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Teruko Nakagami; Billy Dee Williams biography, Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth

11 mins read

Have you watched Star Wars? You may recall Billy Dee Williams’ Lando Calrissian. Today, let’s focus on Teruko Nakagami, who is often overlooked yet nonetheless talked about. It’s easier to know her as Billy Dee Williams’ wife than her work and life story. Teruko Nakagami’s upbringing and travel to the US were difficult.

The life of Teruko Nakagami and her renowned spouse, Billy Dee Williams, is captivating. She may not have been as famous as Billy Dee Williams, but her presence in his life and unique path lend dimension to their story.

Teruko Nakagami: Quick Facts

Full NameTeruko Irene Nakagami
Date of birth1946
BirthplaceChicago, USA
Age77 years 
Siblings1
Height5’5″
Marriage Date27th December, 1972
Body MeasurementN\A
NationalityAmerican
EthnicityAsian
SexualityStraight
Eye colorDark Brown
Hair ColorBlack
ProfessionCelebrity wife
PartnerBilly Dee Williams
Children3
Marital StatusMarried
Grandchildren2
Last update onMarch 2023
Net Worth $600k 
Marital StatusDivorced

Who are Teruko Nakagami Parents?

Teruko Nakagami, whose birth year is noted as 1946, entered this world in the city of Chicago. While the precise date of her birth remains undisclosed, it’s worth mentioning that she initially went by the name Irene before adopting the name Teruko following her second marriage.

Nakagami has chosen not to share extensive details about her parents, and little information is available regarding them. However, a notable aspect of her family is her close relationship with her sister. Unfortunately, there is limited information accessible about any other siblings in Teruko Nakagami’s family.

Teruko Nakagami Age and Body Measurements

In 2023, Teruko Nakagami will be 77, and her media presence will decline. She is 5 feet 5 inches tall but her weight is unknown. Teruko Nakagami is noted for her solitude. She has not disclosed her weight or measurements.

American-born Nakagami identifies as Asian-American. Her zodiac sign is unknown due to her birthdate. Nakagami has dark brown eyes and black hair. Her privacy has limited public understanding of her life and appearance.

Early Life and Education

Teruko Nakagami has kept her early life and education private. What’s known:

Early Life: Teruko Nakagami was born in Chicago in 1946, however her precise date is unknown. She became Teruko from Irene after her second marriage.

Family and siblings: Nakagami rarely discusses her parents or family. She is close to her sister. Details about her parents and siblings are scarce.

Education: Little is known about Teruko Nakagami’s schooling and higher education. She has focused on family and personal matters in her private life.

Teruko Nakagami’s early life and schooling were kept confidential, limiting her biography. Her media notoriety stems from her marriage to Billy Dee Williams.

Nakagami Was Born in Chicago and Interned in a Japanese-American Camp

Chicago-born Teruko Nakagami was born on August 26, 1967. Former IBM CEO Kenichi Nakagami and PanAm airline stewardess and fashion model Yoshiko Nakagami are her parents. Teruko has a 1970-born sister, Michiko Nakagami.

Both of Teruko’s parents were born in the US, but they left early to attend Tokyo University of the Arts. After returning to the US, they became university instructors. Teruko attended international schools in Tokyo and Beijing as a child. She relocated to Chicago for college aged 17.

Teruko stays close to her parents and sister in Japan, especially when her husband, Billy Dee Williams (actual name William Daniel Williams), works in several places.

Teruko Nakagami Was Married Previously; Her First Husband? 

Before her marriage to Billy Dee Williams, Teruko Nakagami was previously married to American jazz saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter. Their relationship began in 1961, leading to their marriage. However, their union was relatively short-lived as they divorced in 1964.

Interestingly, despite their separation, Wayne Shorter spoke fondly of his memories with Teruko Nakagami. He shared in an exclusive interview that when he first met her, he was struck by her beauty, describing her as “pretty” and even likening her to a “Japanese Audrey Hepburn.” Such was his admiration for Teruko that her image graced the cover of Wayne Shorter’s 1966 album titled “Speak No Evil.”

Teruko Nakagami and Billy Dee William Marriage

One of the most talked-about celebrity marriages is Teruko Nakagami and Billy Dee Williams. The Star Wars actor was unfamiliar with Teruko Nakagami.

