Billy Dee Williams, the suave icon known for his roles in Lady Sings the Blues, Mahogany, and of course as Lando Calrissian in Star Wars, recently celebrated another milestone birthday on April 6. As he turned 88, fans across social media shared a vintage photograph to mark the occasion—believing it shows Billy Dee Williams alongside his twin sister, Loretta Williams.
Here’s the real scoop: while Billy Dee Williams does indeed have a sister, the woman in the widely circulated photo is not Loretta—her name was Midge Kimberly. Fascinatingly, her birthday fell just a week before Billy Dee’s, on March 30. Although she would have been celebrating her 84th birthday this year, Midge passed away on October 20, 2024, at the age of 83. The mix-up has become a viral rumor, but we want to help set the record straight—especially for our fellow readers at the Chicago Southsider.
So, from all of us, Happy Birthday, Mr. Williams! Your fans in Chicago (and everywhere else) wish you many more fantastic years of health, happiness, and movie magic.
Who Was Midge Kimberly?
Midge Kimberly was more than just a companion in a famous photograph—she was a notable figure in her own right, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew her in Chicago and beyond.
Born on March 30, 1941, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Midge relocated to Chicago’s South Side with her family in 1945, where she spent her formative years and graduated from DuSable High School.
An ambitious learner, she earned an Associate’s degree from Loop Junior College (now Harold Washington College), then completed her Bachelor’s degree at Chicago State University and, ultimately, an MBA from DePaul University. Her passion for education and personal development set the tone for a lifetime of leadership and service.
Midge’s professional journey began at the City Colleges of Chicago, where she pioneered efforts to secure corporate sponsorships.
Beyond her administrative acumen, she quickly became recognized for her ability to nurture emerging talent. In the 1970s, she became one of the earliest members of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) – Chicago Chapter, where she mentored hundreds of journalists and public relations professionals, helping shape the next generation of media leaders locally and nationally.
Building on her industry experience, Midge founded The Kimberly Group, a public relations and marketing entity focused on securing media exposure for diverse clients. Through this platform, she brought remarkable experiences to both Chicago and the national stage: from helping organize the 1997 NABJ Conference—where President Bill Clinton served as keynote speaker—to playing a role in major events like the 1996 Summer Olympics, the 1996 Democratic National Convention, and the 2001 Miss U.S.A. pageant.
Her leadership further extended into roles such as President of the Dudley Beauty College Advisory Board, and she served as Publisher of Champagne & Beyond, championing the accomplishments of women worldwide.
Much more than her impressive résumé, Midge Kimberly was guided by a steadfast faith. A devoted member of Christ Universal Temple in Chicago, she imbued her daily life with spiritual wisdom and a belief in the power of community. Sharing lessons from Ecclesiastes, she liked to remind those around her that “For everything, there’s a season”—a gentle but powerful reminder that life’s victories, struggles, and transitions all hold meaning.
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