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Billy Crystal

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Not to be confused withBill Kristol.

Billy Crystal
Crystal in 2018
Birth nameWilliam Edward Crystal
Born(1948-03-14)March 14, 1948(age 76)
New York City,U.S.
Medium
  • Stand-up
  • film
  • television
  • theatre
  • books
Alma materNew York University(BFA)
Years active1975–present
Genres
Subject(s)
Spouse
Janice Goldfinger
​
(m.1970)​
Children2, includingJennifer Crystal Foley

William Edward Crystal(born March 14, 1948)[1]is an American comedian, actor, and filmmaker. He is known as astandup comedianand for his film and stage roles. Crystal has receivednumerous accolades,including sixPrimetime Emmy Awardsand aTony Awardas well as nominations for threeGrammy Awardsand threeGolden Globe Awards.He was honored with a star on theHollywood Walk of Famein 1991, theMark Twain Prize for American Humorin 2007, theCritics' Choice Lifetime Achievement Awardin 2022, and theKennedy Center Honorsin 2023.[2][3]

Crystal gained prominence for television roles asJodie Dallason theABCsitcomSoapfrom 1977 to 1981 and as a cast member and frequent host ofSaturday Night Livefrom 1984 to 1985. Crystal then became known for his roles in films such asRunning Scared(1986),Throw Momma from the Train(1987),Memories of Me(1988),When Harry Met Sally...(1989),Mr. Saturday Night(1992),Forget Paris(1995),Father's Day(1997), andAmerica's Sweethearts(2001). Crystal provided the voice ofMike Wazowskiin thePixaranimatedMonsters, Inc.franchise.He has hosted theAcademy Awardsnine times,beginning in 1990and most recentlyin 2012.

Crystal made hisBroadwaydebut in his one man show700 Sundaysin 2004, for which he won theTony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event.Crystal returned to the show again in2014which was filmed byHBOand received aPrimetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Specialnomination. He wrote and starred in the Broadway musicalMr. Saturday Nightbased on his film in 2022, for which Crystal received two Tony Award nominations forBest Actor in a MusicalandBest Book of a Musical.He has written five books including his memoirStill Foolin' Em(2013).

Early life and education

[edit]
Jack Crystal (right) withMilt Gabler,Herbie Hill and Lou Blum at theCommodore Music Shop(1947)

William Edward Crystal was born atDoctors Hospitalon theUpper East SideofManhattan,[1]and initially raised inthe Bronx.[4]As a toddler, he moved with his family to 549 East Park Avenue inLong Beach, New York,onLong Island.[4]Crystal and his older brothers Joel, who later became an art teacher, and Richard, nicknamed Rip, were the sons of Helen (néeGabler), a housewife, and Jack Crystal, who owned and operated the Commodore Music Store, founded by Crystal's grandfather, Julius Gabler.[5]Crystal's father was also ajazzpromoter, a producer, and an executive for an affiliated jazz record label,Commodore Records,founded by Crystal's uncle, musician and songwriterMilt Gabler.[4]Crystal isJewish(his ancestors emigrated from Austria, Russia, and Lithuania),[6][7]and he grew up attendingTemple Emanu-El (Long Beach, New York)where he had hisbar mitzvah.[8]The three young brothers would entertain by reprising comedy routines from the likes ofBob Newhart,Rich LittleandSid Caesarrecords their father would bring home.[4]Jazz artists such asArvell Shaw,Pee Wee Russell,Eddie Condon,andBillie Holidaywere often guests in the home.[4]With the decline ofDixieland jazzand the rise of discount record stores, in 1963, Crystal's father lost his business[6]and died later that year at the age of 54[5]after having aheart attack.[4]His mother died in 2001.[6]

After graduating fromLong Beach High Schoolin 1965,[9]Crystal attendedMarshall UniversityinHuntington, West Virginia,on a baseball scholarship.[4]Crystal never played baseball at Marshall because the program was suspended during his first year.[10][11]Crystal did not return to Marshall as a sophomore, instead deciding to stay in New York to be close to his future wife. He studied acting atHB Studio.[12]Crystal attendedNassau Community Collegewith her and later transferred toNew York University,where he was a film and television directing major. Crystal graduated fromNYUin 1970 with aBFAfrom its thenSchool of Fine Arts.[13][14]One of his instructors wasMartin Scorsese,whileOliver StoneandChristopher Guestwere among his classmates.[15]

