Billy Dee Williams says Marlon Brando once hit on him but he declined: 'I prefer women'

Billy Dee Williams has gotten a lot of romantic attention over the years — including one alleged encounter with Marlon Brando.

The Empire Strikes Back star recalls having a flirtatious conversation with the On the Waterfront actor in his new memoir, What Have We Here?

In the book, Williams details attending a party at Brando’s house alongside his friend James Baldwin. He says that the Godfather actor joined him alone in the library, and that he sensed that the two-time Oscar-winner wanted to start a fling with him. However, Williams wasn’t interested, as he told PEOPLE, “I prefer women.”

Williams goes on to describe the rest of the conversation with Brando, which ultimately turned toward leftist politics, which gave the author enhanced understanding of the Streetcar Named Desire star’s talents.

The actor told PEOPLE that it wasn’t the first time he’d had this kind of experience. "I've been getting hit on all my life,” Williams said. "Gay, straight, whatever, somebody's always hitting on me." He also clarified, "I had no qualms with that kind of stuff. Whatever you are, that’s who you are. I’m more interested in meeting interesting people,” but also that he’s “not into guys.” 

Williams also told the outlet, "I've spent a lot of my life around gay people," and that "James Baldwin, who was gay, was my dearest friend."

In 2019, Williams told Esquire, "I say 'himself' and 'herself,' because I also see myself as feminine as well as masculine. I'm a very soft person. I'm not afraid to show that side of myself,” which fueled speculation that the actor might identify as queer. However, he later clarified, "I was talking about men getting in touch with the female side of themselves,” as he told CBS News, and also said, "No, no, no, I'm not gay — by any stretch of the imagination. Not that I have anything against gay people. But personally? Not gay."

What Have We Here? releases Feb. 13.

Want more movie news? Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free newsletter to get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more.

Related content:

• Billy Dee Williams defends Lando selling out Han Solo in The Empire Strikes Back
• Donald Glover's Lando show is actually a Lando movie
• Donald Glover and brother Stephen are writing the Lando show for Disney+