Twilight’s Billy Black – Biography, History, & Character Information

• Name: Billy Black
• Type: Human
• Special Ability: None

Billy Black is Jacob Black’s father, was born and raised in La Push, Washington, and is an elder of the Quileute tribe. Billy Black is described as being heavyset, having a wrinkled face and russet skin. He is confined to his wheelchair due to his diabetes and has black hair and black eyes. His other family members include his two twin daughters, Rachel and Rebecca, and his deceased wife, Sarah.

Billy Black is a direct descended from the last chief of the Quileute tribe, Ephraim Black, who was his grandfather and leader of the last werewolf pack. One of Billy’s best friends in Forks, Washington is Charlie Swan. During the saga Billy bribes Jacob to try to convince Bella to break up with Edward and warns Bella in other various ways to stay away from the Cullen family.

He is a quiet, respectful man with a big heart. Few things escape his watchful eyes and understanding glare. He keeps Bella away from Jacob during his transformation but cannot keep them apart once Bella knows what is happening.

Early History

A resident of the small town of La Push, near Forks, Washington, he is an important figure in the Quileute tribe. Billy is Jacob Black’s father and a close friend to Bella Swan’s father, Charlie Swan.

Billy’s early history is intertwined with the traditions and lore of the Quileute tribe. He is deeply rooted in the tribal community and its culture, passing down the legends and histories of his people. These stories, particularly those concerning werewolves and vampires, play a significant role in the Twilight narrative.

In his younger years, Billy was an active and vibrant member of the community. However, he was later confined to a wheelchair due to complications from diabetes. Despite his physical limitations, he remains a respected and influential figure within the tribe and his family.

Billy’s life took a turn after the death of his wife, Sarah Black, leaving him to raise their three children – Rachel, Rebecca, and Jacob – on his own.

Actor Biography

• Name: Gil Birmingham
• Nick Name(s): None
• Date of Birth: July 13th 1966
• Height: Unknown
• Hair: Black
• Eye Color: Brown

Fun Fact: Considers his job as an honor to play Native American roles

Hometown(s): San Antonio, Texas

Career: Gil hit the screen with several roles in popular dramas of the day in the late 80’s to the mid 90’s. Those shows included Riptide, Falcon Crest, Buffy the Vampire Slayer,Night Man, and Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. The vast majority, if not all, of Gil’s roles have been those of Native Americans. His major motion picture credits include The Doe Boy, Skins, Gentle Ben, Gentle Ben 2, Into the West, End of the Spear, Love’s Long Journey, and Twilight. His next roles include Love Ranch and the anticipated New Moon. Gil continues to stay true to his heritage and provide the best resemblance to them that he can possibly give.

About Them: Gil Birmingham was born to a Native American father, who was a Comanche, and a non-native mother. He was born in San Antonio, Texas and became the oldest of five children. While growing up, Gil and his family constantly moved around the country, which put quite a strain on his family and friend relationships. Gil attended USC and received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, as well as utilizing an ongoing acting career. He has been a guitar player since he was ten and loves playing the works of Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. His musical tastes range from Sting, Seal, Allman Brothers, Dave Mathews, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, to Maroon 5, Moby, Natalie Imbruglia, Nora Jones, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Willie Nelson, and Bob Marley.

Quick Quote: (on what drew him to acting) “I wanted to be a musician, which I am. I was scouted in my gym and was asked to be in a Diana Ross music video. I enjoyed working on the set, started studying, and came to realize that acting was a just a different medium derived from the same creative place as music. Now I love them both.”