities were always in the spotlight, Teruko and Billy stayed grounded, focusing on family, calm evenings, and raising their daughter away from the noise.
Separation and Reunion
Even strong couples go through hard times. In 1993, Teruko Nakagami and Billy Dee Williams separated. They even filed for divorce. But it wasn’t filled with drama or bad news. As per Legit.ng, the split was peaceful. Billy’s spokesperson at the time said it was an “amicable parting,” which means they still cared for each other.
But the story didn’t end there. After four years apart, they got back together in 1997. That’s rare in Hollywood. They realized that their bond was too strong to let go. Since then, they’ve stayed together, showing the world that love can survive even through tough moments.
Today, they’ve been married for over 50 years — a huge achievement, especially in the world of fame and flashing cameras.
Where is Teruko Nakagami Now?
Even now, in 2025, Teruko Nakagami continues to live a private, peaceful life. She and Billy still live in Studio City, California, far from the busy streets of Hollywood. She does not post on social media or seek attention. Instead, she focuses on her family, her home, and her quiet daily life.
You may see her from time to time at a movie premiere or family event. One special moment was in 2015, when she attended the Star Wars: The Force Awakens premiere with Billy and their grandson Finnegan. They smiled together on the red carpet — a sweet, rare photo of three generations together.
Teruko may not be in the news every day, but her presence is strong in the life of Billy Dee Williams and the rest of their family.
Her Legacy as a Celebrity Wife
Some people become famous by chasing the spotlight. Others become known because of the quiet strength they show behind the scenes. Teruko Nakagami is one of those people. She never looked for fame. She became known because of the calm, steady love she gave to two creative, world-famous men — Wayne Shorter and Billy Dee Williams.
She has lived through many roles: a child in an internment camp, a jazz musician’s wife, a Hollywood actor’s partner, a mother, and now a grandmother. Her life has been filled with challenges and changes, but she has handled it all with quiet grace.
Being Billy Dee Williams’ wife may be the title people remember most, but her real story is about resilience, respect, and a life built on values, not fame.
Final Thoughts
So, who is Teruko Nakagami? She’s more than just Billy Dee Williams’ wife. She’s a strong, smart, and graceful woman who has touched many lives without ever needing the spotlight. From her early childhood struggles to building a quiet life with one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, her journey is inspiring.
In a world where attention often matters more than actions, Teruko reminds us that quiet love, strong values, and lasting loyalty are what truly stand the test of time.
Her story is one that deserves to be told — and remembered.
(FAQs)
What is Teruko Nakagami’s age?
Teruko Nakagami was born in 1946, which makes her 78 years old as of 2025.
Where is Teruko Nakagami now?
She currently lives a quiet life with Billy Dee Williams in Studio City, California, away from the spotlight.
What is Teruko Nakagami’s nationality?
Teruko is Japanese-American. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, and proudly embraces her Japanese roots.
How many times has Teruko Nakagami been married?
She has been married twice — first to jazz legend Wayne Shorter, and then to actor Billy Dee Williams.
What is Teruko Nakagami’s net worth?
While her personal net worth is not public, it’s estimated that her shared family wealth with Billy Dee Williams is in the multi-million dollar range.
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