Posted by | Ray Cornelius
Billy Dee Williams is about to have the time of his life! The 78-year-old television and film icon will star as “Tito” in the ABC remake of “Dirty Dancing.” The three-hour filmed musical event is an adaptation of the 1987 hit romantic drama.
“Dirty Dancing” follows a young woman named Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman, who vacations with her affluent parents and siblings in the Catskill Mountains and falls for the resort’s working-class dance instructor named Johnny. Academy Award®-nominated-actress, singer and author Abigail Breslin will star in the lead role which was played so famously by Jennifer Grey.
Tito is the charasmatic, lively, long-time Band Leader for the early 1960’s Catskill Mountains resort. The original role was played by the late Charles Coles.
“Dirty Dancing” also stars Broadway actor and singer Colt Prattes as Johnny, “Will and Grace” star Debra Messing as Baby’s mother Majorie Houseman; “Modern Family” actress Sarah Hyland as Lisa Houseman and Grammy nominated-singer and dancer Nicole Scherzinger as Johnny’s dance partner Penny.
Williams is best known for his roles in the groundbreaking 70’s films “Brian’s Song” as well as “Lady Sings the Blues” and Mahogany with Diana Ross. He made new fans in the 80’s as ‘Lando Calrissian’ in “Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.” He also starred “Batman” and most recently featured in “The Man From 3 B” with Lamman Rucker and Brely Evans.
Stay tuned…
Photo Credit: TheWrap.com
