Billy Dee’s charisma still works every time

To make sure this week ends on the right note, here’s the classic TV commercial with Lando Calrissian shilling Colt 45 malt liquor. The guy is smooth. Just listen to his delivery of the lines—he speaks the first three sentences of copy without taking a breath. The best part, though, is when the woman’s hand reaches for the can and pulls it offscreen, possibly for use as an ice pack (Billy Dee Williams has fallen to the dark side once or twice, mostly notably in 1996). Ol’ BDW took a fair amount of crap for pitching this low-cost alcohol. But he was reported to have replied, “I drink, you drink. Hell, if marijuana was legal, I’d appear in a commercial for it.” Well said. Besides, I’ve seen celebrity pitchmen stoop lower.

—Posted by David Kiefaber