Career

[edit]
Main article:Billy Crystal filmography

1976–1985: Stand-up,Soap,andSNL

[edit]
Crystal in 1977

Crystal returned to New York City. For four years, he was part of a comedy trio with two friends. They played colleges and coffee houses and Crystal worked as a substitute teacher on Long Island.[16]Crystal later became a solo act and performed regularly atThe ImprovandCatch a Rising Star.In 1976, he appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and on an episode ofAll in the Family.Crystal was on the dais forthe Dean Martin celebrity roastofMuhammad Alion February 19, 1976, where he didimpressionsof both Ali and sportscasterHoward Cosell.Crystal was scheduled to appear on the first episode ofNBC Saturday Nighton October 11, 1975 (the show was later renamedSaturday Night Liveon March 26, 1977), but his sketch was cut.[17]Crystal did perform on episode 17 of that first season, doing a monologue of an old jazz man capped by the line "Can you dig it? I knew that you could." HostRon Nessenintroduced him as "Bill Crystal."[18]Crystal made a guest appearance on "The Love Boat" Season 2 Episode 5, which aired on October 20, 1978. He also made game show appearances such asThe Hollywood Squares,All Star SecretsandThe $20,000 Pyramid.To this day, Crystal holds the Pyramid franchise's record for getting his contestant partner to the top of the pyramid in the winner's circle in the fastest time: 26 seconds.[19][20]

Cast ofSoap(1977). Back row, L-R:Robert Urich,Ted Wass,Richard Mulligan,Robert Guillaume,Robert Mandan,Jimmy Baio,Diana Canova,Arthur Peterson Jr.Seated: Billy Crystal,Cathryn Damon,Katherine Helmond,Jennifer Salt.

Crystal's earliest prominent role was asJodie DallasonSoap,one of the first unambiguously gay characters in the cast of an American television series.[21]He continued in the role during the series's entire 1977–1981 run.[22][23]

In 1982, Crystal hosted his own variety show,The Billy Crystal Comedy Houron NBC. When Crystal arrived to shoot the fifth episode, he learned it had been canceled after only the first two aired.[24]After hostingSaturday Night Livetwice, on March 17, 1984, and the show's ninth season finale on May 5, Crystal joined the regular cast forthe 1984–85 season.[17]His most famous recurring sketch was his parody ofFernando Lamas,a smarmy talk-show host whosecatchphrase,"You look... mahvelous!", became a media sensation.[17]Also in the 1980s, Crystal starred in an episode ofShelley Duvall'sFaerie Tale Theatreas the smartest of the three little pigs.

Crystal's first film role was inJoan Rivers' 1978 filmRabbit Test,the story of the "world's first pregnant man."[25]Crystal appeared briefly in theRob Reiner"rockumentary"This Is Spinal Tap(1984) as Morty The Mime, a waiter dressed as a mime at one of Spinal Tap's parties. He shared the scene with a then-unknown, non-speakingDana Carvey,stating famously that "Mime is money."[26]

1986–1999: Oscar host and leading man status

[edit]

Due to the success of Crystal's standup andSNLcareer, in 1985, he released an album of his stand-up material titledMahvelous!.The title trackYou Look Marvelous,written by Crystal andPaul Shaffer,had an accompanying music video that debuted onMTV.[27]Both the song and video features Crystal in character as hisSNLpersona of talk show hostFernando Lamas.The video features Lamas cruising around in what was at the time the world's longest stretch limousine, built by custom-coach designer and builder Vini Bergeman,[28]surrounded by models in bikinis. The single peaked at No. 58 on theBillboardHot 100in the US and No. 17 in Canada. The album was nominated for aGrammyAward for Best Comedy Recording at the 1986 Grammy Awards.[29][30]He later starred in the action comedyRunning Scared(1986) oppositeGregory Hines.Film critic of theChicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebertpraised the two for their on-screen chemistry writing, "But Crystal and Hines...don't need a plot because they have so much good dialogue and such a great screen relationship."[31]

During this time, Crystal hosted theAcademy Awardsbroadcast a total of nine times, from1990,1991,1992,1993,1997,1998,2000,2004and2012.His hosting was critically praised, resulting in twoPrimetime Emmy Awardwins for hosting and writing the63rd Academy Awardsand an Emmy win for writing the64th Academy Awards.San Francisco Chroniclecolumnist John Carman raved about Crystal's performance for the70th Academy Awardswriting, "It was the best Oscar show in two decades...Crystal was back in razor form."[32]The Seattle Timestelevision editor Kay McFadden praised Crystal commenting that "he possesses nearly impeccable timing and judgment."[33]

