Teruko Nakagami is best known as the former wife of actor Billy Dee Williams, the star remembered for playing Lando Calrissian in Star Wars. Before that marriage, she was married to jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter. Born in Chicago, she has kept away from the spotlight, and the public record of her life remains limited to a few documented details.
Background and Name
Reports describe Nakagami as being of Japanese origin and born in Chicago under the name Irene, a name she later changed to Teruko. Beyond this, little is publicly documented about her childhood, education, or career, and sources disagree on her birth date, so none is given here.
First Marriage to Wayne Shorter
Nakagami’s first well-known marriage was to Wayne Shorter, the celebrated saxophonist and composer. Reports date the wedding to July 28, 1961. The couple had a daughter, Miyako. Details about why the marriage ended are not widely documented.
Marriage to Billy Dee Williams
Nakagami married Williams in 1972. It was his third marriage. His earlier marriage to Audrey Sellers produced a son, Corey. Together, Nakagami and Williams had a daughter, Hanako. The household therefore included Miyako, Corey, and Hanako.
Despite Williams’ fame, the family lived in what was described as an unpretentious home above the Hollywood Hills. Reports also say the couple preferred quiet nights at home to Hollywood gatherings.
How Williams Described Her
Roughly a decade into the marriage, Williams spoke about his wife in a People magazine cover story. He called her wonderful and said she is principled and moral, with a Japanese sense of honor. He added that she pushes him to face things and keeps him calm and grounded.
Public Appearances
The couple was photographed at several events. Getty Images records show them at the Variety Club Salute to Frank Yablans in Beverly Hills on March 28, 1973, and at the Hollywood premiere of “A Fine Mess” on March 19, 1986.
The Divorce
The marriage lasted 23 years. According to Williams’ spokesperson, Nakagami was the one who filed for divorce, but the split was an amicable parting and not a messy Hollywood divorce. The couple kept the proceedings private, so nothing is known about how they divided their assets.
Appearing Together Years Later
In 2015, about two decades after they separated, Nakagami and Williams attended the Hollywood premiere of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” on December 14. They posed together, smiling, with their grandson Finnegan.
Conclusion
Teruko Nakagami’s public story is brief but clear. She was married to Wayne Shorter, then to Billy Dee Williams for 23 years, and she is the mother of Miyako and Hanako. She never sought fame, and her family life stayed largely private. The few facts that are confirmed show a woman who valued a quiet home life, and who stayed on friendly terms with her ex-husband long after their divorce.
FAQs
1. Who is Teruko Nakagami?
She is the former wife of actor Billy Dee Williams and was earlier married to saxophonist Wayne Shorter.
2. Where was Teruko Nakagami born?
Reports say she was born in Chicago and was originally named Irene.
3. Who are Teruko Nakagami’s children?
She has a daughter, Miyako, with Wayne Shorter, and a daughter, Hanako, with Billy Dee Williams.
4. How long were Teruko Nakagami and Billy Dee Williams married?
They married in 1972 and were together for 23 years before divorcing.
5. Did they stay on good terms after the divorce?
Yes. A spokesperson called the split amicable, and the two appeared together at the 2015 “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” premiere.
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