This Mysterious Role Changed Billy Dee Williams’ Career Forever—Here’s Why!)

Tue, 05 May 2026 05:41:46 +0000

This Mysterious Role Changed Billy Dee Williams’ Career Forever—Here’s Why! Billy Dee Williams is best known for stepping into the iconic role of Lessin Gwinn in the Star Wars universe, particularly after The Force Awakens revived interest in his character as Boba Fett’s creator. But long before that resurgence, a lesser-known but profoundly defining role altered the trajectory of his celebrated career—one that shifted his public image and redefined his legacy in Hollywood. That role? His portrayal of Cleo in The Fehden (also known as The Bounty Hunter, 1979). ### The Meaning Behind the Name: Cleo in The Fehden In The Fehden, Billy Dee Williams plays Cleo, a sharp-witted, independent bounty hunter navigating a sun-scorched, lawless frontier. Written with depth and nuance, Cleo stands apart from archetypes of the time—also representing Black excellence, resilience, and complexity. This role gave Williams a chance to showcase his range beyond the dramatic gravitas he’s known for, blending action, charm, and emotional subtlety in a way that quietly cemented him as a versatile leading man.