Crystal reunited with director Rob Reiner inThe Princess Bride(1987), in a comedic supporting role as "Miracle Max." Reiner got Crystal to accept the part by saying, "How would you like to play Mel Brooks?" Reiner also allowed Crystal to ad-lib, and his parting shot, "Have fun storming the castle!" is a frequently quoted line. CriticRoger Ebertdescribed Crystal as a highlight of the film writing "the funniest sequences in the film stars Billy Crystal and Carol Kane, both unrecogizable behind makeup, as an ancient wizard and crone who specialize in bringing the dead back to life."[34]Reiner directed Crystal for a third time in the romantic comedyWhen Harry Met Sally...(1989). Crystal starred alongsideMeg Ryan,Bruno KirbyandCarrie Fisherin a script written byNora Ephron.The Hollywood Reporterpraised the film and Crystal's performance writing, "Crystal's lustrous, deeply-shaded performance is certain to win him legions of new fans; indeed, his prowess as a comic reaches its deepest human dimension here."[35]Crystal was nominated for theGolden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedylosing toMorgan FreemaninDriving Miss Daisy(1989). The film has since become an iconic classic for the genre and is Crystal's most celebrated film. In 2019, theBBCnamed the film the greatest romantic comedy of all time.[36]

In 1991, Crystal created and produced the HBO six-part comedy miniseriesSessionsstarringMichael McKeanandElliott Gould.TheLos Angeles Timespraised the project describing it as "swankily written, elegantly staged and perfectly cast."[37]Crystal then starred in the award-winning buddy comedyCity Slickers(1991), which proved very successful both commercially and critically and for which Crystal was nominated for his secondGolden Globe.The film was followed by a sequel, which was less successful. The name of his company is Face Productions.[38]Entertainment Weeklypraised Crystal's performance writing, "It's also the first movie ever to do the talented Billy Crystal justice...he's far more pleasureful to watch in this sort of dramatic-comedy role than, say, Robin Williams, because his comfy, urban-shlemiel personality helps ground the jokes."[39]Following the significant success of these films, Crystal wrote, directed, and starred inMr. Saturday Night(1992) andForget Paris(1995). In the former, Crystal played a serious role in aging makeup, as an egotistical comedian who reflects back on his career.

In 1992, Crystal narratedDr. SeussVideo Classics:Horton Hatches the Egg.He was originally asked to voiceBuzz LightyearinToy Story(1995) but turned it down, a decision he later regretted due to the popularity of the series.[17]Crystal later films include a supporting roles inKenneth Branagh'sWilliam ShakespeareepicHamlet(1996), andWoody Allen's critically acclaimed comedy ensemble filmDeconstructing Harry(1997). Crystal had starred oppositeRobin WilliamsinFather's Day(1997) and had success alongsideRobert De NiroinHarold Ramis' mobster comedyAnalyze This(1999). In 1996, Crystal was the guest star of the third episode ofMuppets Tonightand hosted threeGrammy AwardsTelecasts: the29th Grammys;the30th Grammys;and the31st Grammys.Crystal was a guest on the first and the last episode ofThe Tonight Show with Jay Leno,which concluded February 6, 2014, after 22 seasons on the air.[40]

2000–2014: Later film work and Broadway debut

[edit]
Crystal at the 2013 TCL Chinese Theatre

Crystal directed the made-for-television movie61*(2001) based onRoger Maris's andMickey Mantle's race to breakBabe Ruth's single-season home run record in 1961. This earned Crystal anPrimetime Emmy Awardnomination for Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special. More recent performances include roles inAmerica's Sweethearts(2001), the sequelAnalyze That(2002), andParental Guidance(2012). Crystal later went on to provide the voice of Mike Wazowski in the blockbusterPixarfilmMonsters, Inc.(2001),Cars(2006), during theepiloguein theend credits,and to reprise his voice role in the prequel,Monsters University(2013). Crystal also provided the voice ofCalciferin the English version ofHayao Miyazaki'sHowl's Moving Castle(2004). He won the 2005Tony AwardforBest Special Theatrical Eventfor700 Sundays,a two-act,one-man play,which Crystal conceived and wrote about his parents and his childhood growing up onLong Island.[17]Crystal toured throughout the US with the show in 2006 and then Australia in 2007. Following the initial success of the play, he wrote the book700 SundaysforWarner Books,which was published on October 31, 2005. In conjunction with the book and the play that also paid tribute to his uncle Milt Gabler, Crystal produced two CD compilations:Billy Crystal Presents: The Milt Gabler Story,which featured his uncle's most influential recordings fromBillie Holiday's "Strange Fruit"to"Rock Around the Clock"byBill Haley & His Comets;andBilly Remembers Billiefeaturing Crystal's favorite Holiday recordings.