It’s unclear how they met and started dating. They wed on December 27, 1972. Their small wedding was attended by relatives and friends.

After 21 years together, Teruko and Williams divorced in 1993, despite a seemingly pleasant relationship.

In 1997, they reconciled four years after their breakup. Their relationship has taken several turns, making it intriguing in the entertainment industry.

Her Hubby Billy Was Also Married Multiple Times 

Billy Dee Williams, like his wife Teruko Nakagami, had also been married twice before their marriage. His first marriage was to Audrey Sellers in 1959, but their union eventually ended in separation after some years. Following that, he married actress Marlene Clark in 1968, but their marriage also ended in divorce in 1971. After these previous marriages, Billy Dee Williams and Teruko Nakagami entered into their marriage together.

Teruko Nakagami, Billy Dee Williams Kids

Teruko and Billy had a great child despite their marriage struggles. Hanako Williams, their daughter, was born a year after their wedding.

Hanako prefers to keep her media image low. However, she manages an art gallery and is a mother.

Since rekindling in 1997, Teruko and Billy have been together for 25 years. They’ve overcome obstacles and built a life together.

What Is Teruko’s Nationality And Ethnicity?

Speaking of her nationality, she is American. Speaking of her ethnicity, she has Japanese Ancestry. 

Where Is Teruko Nakagami Now? Is She On Social Media?

Teruko Nakagami resides with her family in Studio City, California. While she has maintained a low profile in the media for some time, it’s evident that she is enjoying her retirement years with her children and grandchildren, embracing life to the fullest. Additionally, she maintains a presence on social media platforms like Facebook, where she keeps a relatively private profile with only 76 friends.

What Is Teruko Nakagami’s Net Worth? 

Teruko Nakagami reportedly has an estimated net worth of around $600,000. In contrast, her renowned husband, Billy Dee Williams, has amassed an estimated fortune of $9 million throughout his successful career in the entertainment industry.

Interesting Facts about Teruko Nakagami

  • Teruko Nakagami spent her childhood in a Japanese-American internment camp.
  • Teruko and Billy Dee Williams divorced in 1993.
  • Billy Dee Williams has a child from a previous marriage before his relationship with Teruko Nakagami.
  • Teruko Nakagami’s image appears on Wayne Shorter’s album “Speak No Evil” cover page.

FAQS 

Q: Who’s Teruko Nakagami?

A: Billy Dee Williams, a Star Wars and other notable actor, married Teruko Nakagami.

Q: When and where was Teruko Nakagami born?

A: Teruko Nakagami was born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 26, 1967.

Q: Family history of Teruko Nakagami?

A: Former IBM CEO Kenichi Nakagami and PanAm airline stewardess and fashion model Yoshiko Nakagami were Teruko’s parents. She also has sister Michiko Nakagami.

Q: Where did Teruko Nakagami grow up and study?

A: Teruko attended international schools in Tokyo and Beijing as a child. Later, she attended college in Chicago.

Q: Teruko Nakagami married Billy Dee Williams when?

A: Teruko Nakagami married Billy Dee Williams privately on December 27, 1972.

Q: How many children does Teruko Nakagami have with Billy Dee Williams?

A: Hanako Williams is Teruko and Billy Dee Williams’ daughter.

Q: Was Teruko Nakagami previously married?

A: Teruko Nakagami married Wayne Shorter before marrying Billy Dee Williams. Marriage ended in divorce.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Teruko Nakagami is a private person who gained fame through her marriage to Billy Dee Williams. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1967 to a former IBM executive father and a PanAm airline attendant and fashion model mother. After attending international schools in Tokyo and Beijing, Teruko moved to Chicago for college.

Her 1972 marriage to Billy Dee Williams was a turning point. After separating in the early 1990s, the couple reconnected and has remained together. Hanako Williams is their daughter from their longtime relationship.

Teruko Nakagami is active on Facebook, where she has a modest group of friends.

In conclusion, Teruko Nakagami’s life shows her tenacity and ability to negotiate the entertainment world while keeping privacy and family values. Her cosmopolitan upbringing and long marriage reveal a woman who has made her mark on showbiz.