The Real Story of Teruko Nakagami, Billy Dee Williams’ Wife for Over 50 Years

When you think of Billy Dee Williams, you probably picture the smooth and charming Lando Calrissian from Star Wars. He’s been a star for decades. But behind his success, there’s a woman who has been by his side for more than 50 years — her name is Teruko Nakagami.

Most people don’t know much about her, and that’s because she likes to stay quiet and private. But her life is full of interesting moments, big challenges, and deep love. From growing up during a hard time in history to being married to two famous men, Teruko Nakagami’s story is one worth knowing.

In this article, we’ll talk about her early life, her first marriage, how she met Billy Dee Williams, and how they built a long-lasting love story away from the spotlight.

Teruko Nakagami Quick Bio

Who Is Teruko Nakagami?

Teruko Nakagami is a Japanese-American woman who is mostly known as the wife of actor Billy Dee Williams. But she’s much more than just a celebrity wife.

She was born in 1946 and has lived a quiet but powerful life. Even though she’s been connected to famous men like jazz legend Wayne Shorter and actor Billy Dee Williams, she has always stayed away from fame.

Teruko is known for her calm nature, strong values, and deep love for her family. While others chased the spotlight, she chose peace.

Early Life of Teruko Nakagami

Teruko was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1946. Her birth name was Irene Nakagami, but later in life, she embraced her roots and started going by Teruko.

When she was just six years old, something very hard happened. She and her twin sister were taken to a Japanese-American internment camp in California. This happened during World War II, a time when many Japanese-American families were unfairly forced to leave their homes.

Even though it was a tough time, Teruko still found small joys in playing with other kids in the camp. This early experience made her strong and shaped the quiet, graceful woman she became later in life.

Her First Marriage to Wayne Shorter

Before she became Billy Dee Williams’ wife, Teruko was married to Wayne Shorter, one of the most famous jazz saxophonists in the world.

They got married on July 28, 1961, when Teruko was still very young. The couple had a daughter named Miyako, born later that same year.

Wayne Shorter loved Teruko deeply. He once said she looked like a Japanese Audrey Hepburn. He even put her photo on the cover of his 1966 jazz album, “Speak No Evil.” That’s not all — he wrote songs like “Infant Eyes” and “Miyako” as gifts for their daughter.

Their marriage didn’t last forever, but it left a lasting mark on the world of jazz music. Even after they parted ways, their time together was filled with art, beauty, and emotional depth.

How Teruko Nakagami Met Billy Dee Williams

After her first marriage ended, Teruko’s life took a new path. Not long after, she met Billy Dee Williams, who was already becoming a well-known actor.

We don’t know the exact moment they met, but it’s clear that their connection was real and strong. Billy was busy with his acting career, but Teruko brought something into his life that he needed — peace and balance.

Billy has said in interviews that Teruko helped him stay grounded. She gave him a sense of calm during busy and stressful times. And for someone living in the world of movies and fame, that kind of support means everything.

Wedding of Teruko and Billy Dee Williams

Teruko Nakagami and Billy Dee Williams got married on December 27, 1972, in a private ceremony in Tokyo, Japan. It was a quiet and simple wedding, far away from Hollywood cameras.

They didn’t want a big show. They just wanted a peaceful start to their life together. And that’s exactly what they had.

Just one year later, in 1973, they had a daughter together named Hanako Williams. Their small family grew with love, not noise. They lived in a calm home in the Hollywood Hills, away from the spotlight.

Even though Billy was a big star, their home life was simple. Teruko didn’t care for parties or fame — she cared about family, honesty, and peace.

Teruko Nakagami as Billy Dee Williams’ Wife

Being Billy Dee Williams’ wife wasn’t about walking red carpets or being in magazines. It was about being his partner, his calm space, and his biggest support.

Billy once said in an interview:

“My wife is fantastic. She is principled and moral, with this thing the Japanese have about honor. She forces me to deal with things. Otherwise I’d be running around like a crazy person.”

That quote shows just how much Teruko meant to him. She wasn’t just his wife — she helped him grow and stay focused. She gave him the strength to keep going in a fast-moving world.

Their life together was built on trust, calm, and love. And that’s what made their bond so strong.