Crystal returned as the host for the2012 Oscar ceremony,afterEddie Murphyresigned from hosting.[41][42]His nine times is second only toBob Hope's 19 in most ceremonies hosted.[43]At the83rd Academy Awardsceremony in 2011, Crystal appeared as a presenter for a digitally inserted Bob Hope and before doing so was given a standing ovation. Film criticRoger Ebertsaid when Crystal came onstage about two hours into the show, he got the first laughs of the broadcast.[44]Crystal's hosting gigs have regularly included an introductory video segment in which he comedically inserts himself into scenes of that year's nominees in addition to a song following his opening monologue. In 2013, Crystal released his autobiographical memoirStill Foolin' Em.[45]The audiobook version was nominated for aGrammyAward for Best Spoken Word Album at the 2014GrammyAwards.[30] In the fall of 2013, Crystal brought the show,700 Sundaysback to Broadway for a two-month run at theImperial Theatre.HBOfilmed the January 3–4, 2014 performances for a special, which debuted on their network on April 19, 2014, entitledBilly Crystal: 700 Sundays.[46][47]The televised special received threePrimetime Emmy Awardnominations includingOutstanding Variety Special,andOutstanding Writing for a Variety Special.

In 2014, Crystal paid tribute to his close friendRobin Williamsat the66th Primetime Emmy Awards.In his tribute, Crystal talked about their friendship, saying, "As genius as he was on stage, he was the greatest friend you could ever imagine. Supportive. Protective. Loving. It's very hard to talk about him in the past because he was so present in all of our lives. For almost 40 years, he was the brightest star in the comedy galaxy… [His] beautiful light will continue to shine on us forever. And the glow will be so bright, it'll warm your heart. It'll make your eyes glisten. And you'll think to yourselves: Robin Williams. What a concept."[48][49]Crystal stated that paying tribute to Williams so publicly and so soon after Williams had died was one of "the hardest things I've had to do" and that "I was really worried that I wasn't going to get through it."[50][51]Crystal soon after appeared onThe Viewwhere he andWhoopi Goldbergshared stories about Williams, reminiscing about their friendship, and their collaborations together onComic Relief.[52]

2015–present: Return to Broadway

[edit]
PresidentJoe Biden,Crystal,Renée Fleming,Dionne Warrick,Queen Latifah,Barry Gibb,andJill Bidenin 2023

In 2015, Crystal co-starred alongsideJosh Gadon theFXcomedy seriesThe Comedians,which ran for just one season before being canceled.[53]His series received mixed reviews with many critics noting the chemistry developed further as the series went on. The series was compared to backstage shows such asThe Larry Sanders Showand30 Rock.Kate Kulzick ofThe A.V. Clubwrote "The odd-couple pairing of Crystal and Gad works well, with their generational divide providing many of the show's early highlights...The friendly rapport that develops between the fictionalized Billy and Josh allows them to relax a bit and get to know each other better".[54]

In 2016, Crystal gave one of the eulogies forMuhammad Aliat his funeral. In his remembrance of Ali, Crystal talked about his admiration for Ali as a boxer, and humanitarian. He also shared stories of their unlikely friendship after Crystal did a series of impersonations of him. Crystal stated of Ali's legacy, "Only once in a thousand years or so, do we get to hear aMozart,or see aPicasso,or read aShakespeare.Ali was one of them. And yet, at his heart, he was still a kid fromLouisvillewho ran with the gods and walked with the crippled and smiled at the foolishness of it all. "[55][56]

In the fall of 2021, Crystal reprised the role of Buddy Young Jr., in a theatrical musical staging ofMr. Saturday Nightat theBarrington Stage CompanyinPittsfield, MA.[57]In 2022, Crystal adapted his 1992 movieMr. Saturday Nightinto aBroadwaymusical with the same name.Crystal stars in the musical reprising his role from the film alongsideDavid Paymer.The production began previews on Broadway at theNederlander Theatreon March 29, 2022, prior to officially opening on April 27.[58]Crystal earned theDrama League Awardfor Contribution to the Theater Award for "his extraordinary work on stages across the country and commitment to mentorship in the field."[59]Crystal performed a number with the ensemble from his musical at the75th Tony Awards.Crystal also performed what he described asYiddishscat singing.Crystal went into the crowd teachingLin-Manuel MirandaandSamuel L. Jacksonas well as the rest of the audience.[60]The New York Timespraised Crystal on his bit, describing it as a highlight of the telecast writing, "one of the few moments that broke through...is when [Crystal] brought it out into the audience, and threw it up to the balcony, he showed how precision delivery and command of a room can make even the oldest, silliest material impossibly compelling."[61]

In 2023, Crystal was celebrated by theKennedy Center Honors.Tributes came fromRob Reiner,Meg Ryan,Whoopi Goldberg,Robert De Niro,Jay Leno,andBob Costas.Lin-Manuel MirandaandMarc Shaimandid a tribute to Crystal's "Oscar Medleys" to the tunes of "Too Marvelous for Words","It Had to Be You"(the theme fromWhen Harry Met Sally...), and "My Favorite Things"fromThe Sound of Music.[62]

