Billy Dee Williams: Struggling ‘Star Wars’ Hero

Billy Dee Williams is living the high life in Beverly Hills — when he isn't battling constant agony after hip replacement surgery! Shockingly, Billy Dee has been relying on canes and even wheelchairs since 2005, when he was promised that he'd be "as good as new" after the surgery. The "Star Wars" actor looked dapper as ever while stepping out on April 3, but concerned fans have noticed how easily he tires on the convention circuit while concentrating on voice work in Hollywood!

"I think he has major health problems," expressed one worried fan. In March of 2013, Billy Dee even claimed that he had been asked to join Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford for the filming of the highly-anticipated "Star Wars: Episode VII" — but ultimately didn't appear in the movie to reprise his role as Lando Calrissia.

A disappointed insider told The National ENQUIRER at the time: "Maybe he isn't feeling up to the rigors of a full-on film shoot versus an afternoon or two of voiceover work." But the "Star Wars" crew couldn't feel too snubbed, since Billy Dee's recurring back ailments also reportedly made him drop out from "Dancing With the Stars" in 2014.