Are you familiar with Star Wars? If so, you’ll likely remember the character Lando Calrissian, brilliantly portrayed by Billy Dee Williams. Teruko Nakagami, his wife, is a prominent figure in discussions as well.
Teruko Nakagami is primarily recognized as Billy Dee Williams’ spouse, and information about her own career is relatively scarce. Her life has been marked by challenges, particularly in her upbringing and her journey to the United States.
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Teruko Nakagami: Brief Highlights
| Full Name | Teruko Irene Nakagami |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Around $ 600k |
| Date of Birth | 1946 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, USA |
| Age | 79 years |
| Sun Sign | Under Review |
| Siblings | 1 |
| Mother’s Name | Yoshiko Nakagami |
| Height | 5’5″ |
| Marriage Date | 27th December, 1972 |
| Body Measurement | 5 feet 5 inches tall |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Asian |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Profession | Celebrity wife |
| Partner | Billy Dee Williams |
| Children | 3 |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Grandchildren | 2 |
| Last Update | February 18, 2024 |
Who is Teruko Nakagami?
Teruko Nakagami is a Japanese‑American former model and fashion enthusiast best known as the wife of Hollywood legend Billy Dee Williams. Although she has largely avoided the public spotlight, interest in her life has remained strong due to her marriage, cultural background, and connection to jazz icon Wayne Shorter.
Born in Chicago in 1946, Teruko experienced significant hardship early in life. At a young age, she and her family were relocated to a Japanese‑American internment camp in California, a formative experience that shaped her outlook and desire for privacy later in life.
Image Source: Celebswood
Later, she was married to jazz icon Wayne Shorter, and they had a daughter named Miyako. After her marriage with Shorter ended, she crossed paths with Billy Dee Williams, and in 1972, they tied the knot. Together, they have a daughter named Hanako.
Parents of Teruko Nakagami
Teruko Nakagami was born to:
- Father: Kenichi Nakagami, former IBM executive
- Mother: Yoshiko Nakagami, former Pan Am flight attendant and fashion model
She has one sister, Michiko Nakagami. Her family background blended corporate discipline with creative influence, which later reflected in her interest in fashion and modeling.
Age and Body Measurements
As of 2026, Teruko Nakagami is 79 years old. She stands approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall. Her exact weight and body measurements have never been publicly disclosed, a deliberate choice reflecting her lifelong commitment to privacy.
She has black hair and dark brown eyes. Her zodiac sign remains unconfirmed due to the absence of an exact birthdate.
Early Life and Education
Despite being born in the United States, Teruko’s childhood was disrupted by wartime policies. Living in an internment camp during her early years exposed her to instability and frequent relocation.
While she has never publicly detailed her academic background, multiple credible sources report that:
- She studied fashion design at Tokyo University of the Arts at age 18
- Later trained in Paris under Hubert de Givenchy
- Transitioned into modeling before retreating from public life
These experiences contributed to her refined personal style and industry connections.
Teruko Nakagami Marriage
Teruko Nakagami has been married twice. She was first married to jazz legend Wayne Shorter in 1960. Teruko later married actor Billy Dee Williams in 1972.
Marriage to Wayne Shorter
Teruko Nakagami was previously married to legendary jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter. Though the exact marriage date remains undisclosed, the couple had a daughter:
- Miyako Shorter (born 1961)
Their relationship eventually ended in divorce. Teruko’s name is occasionally associated with Wayne Shorter’s acclaimed album Speak No Evil, though her role remains largely behind the scenes.
Teruko went on to marry Billy Dee Williams even though she already had a daughter from her previous relationship. Similarly, Billy Dee Williams also had children from his earlier marriage.
Teruko Nakagami and Billy Dee William Marriage
The marriage of Teruko Nakagami and Billy Dee Williams became a significant topic in the showbiz world, especially because Teruko was a relatively unknown figure in the life of the Star Wars actor.
Interestingly, there isn’t much information available about how they first met or began dating. However, they tied the knot on December 27, 1972, in an intimate ceremony with family and friends in attendance.
Despite their initial separation, after 21 years of marriage in 1993, Teruko and Williams decided to part ways. It took four years, but in 1997, they made the choice to reconcile and be together again, rekindling their love.
Teruko Nakagami and Billy Dee Williams Kids
Despite the challenges their marriage faced, Teruko and Billy managed to raise a remarkable child. Just a year into their marriage, they welcomed their daughter, Hanako Williams.
Hanako prefers to keep a low profile in the public eye and maintains a private lifestyle. She’s known to work as an art gallery manager and is also a mother.
Since their reconciliation in 1997, Teruko and Billy have been together without any significant issues for 25 years, and their relationship remains strong.
Image Source: Twitter
Teruko Nakagami Net Worth (2026)
Teruko Nakagami has never publicly discussed her finances or career earnings. Based on available records and modeling/fashion work, her estimated individual net worth in 2026 is approximately $600,000.
When combined with Billy Dee Williams’ estimated net worth of $7–8 million, their total household wealth is significantly higher. Net worth figures vary by source and should be considered estimates.
Teruko Nakagami Social media handles
Teruko Nakagami, who is now in her 70s, comes from a time when social media wasn’t a prominent part of life. As a result, she is not active on popular social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
Interesting Facts about Teruko Nakagami
- She lived in a Japanese‑American internment camp as a child
- Studied fashion in Japan and France
- Was married to two cultural icons: a jazz legend and a Hollywood star
- Reconciled with Billy Dee Williams after a four‑year separation
- Avoids public appearances and interviews
FAQ about Teruko Nakagami
Frequently Asked Questions About Teruko Nakagami
Is Teruko Nakagami still married to Billy Dee Williams?
Yes. Teruko Nakagami and Billy Dee Williams are still married as of 2026. Although they separated in 1993, the couple reconciled in 1997 and have remained together since then.
How many grandchildren does Teruko Nakagami have?
Teruko Nakagami has two grandchildren: Lucie Katsumi and Finnegan Ichiro, through her daughter Hanako Williams.
What does Teruko Nakagami do for a living?
Teruko Nakagami studied fashion design and worked as a model earlier in life. She later chose to live privately and is primarily known as the wife of actor Billy Dee Williams.
Was Teruko Nakagami married to Wayne Shorter?
Yes. Before marrying Billy Dee Williams, Teruko Nakagami was married to legendary jazz musician Wayne Shorter. They share a daughter named Miyako Shorter.
Did Teruko Nakagami live in a Japanese-American internment camp?
Yes. During her childhood, Teruko Nakagami and her family were relocated to a Japanese-American internment camp in California.
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