Acting credits and accolades

[edit]
Main articles:Billy Crystal filmographyandList of awards and nominations received by Billy Crystal

Crystal has received numerous accolades including sixPrimetime Emmy AwardsforOutstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Programas the host of the31st Annual Grammy Awards(1989),63rd Academy Awards(1991), and70th Academy Awards(1998) and theOutstanding Writing for a Variety Seriesfor writing his comedy specialMidnight Train to Moscow(1990), and the63rd Academy Awardsand64th Academy Awards(1992). For hisBroadwaydebut, his one man show700 Sundays(2005), Crystal won theTony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event,and theDrama Desk Award.[63]He received further Tony nominations forBest Actor in a MusicalandBest Book of a MusicalforMr. Saturday Night(2022).

Crystal received nominations for threeGrammy AwardsforBest Comedy AlbumforYou Look Marvelous(1986),Best Spoken Word AlbumforStill Foolin' Em(2014), andBest Musical Theatre AlbumforMr. Saturday Night(2023).[64]He also received threeGolden Globe Awardnominations forBest Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedyfor his performances in the romantic comedyWhen Harry Met Sally...(1989), the western comedyCity Slickers(1991), and Crystal's directorial debutMr. Saturday Night(1992).[65]

Crystal has also received numerous honors including a star on theHollywood Walk of Famein 1991, and was awarded with theMark Twain Prize for American Humorin 2007 where he was honored byRobin Williams,Whoopi Goldberg,Robert De Niro,Martin Short,andRob Reinerat theJohn F. Kennedy Center for the Performing ArtsinWashington D.C.Crystal was made one of theDisney Legendsin 2013 and also received theCritics' Choice Lifetime Achievement Awardin 2022 and theKennedy Center Honorsin 2023.[2][3]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
  • Mahvelous!,(A&M Records, 1985) [#65 US]

Singles

[edit]
  • "You Look Marvelous", (A&M Records, 1985) [#58 US]
  • "I Hate When That Happens", (A&M Records, 1985)
  • "The Christmas Song", (A&M Records, 1985)

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Crystal, Billy (1986).Absolutely Mahvelous.New York: Perigee Trade.ISBN0-399-51246-2.
  • Crystal, Billy (2004).I Already Know I Love You.New York: HarperCollins.ISBN0-06-059391-1.
  • Crystal, Billy (2005).700 Sundays.New York: Warner Books.ISBN0-446-57867-3.
  • Crystal, Billy (2006).Grandpa's Little One.New York: HarperCollins.ISBN978-0-06-078173-6.
  • Crystal, Billy (2013).Still Foolin' 'Em: Where I've Been, Where I'm Going, and Where the Hell Are My Keys?.New York: Henry Holt and Co.ISBN978-0-8050-9820-4.[66]

Personal life

[edit]

On June 4, 1970, Crystal married his high school sweetheart, Janice Goldfinger.[67]Crystal has long credited his parents, "who always looked like they loved being together," with setting an example for his own marriage.[68]They have two daughters: actressJenniferand Lindsay, a producer, and are grandparents.[69]They live in thePacific Palisadesneighborhood ofLos Angeles,California.[70]

Crystal received an honoraryDoctor of Fine Artsdegree from New York University in 2016 and spoke at the commencement at Yankee Stadium.[71]

Philanthropy

[edit]

In 1986, Crystal started hostingComic ReliefonHBOwithRobin WilliamsandWhoopi Goldberg.[17]Founded byBob Zmuda,Comic Relief raises money forhomeless people in the United States.

On September 6, 2005, onThe Tonight Show with Jay Leno,Crystal andJay Lenowere the first celebrities to sign aHarley-Davidsonmotorcycle to be auctioned off for Gulf Coast relief.[72]

Crystal has participated in theSimon Wiesenthal CenterMuseum of Tolerancein Los Angeles. His personal history is featured in the "Finding Our Families, Finding Ourselves" exhibit in the genealogy wing of the museum.[73]

Political views

[edit]

Crystal is a supporter of theDemocratic Partyand has appeared inadvertisementson behalf of the party.[74]

Crystal was an outspoken critic ofDonald Trump,duringTrump's 2016 Presidential campaign.Crystal supportedHillary Clintonin the2016 United States presidential election.[75][76]

Sports

[edit]

On March 12, 2008, Crystal signed a one-day minor league contract to play with theNew York Yankees,and he was invited to the team's major league spring training. Crystal wore uniform number 60 in honor of his upcoming 60th birthday.[77]On March 13, in a spring training game against thePittsburgh Pirates,Crystal led off as thedesignated hitter.He managed to make contact, fouling afastballup thefirst baseline, but was eventually struck out by Pirates pitcherPaul Maholmon six pitches and was later replaced in the batting order byJohnny Damon.[78]Crystal was released on March 14, his 60th birthday.[79]

