Exclusive: Private Practice casts Billy Dee Williams in "moving" guest role - Today's News: Our Take

Billy Dee Williams by Bobby Bank/ WireImage.com

Since I am (just about) at a place where I forgive him for selling out Luke, Han and the gang, I can happily and exclusively report that Billy Dee Williams is going to be paying the Oceanside Wellness Center a visit during the second season of ABC's Private Practice.

In what is being described by setsiders as "a very moving role," Williams will play a patient of Taye Diggs' Dr. Sam Bennett. The storyline: BDW has been dutifully caring for his lady as she sings the blues (his wife is addled by dementia-type symptoms), yet he has been doing so with selfless disregard for his own declining health.

As of late, Williams — who has been fondly hailed by at least one TVGuide.com reader as "the black Sean Connery" — had been quietly mopping floors on General Hospital: Night Shift, yet recently got promoted to orderly! Yes, the dream is alive. — Matt Mitovich

Crave scoop? E-mail Matt and Mickey at mega_scoop@tvguide.com.

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Posted by

Matt Webb Mitovich

Aug 1, 2008 8:47 AM

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I don't watch Private Practice - don't dislike, just no time to watch the 3-4 shows I like as it is. But I will make an exception for this ep.
Posted by ctheslayer Aug 1, 2008 9:19 AM Report Abuse

BDW!! I'm so there.
Posted by zortil Aug 1, 2008 9:31 AM Report Abuse

Holy cow, BDW is still fine, even at 71 years old. He's the black Sean Connery.
Posted by Rachel Scribbles Aug 1, 2008 10:35 AM Report Abuse

sorry, Matt - but my grudges lasy longer than yours No Billy Dee for me
Posted by mackattack Aug 1, 2008 10:39 AM Report Abuse

This is great news. I've been smitten with BDW since he smiled at Diana Ross across a table in Lady Sings the Blues.
Posted by Marci Aug 1, 2008 10:59 AM Report Abuse

Since I am (just about) at a place where I forgive him for selling out Luke This must be a sign of maturity because I'm not ready yet. Have a great birthday, Matt!
Posted by BewiXed1 Aug 1, 2008 11:00 AM Report Abuse

I don't watch Grey's or PP but I may have to tune in for this episode.
Posted by SharonTateFan4ever Aug 1, 2008 11:07 AM Report Abuse

He didn't sell out Luke. He sold out Han, Leia, C3-PO, and Chewie. Luke knew what he was walking into. The Force told him. Do I need to start quoting lines from Episode V?
Posted by SharonTateFan4ever Aug 1, 2008 12:43 PM Report Abuse

Loving this! Love BDW! He is incredibly sexy!
Posted by iamjillian Aug 1, 2008 12:51 PM Report Abuse

Fantastic News! Cant wait for Private Practice to return! Hey Matt, do you know any info on the "star name" new doc for Private Practice Shonda is looking for?
Posted by fabinpink Aug 1, 2008 1:00 PM Report Abuse

Only watched one episode sofar and I am a Diggs fan but will definitely watch the one with BDW. He is a class act and always has been on his own. He was the reason I watch GHNS though I am a GH fan but I thought a spinoff might not be so great until I learned BDW was going to be featured. You go BDW. I am a loyal fan and I dont care about the Star Wars stuff. I like you.
Posted by snook Aug 1, 2008 1:09 PM Report Abuse

Great news so many older stars dont get their due now if they can get Diana Ross to play his wife it will be truly event tv. Please somebody tell shonda to get Diana.
Posted by vandarian Aug 1, 2008 1:29 PM Report Abuse

the first movie i saw with a black man that stood by his woman at all cost was lady sing the blues, my mom tells me for years BDW and diana ross were the symbol for black love i think it would be awsome to see them together again supporting each other.
Posted by vandarian Aug 1, 2008 1:42 PM Report Abuse

Wow! vandarian, great idea. Diana Ross would be awesome for this role. PP's ratings would go through the roof!
Posted by zortil Aug 1, 2008 3:27 PM Report Abuse

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