The Austin Chronicle features an interview with Yaphet Kotto (best known for his role as Lt. Giardello on Homicide), who talks about turning down the role of Lando in ESB. Here's an excerpt:

You know, I was offered to do the part of Lando Calrissian in The Empire Strikes Back one afternoon in the luncheonette by Irvin Kershner, who had just finished directing me in Raid on Entebbe. He was directing Empire. I was having lunch with Veronica Cartwright, and he came over and asked me if I wanted to do the part, and I said no. He asked why, and I said, "Because they'll kill me off. I'll have trouble finding work after that."

Hit the link above to read more. Thanks to Darth Durgin for the alert.