Crystal's boyhood idol was Yankee Hall of Fame legendMickey Mantle,who had signed a program for him when Crystal attended a game where Mantle had hit a home run. Years later onThe Dinah Shore Show,in one of his first television appearances, Crystal met Mantle in person and had Mantle re-sign the same program. Crystal would be good friends with Mantle until Mantle's death in 1995. He andBob Costastogether wrote the eulogy Costas read at Mantle's funeral, andGeorge Steinbrennerthen invited Crystal to emcee the unveiling of Mantle's monument atYankee Stadium.In his 2013 memoirStill Foolin' 'Em,Crystal claimed that after the ceremony, near the Yankees clubhouse, he was punched in the stomach byJoe DiMaggio,who was angry at Crystal for not having introduced him to the crowd as the "Greatest living player."

Crystal also was well known for his impressions of Yankees Hall of Famer turned broadcasterPhil Rizzuto.Rizzuto, known for his quirks calling games, did not travel toAnaheim, Californiain 1996 to call the game forWPIX.Instead, Crystal joined the broadcasters in the booth and pretended to be Rizzuto for a few minutes during the August 31 game.

Although a lifelong Yankees fan,[80]he is a part-owner of theArizona Diamondbacks,even earning aWorld Series ringin 2001 when the Diamondbacks beat his beloved Yankees.[81]

InCity Slickers,Crystal wore aNew York Metsbaseball cap.In the 1986 filmRunning Scared,his character is an avidChicago Cubsfan, wearing a Cubs' jersey in several scenes. In the 2012 filmParental Guidance,Crystal's character is the announcer for theFresno Grizzlies,aMinor League Baseballteam, who aspires to announce for theirMajor League affiliate,theSan Francisco Giants.

Crystal appeared inKen Burns's 1994 documentaryBaseball,telling personal stories about his life-long love of baseball, including meetingCasey Stengelas a child andTed Williamsas an adult.

Crystal is also a longtimeLos Angeles Clippersfan and season ticket holder.[82][83][non-primary source needed][84]

