Star Wars' Billy Dee Williams Drops Out Of Dancing With The Stars

After three weeks in the competition, Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian from The Empire Strikes [...]

Billy Dee Williams

After three weeks in the competition, Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian from The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi) dropped out of ABC's Dancing with the Stars, following the advice of his doctor, due to a back injury. "I got this chronic back problem," said Williams. "I've had a wonderful, brilliant, fantastic, blast of a time, working with this wonderful, beautiful young woman [dancing partner, Emma Slater]. Pure joy." The fact that Williams, at 77-years-old and following two hip replacements, even attempted to make a go at Dancing with the Stars is a testament to the iconic actor's spirit and drive. He had a great sendoff on the show (which you can see, embedded below), including a highlight reel of his time in the competition, a touching moment with his grandchildren, and a standing ovation from the audience. Williams debuted on Dancing with the Stars by performing a Star Wars-themed cha-cha, which was a real crowd-pleaser even if it didn't receive great scores from the judges.

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