Their Daughter, Hanako Williams

In 1973, Teruko Nakagami and Billy Dee Williams welcomed their only child together — a daughter named Hanako Williams. She was raised in a peaceful and loving home, far from the noisy side of Hollywood.

Hanako grew up to be a creative and successful woman. Today, she works as the general manager of an art gallery in Los Angeles. Like her parents, she enjoys a quiet and meaningful life. She doesn’t seek fame but follows her own path in the art world.

Hanako is married to Liam Toohey, and together they have two children — a daughter named Lucie Katsumi and a son named Finnegan Ichiro. These two are Teruko Nakagami’s grandchildren, and she is very close to them. In fact, she was seen happily attending a Star Wars premiere in 2015 with Billy and their grandson Finnegan — a sweet moment showing three generations together.

Separation and Reunion in Their Marriage

Like many couples, Teruko Nakagami and Billy Dee Williams went through a tough time. After being married for over 20 years, they separated in 1993 and filed for divorce.

But unlike many Hollywood breakups, theirs was peaceful. Billy’s spokesperson said it was an “amicable parting,” which means there was no drama or fighting. They still cared for each other, even during their time apart.

After four years of separation, something beautiful happened — they got back together in 1997. They chose love over separation. Since then, they’ve stayed together, proving that real love can survive even hard times. Now in 2025, they’ve been married for more than 50 years — a rare and inspiring bond.

What Makes Teruko Nakagami Unique

Teruko Nakagami is not like many people connected to Hollywood. She never wanted attention, fame, or a spotlight. She just wanted a calm, honest, and loving life.

What makes her truly special is her quiet strength. She’s been through a lot — from being in an internment camp as a child to living beside two famous men. And yet, she always stayed calm, respectful, and grounded.

Billy Dee Williams often praised her for her values and sense of honor. He believed her Japanese upbringing helped shape her character — and helped him stay focused too. She supported him through ups and downs, always staying in the background, but never far from his side.

Rare Public Moments of Teruko Nakagami

Even though Teruko Nakagami is Billy Dee Williams’ wife, she rarely attends public events. She prefers to live away from cameras and attention.

But there have been a few rare moments when she did appear. One special time was in 2015, when she joined Billy and their grandson Finnegan at the red carpet premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. They smiled for photos together, showing a strong and happy family bond.

Moments like these remind us that even though she isn’t in the public eye, Teruko Nakagami has always been there — strong, supportive, and quietly proud of her family.

Where Is Teruko Nakagami Today?

As of 2025, Teruko Nakagami lives a peaceful life with Billy Dee Williams in Studio City, California. Their home is quiet, far from busy Hollywood streets.

She doesn’t use social media. She doesn’t do interviews. She enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren. While Billy still appears in interviews or fan events from time to time, Teruko remains happy in the background — exactly where she wants to be.

Their long life together is filled with respect, love, and understanding — a true example of a strong relationship built on trust, not attention.

Final Thoughts

In a world where many people chase fame, Teruko Nakagami chose something different — peace, love, and family.

She is remembered not for loud moments, but for quiet support. As Billy Dee Williams’ wife, she stood beside one of Hollywood’s most charming stars, helping him stay calm and focused. Before that, she inspired a jazz legend’s music.

Her story teaches us that you don’t need to be loud to be strong. You don’t need fame to live a beautiful life. Sometimes, the most powerful people are the ones who work quietly in the background — holding the family together, loving deeply, and staying true to themselves.

That is the real story of Teruko Nakagami — a woman of strength, love, and quiet grace.

(FAQs)

How old is Teruko Nakagami in 2025?

She is 79 years old — born in 1946, though her exact birthday is still a mystery.

Was Teruko Nakagami married to jazz legend Wayne Shorter?

Yes! She was Wayne Shorter’s first wife, and she’s even on the cover of his famous 1966 album “Speak No Evil.”

What is Teruko Nakagami’s nationality?

She is Japanese-American, born in Chicago, but deeply connected to her Japanese roots.

What is Teruko Nakagami’s net worth in 2025?

Her personal net worth is not public, but with Billy Dee Williams, their family fortune is in the multi-millions.

How many children does Teruko Nakagami have?

She has two daughters — Miyako, from her first marriage to Wayne Shorter, and Hanako, with Billy Dee Williams.