References

[edit]
  1. ^abOn page 17 of his book700 Sundays,Crystal displays his birth announcement, which gives his first two names as "William Edward", not "William Jacob"Crystal, Billy (2005).700 Sundays.Grand Central Publishing.p.17.ISBN978-0-446-57867-7.Sunday Number One. I'm born. March 14, 1948, in Manhattan at Doctor's [sic] Hospital overlooking Gracie Mansion. 7:30 in the morning.
  2. ^abNordyke, Kimberly (February 2022)."Billy Crystal to Receive Lifetime Achievement Nod at Critics Choice Awards".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedFebruary 8,2022.
  3. ^ab"Billy Crystal and Queen Latifah look marvelous as they headline this year's Kennedy Center Honors".Associated Press.June 22, 2023.RetrievedJune 22,2023.
  4. ^abcdefgFischler, Marcelle S. (February 27, 2005)."700 Memories of Childhood in Long Beach".The New York Times.RetrievedNovember 5,2012.
  5. ^abKane, Joe."Jack Crystal: A Man To Remember".AllAboutJazz.com. Archived fromthe originalon June 24, 2002.RetrievedJanuary 16,2008.
  6. ^abcBraver, Rita (November 6, 2005)."Life Is Short, Laugh Hard".CBS News.Archived fromthe originalon June 15, 2007.RetrievedJune 4,2007.
  7. ^"Billy is crystal clear".Woman's Day.Archived fromthe originalon October 23, 2013.
  8. ^"Billy Crystal The Hilarious Story About His Bar Mitzvah".Hudson Union Society.Archived fromthe originalon April 12, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 1,2019.
  9. ^Ketchum, Diane (June 3, 1990)."Long Island Journal: Crystal Gazing".The New York Times.RetrievedDecember 4,2012.
  10. ^"Billy Crystal | Hollywood Walk of Fame".Walkoffame.RetrievedApril 10,2012.
  11. ^"1965 MAC Baseball Season".The Baseball Cube.RetrievedDecember 21,2022.
  12. ^"HB Studio – Notable Alumni | One of the Original Acting Studios in NYC".
  13. ^"Billy Crystal Biography".Yahoo! Movies.RetrievedJanuary 16,2008.
  14. ^Crystal, Billy (2013).Still Foolin' Em.Henry Holt and Company.p.39.ISBN978-0-8050-9820-4.
  15. ^Crystal, inLovece, Frank(December 10, 2012)."Crystal Clear: Veteran Comedy Star Discusses 'Parental Guidance' and his Sandy-Ravaged Hometown".Film Journal International.Archived fromthe originalon September 6, 2013.RetrievedSeptember 6,2013.
  16. ^"Episode 740 – Billy Crystal".WTF with Marc Maron Podcast.September 7, 2016.
  17. ^abcdefLipton, James (host) (October 8, 2007)."Billy Crystal, 2nd Visit".Inside the Actors Studio.Season 13. Episode 1307. Bravo. Archived fromthe originalon October 11, 2007.
  18. ^"Season 1: Episode 17 > Ron Nessen / Patti Smith > Billy Crystal Stand-Up".Saturday Night Live Transcripts. Archived fromthe originalon September 23, 2013.RetrievedSeptember 6,2013.
  19. ^"$10,000 Pyramid Episodes - $10,000 Pyramid Full Episode Guides on ABC | TVGuide.com".Archivedfrom the original on December 17, 2014.RetrievedDecember 16,2014.
  20. ^"10,000 Pyramid aka 25,000 Pyramid aka 100,000 Pyramid".Archive of American Television.October 23, 2017.
  21. ^"TV's gay characters, before and after Ellen".USA Today.RetrievedFebruary 8,2018.
  22. ^"Billy Crystal | Encyclopedia.com".www.encyclopedia.com.RetrievedSeptember 21,2018.
  23. ^Soap (TV Series 1977–1981),retrievedSeptember 21,2018
  24. ^Crystal, Billy (2013).Still Foolin' Em.Henry Holt and Company.p.93.ISBN978-0-8050-9820-4.
  25. ^Maslin, Janet (April 9, 1978)."Joan Rivers 'Rabbit Test' Film Depicts First Pregnant Man".The New York Times.
  26. ^"In the '80s, mime is money: Minor Detail's 'Canvas of Life'".Tampa Bay Times.RetrievedMay 10,2022.
  27. ^Bull, Debby (October 24, 1985)."Billy Crystal's Winning Season".Rolling Stone.
  28. ^Garbow, Roger (March 27, 2020)."The Larger-Than-Life Tale of Vini 'Big Daddy' Bergeman, the Limo King of Los Angeles".The Drive.
  29. ^"Billy Crystal – You Look Marvelous".Discogs.1985.
  30. ^ab"Billy Crystal".grammy.com.November 19, 2019.
  31. ^"Running Scared (1986) movie review".Rogerebert.com.RetrievedJanuary 3,2023.
  32. ^Carman, John (March 24, 1998)."Oscar Polishes Up His Image / Crystal clearly a winner for best show in decades".San Francisco Chronicle.Hearst Corporation.Archivedfrom the original on February 2, 2014.RetrievedJanuary 23,2014.
  33. ^McFadden, Kay (March 24, 1998)."Ceremony Shapes Up As A Night To Remember".The Seattle Times.The Seattle Times Company.Archivedfrom the original on February 1, 2014.RetrievedJanuary 23,2014.
  34. ^"The Princess Bride".Rogerebert.com.RetrievedJune 22,2023.
  35. ^"'When Harry Met Sally': THR's 1989 Review ".The Hollywood Reporter.December 28, 2016.RetrievedJune 22,2023.
  36. ^"Why When Harry met Sally is the greatest romcom of all time".BBC.RetrievedJune 22,2023.
  37. ^"TV Review: Comedy on a Couch in Billy Crystal's 'Sessions'".Los Angeles Times.October 5, 1991.RetrievedJune 22,2023.
