Who Is Teruko Nakagami? All About Billy Dee Williams’ Wife

Teruko Nakagami may not be a household name, but she has lived a truly remarkable life. Many people know her as Billy Dee Williams’ wife, the woman who stood beside the famous Star Wars actor for decades. But there’s so much more to her story.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Teruko Nakagami — from her childhood and first marriage to her quiet strength and long-lasting relationship with Billy Dee Williams. Her life is full of love, family, and calm moments behind the Hollywood lights.

Teruko Nakagami Quick Bio

Teruko Nakagami’s Early Life and Childhood

Teruko Nakagami was born in 1946 in Chicago, Illinois, in the United States. She is Japanese-American and comes from an Asian background. Her early years were not easy. When she was just six years old, she and her twin sister were taken to a Japanese-American internment camp in California during World War II. This was a very hard time for many families in America with Japanese roots.

Even though she was just a child, Teruko found ways to stay strong. She played games with other kids in the camp and tried to stay hopeful. These tough experiences helped shape her into the calm and steady person she would later become.

She grew up in Chicago and went to Hyde Park High School. Later, she studied at Tokyo University of the Arts, showing her deep connection to both American and Japanese cultures.

Her First Marriage to Jazz Legend Wayne Shorter

Before becoming Billy Dee Williams’ wife, Teruko was married to someone else — a very famous jazz musician named Wayne Shorter. They got married on July 28, 1961, when she was just 15 years old. Soon after, they had a daughter named Miyako.

Wayne loved Teruko very much and often said sweet things about her. He even called her the “Japanese Audrey Hepburn” because of her beauty and grace. Their love also showed up in his music. Wayne wrote several songs inspired by Teruko and their daughter, including “Miyako,” “Infant Eyes,” and other tracks on his 1966 album Speak No Evil. Teruko’s photo is even on the cover of that album.

Sadly, their marriage didn’t last, but they had created something special together — music, memories, and their daughter.

How Teruko Nakagami Met Billy Dee Williams

After her first marriage ended, Teruko eventually met Billy Dee Williams, the actor known for playing Lando Calrissian in Star Wars. Their paths crossed in the early 1970s. Not much is known about how they met, but their connection was strong from the start.

They got married on December 27, 1972, in a small and private ceremony in Tokyo, Japan. Their love story was quiet, but real. They didn’t need big Hollywood headlines. They were just two people who found comfort and support in each other.

Marriage Life with Billy Dee Williams

Being married to a Hollywood star isn’t always easy, but Teruko Nakagami made it work. She became a strong and steady part of Billy’s life. Even during busy filming schedules and public events, she helped keep him grounded.

Billy often praised her in interviews. In a 1980 conversation with People magazine, he said:

“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. I need somebody to sit on me and calm me down.”

This quote shows how important Teruko is in Billy’s life — not just as a wife, but as a calm and caring partner.

Teruko Nakagami and Billy Dee Williams’ Daughter

The following year after their wedding, Teruko and Billy had a daughter named Hanako Williams, born in 1973. Hanako has lived a quiet but successful life, much like her mother. She now works as the general manager of an art gallery in Los Angeles.

Hanako is married to a man named Liam Toohey, and together they have two children — a daughter named Lucie Katsumi and a son named Finnegan Ichiro. That makes Teruko a proud grandmother too!

Even though they are a celebrity family, they choose to live away from the spotlight, enjoying simple moments together — like watching baseball games or celebrating holidays as a family.

Family Life and Home Away from Hollywood

While many Hollywood couples are seen at fancy parties and red-carpet events, Teruko and Billy chose a quieter life. They lived in Studio City, California, in a peaceful home above the Hollywood Hills.

They preferred staying home instead of going to big gatherings. They focused on raising their daughter and spending time with their family. Their life together was full of love, support, and privacy — something not many celebrity couples manage to keep.

Even though Billy Dee Williams was a big star, Teruko helped him stay grounded and connected to real life. She was his peace in the middle of a busy world.

Why Teruko Nakagami Is So Loved by Billy Dee Williams

Teruko Nakagami has always been a strong support in Billy Dee Williams’ life. He has said many kind things about her over the years. One of his most touching quotes was when he said she helped him stay calm and focused. He said she had a deep sense of honor, something he really admired.

Billy also shared that Teruko was not just a wife — she was someone who guided him through hard times. While Hollywood can be full of stress and pressure, Teruko gave him peace and balance. Her quiet strength became one of the most important parts of his life.

It’s clear that Teruko Nakagami was more than Billy Dee Williams’ wife — she was his partner in every way. She helped him handle fame with grace and always made their home a safe and calm place.

The Separation and Their Reunion

In 1993, Teruko and Billy Dee Williams went through a difficult time. They filed for divorce after being married for over 20 years. It was a quiet and respectful decision. Their spokesperson said it was an amicable parting, not a messy breakup.

But love has a way of coming back.

Just four years later, in 1997, the couple reunited. They chose to stay together and continue their journey. Since then, they have remained close and supportive of each other. This part of their story shows that even strong relationships can have ups and downs — but with understanding and patience, healing is possible.

Today, Teruko Nakagami and Billy Dee Williams are still together. Their long and lasting love is a beautiful example of second chances and staying committed through the years.

What Teruko Nakagami Does Today

As of 2025, Teruko Nakagami continues to live a quiet life with her family. She and Billy Dee Williams still live in Studio City, California. They enjoy spending time with their daughter Hanako, son-in-law Liam, and their two grandchildren — Lucie Katsumi and Finnegan Ichiro.

Even though Teruko is connected to big names and Hollywood stars, she has always preferred a private lifestyle. She does not appear often in the news or on social media. Instead, she focuses on her loved ones and her peaceful life away from the spotlight.

Many admire her for this. Being a celebrity wife can be hard, but Teruko has always stayed true to herself.

More About Billy Dee Williams’ Wife: Fun Facts

• Teruko Nakagami was once called a “Japanese Audrey Hepburn” by her first husband, Wayne Shorter.

• She is 5 feet 5 inches tall and has black hair and dark brown eyes.

• Her body measurements have been shared online as 34-24-36 inches.

• Though not in the public eye, she once worked as a model and actress.

• Her name Teruko means “shining child” in Japanese.

She also appears on the cover of the famous jazz album Speak No Evil by Wayne Shorter. That makes her part of music history too.

Meet the Whole Blended Family

Together, Teruko and Billy Dee Williams built a loving and blended family. From her first marriage, Teruko has a daughter, Miyako, who inspired songs by Wayne Shorter. From Billy’s earlier marriage to Audrey Sellers, he has a son named Corey Dee Williams, born in 1960.

Their daughter Hanako Williams, born in 1973, is the heart of the family today. She is married to Liam Toohey, and they have two beautiful children. Teruko and Billy often spend time with their grandkids and love being part of their lives.

Even after all these years, family comes first for Teruko Nakagami. Whether it’s music, movies, or raising children, she has been at the center of it all — quietly, kindly, and with love.

Final Thoughts

So, who is Teruko Nakagami? She is a woman of quiet power, deep values, and endless love. She is Billy Dee Williams’ wife, but she is also so much more — a mother, a grandmother, a friend, and a calming force in a busy world.

She has lived through hardship, supported two legendary men, and helped build a beautiful family. And yet, she never chased fame. She chose peace, love, and purpose.

Her story reminds us that the most powerful people are often the ones who stay out of the spotlight — the ones who shine quietly, just like Teruko Nakagami.

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