When people hear the name Billy Dee Williams, they think of the famous Star Wars actor. But behind this Hollywood star is a woman who has lived a quiet yet interesting life. Her name is Teruko Nakagami, and she has been Billy Dee Williams’ wife for more than 50 years.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Teruko Nakagami (born Irene Nakagami) |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1946 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Age | 78 years old (as of 2024) |
| Nationality | Japanese-American |
| Famous As | Billy Dee Williams’ wife |
| Married to Billy Dee Williams | December 27, 1972 |
| Children | 3 (Miyako, Corey Dee, Hanako) |
| Grandchildren | 2 (Lucie Katsumi, Finnegan Ichiro) |
| Current Home | Studio City, California, USA |
Early Life and Childhood
Teruko Nakagami was born in 1946 in Chicago, Illinois. Her birth name was Irene, but she changed it to Teruko to connect with her Japanese roots.
At age six, she and her twin sister were sent to a Japanese-American internment camp in California during World War II. Despite the hardship, the children played games to make the best of difficult times.
This experience taught her strength and calmness, qualities that became important throughout her life.
First Marriage to Wayne Shorter
Before Billy Dee Williams, Teruko was married to Wayne Shorter, a famous jazz musician. They got married on July 28, 1961, and had a daughter named Miyako later that year.
Wayne loved his family very much and wrote beautiful songs for them, including “Infant Eyes” and “Miyako.” Wayne said Teruko looked like a Japanese version of Audrey Hepburn. Her photo even appeared on the cover of his 1966 album “Speak No Evil.”
After this marriage ended, Teruko’s life took a new direction.
Meeting and Marrying Billy Dee Williams
After her first marriage ended, Teruko met Billy Dee Williams. Both had been married before and had children. Billy had a son named Corey Dee from his first wife, Audrey Sellers.
They married on December 27, 1972, in a private ceremony in Tokyo, Japan. In 1973, they welcomed daughter Hanako Williams.
The family lived simply in a home above the Hollywood Hills. Even though Billy was a big movie star, Teruko preferred a peaceful life.
Billy often praised his wife. He said Teruko’s calm personality helped him stay grounded when Hollywood life got stressful.
Unlike many Hollywood couples, they preferred quiet nights at home over parties and events.
The Difficult Years and Reconciliation
After 21 years together, Teruko and Billy separated in 1993. Teruko filed for divorce, but they kept things respectful. Billy’s spokesperson said it was “an amicable parting, not a messy Hollywood divorce.”
For four years, they lived apart. But they realized they still loved each other. In 1997, they got back together and gave their marriage another chance. Since then, they have stayed together, making their marriage one of the longest-lasting relationships in Hollywood.
Life as a Grandmother
Today, Teruko is a loving grandmother. Her daughter Hanako married Liam Toohey, and they have two children: Lucie Katsumi and Finnegan Ichiro.
In 2015, Teruko and Billy were photographed with their grandson Finnegan at the premiere of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” It showed how close their family is.
Hanako works as a general manager of an art gallery in Los Angeles. She has built her own career while staying out of the spotlight, just like her mother.
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A Private Life
Teruko has always stayed private. She never wanted to be famous or tried to become a celebrity. Even though she married two very famous men, she chose to stay in the background.
Teruko does not have social media accounts. She rarely gives interviews or appears at public events. This shows that she values her privacy and peaceful life more than fame.
Why Teruko’s Story Matters
Teruko’s life teaches valuable lessons. She shows that you don’t need fame to be important. She survived an internment camp, experienced love and loss, and raised successful children.
She showed strength in her marriage. When things got hard, she and Billy took time apart but found their way back to each other. That takes courage and real love.
Billy is known worldwide for his acting, but behind his success is a woman who gave him peace and support. Teruko helped him stay grounded and created a calm home for their family.
Conclusion
Teruko Nakagami is more than just “Billy Dee Williams’ wife.” She is a strong woman who has lived through many life chapters with quiet grace.
Her story reminds us that the most interesting people often choose simple lives. They don’t need the spotlight to make a difference. Teruko made a difference in the lives she touched, and that truly matters.
Today, at 78 years old, Teruko lives peacefully with Billy in Studio City, California. Their 50-year love story is a beautiful example of commitment, understanding, and second chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How old is Teruko Nakagami?
Teruko Nakagami was born in 1946, which makes her 78 years old as of 2024. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, and is of Japanese-American heritage.
2. Does Teruko Nakagami have children?
Yes, Teruko has three children in total. She has a daughter named Miyako from her first marriage to Wayne Shorter. She also has a stepdaughter named Corey Dee from Billy Dee Williams’ first marriage. Together with Billy, she has one daughter named Hanako Williams, born in 1973.
3. When did Teruko Nakagami marry Billy Dee Williams?
Teruko and Billy got married on December 27, 1972, in a private ceremony in Tokyo, Japan. They have been together for more than 50 years, though they did separate for four years between 1993 and 1997 before getting back together.
4. Who was Teruko Nakagami married to before Billy Dee Williams?
Before Billy Dee Williams, Teruko was married to Wayne Shorter, a famous jazz saxophonist and composer. They got married in 1961 and had one daughter together named Miyako. Her photo appeared on the cover of Wayne’s 1966 album “Speak No Evil.”
5. What does Teruko Nakagami do for a living?
Teruko Nakagami has kept her professional life very private. There is no public information about any specific career she has pursued. She has chosen to focus on her family and live a quiet, private life away from the Hollywood spotlight.
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