  38. ^"Billy Crystal".Variety.November 12, 2013.RetrievedOctober 15,2020.
  39. ^"City Slickers".Entertainment Weekly.RetrievedJune 22,2023.
  40. ^"Season 22: Episode 77".The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Archived fromthe originalon February 8, 2014.RetrievedFebruary 8,2014.
  41. ^"Eddie Murphy drops out as Oscars host".CNN. November 9, 2011.
  42. ^"Billy Crystal to return as host for 84th Academy Awards".TV by the Numbers.zap2it.com. Archived fromthe originalon November 12, 2011.RetrievedApril 10,2012.
  43. ^Keegan, Rebecca (February 20, 2019)."The Politics of Oscar: Inside the Academy's Long, Hard Road to a Hostless Show".The Hollywood Reporter.Archived fromthe originalon February 25, 2019.RetrievedFebruary 25,2019.
  44. ^"Oscars:" King "wins, show loses".Chicago Sun-Times.Archived fromthe originalon March 2, 2011.RetrievedAugust 24,2021.
  45. ^Itzkoff, Dave (September 5, 2013)."Last Laugh? He Doesn't Need It Yet".The New York Times.Archived fromthe originalon January 1, 2022.
  46. ^"Billy Crystal's hit Broadway play '700 Sundays' coming to HBO".Los Angeles Times.December 4, 2013.RetrievedDecember 11,2013.
  47. ^"DVR Alert: HBO Debuts Billy Crystal's 700 Sundays Tonight".RetrievedApril 20,2014.
  48. ^"Robin Williams Remembered by Billy Crystal in Poignant Emmy Tribute".Rolling Stone.August 26, 2014.RetrievedJune 6,2020.
  49. ^"Billy Crystal pays tribute to Robin Williams at the 2014 Emmy awards".The Guardian.August 26, 2014.RetrievedJune 6,2020.
  50. ^"Billy Crystal Remembers His Friend, Robin Williams".YouTube.September 19, 2014.Archivedfrom the original on November 23, 2021.RetrievedJune 6,2020.
  51. ^"Billy Crystal: Robin Williams Emmy tribute was 'the hardest thing I've ever had to do'".NBC.September 16, 2014.RetrievedJune 6,2020.
  52. ^"Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal Share Stories About Robin Williams on 'The View'".ABC News.RetrievedJune 6,2020.
  53. ^Maane Khatchatourian (February 14, 2015)."Watch: Billy Crystal and Josh Gad in 'The Comedians' First Trailer".Variety.
  54. ^"The Comedians succeeds with a familiar formula".A.V. Club.April 9, 2015.RetrievedJune 22,2023.
  55. ^"Watch Billy Crystal's Funny, Poignant Eulogy for Muhammad Ali".Vulture.June 11, 2016.RetrievedJune 6,2020.
  56. ^"Muhammad Ali Funeral – Billy Crystal Imitates Ali".YouTube.June 10, 2016.Archivedfrom the original on November 23, 2021.RetrievedJune 6,2020.
  57. ^"Barrington Stage Company welcomes Billy Crystal in a presentation of a new musical in development -- Mr. Saturday Night".Barrington Stage Company.RetrievedOctober 29,2021.
  58. ^Rabinowitz, Chloe (January 12, 2022)."Shoshana Bean & More Complete the Cast of Mr. Saturday Night on Broadway".BroadwayWorld.RetrievedJanuary 12,2022.
  59. ^"Nominations Announced for 88th Annual Drama League Awards".Broadway.com.RetrievedApril 26,2022.
  60. ^"Tony Awards 2022 biggest moments: Billy Crystal sings Yiddish with Samuel L. Jackson".USA Today.RetrievedJune 13,2022.
  61. ^Green, Jesse; Phillips, Maya; Soloski, Alexis; Collins-Hughes, Laura; Vincentelli, Elisabeth; Testa, Jessica (June 13, 2022)."Best Schtick: Billy Crystal Makes Silly Compelling".The New York Times.RetrievedJune 13,2022.
  62. ^Kennedy Center (December 28, 2023)."Lin-Manuel Miranda honors Billy Crystal | 46th Kennedy Center Honors".YouTube.RetrievedDecember 30,2023.
  63. ^"Billy Crystal's Tony Award-Winning Broadway Debut 700 Sundays Closes, June 12".Playbill.com.RetrievedMay 27,2020.
  64. ^"Billy Crystal – Artist".Grammy.com.RetrievedMay 27,2020.
  65. ^"Billy Crystal – Winners & Nominees".Goldenglobes.com.RetrievedMay 27,2020.
  66. ^"Still Foolin' 'Em by Billy Crystal".stillfoolinem.com.Archived fromthe originalon October 4, 2013.RetrievedApril 7,2015.
  67. ^Crystal,Still Foolin' 'em,p. 43
  68. ^Hautman, Nicholas (November 13, 2018)."Billy Crystal Reveals the Secret to His 48-Year Marriage".Us Weekly.RetrievedSeptember 28,2022.
  69. ^Lee, Sandra Y."Celebrity Parents: Billy Crystal".Parents.com.RetrievedMay 4,2012.
  70. ^"Having Struggled From Warm-Up Act to Headliner: BILLY CRYSTAL".Time.October 19, 1992. Archived fromthe originalon October 23, 2009.
  71. ^"Darren Walker, Ford Foundation President, to Speak at NYU's Commencement".March 10, 2016.
  72. ^"Leno's autographed bike raises $500,000".USA Today.Associated Press. September 30, 2005.
  73. ^"Finding Our Families, Finding Ourselves".Museum of Tolerance.Simon Wiesenthal Center.Archived fromthe originalon January 19, 2018.RetrievedJanuary 19,2018.
  74. ^"Billy Crystal Takes on" Insane "VP Debate, Teases Voting Spot with Bill Kristol for Florida Seniors".The Hollywood Reporter.October 8, 2020.
  75. ^"Billy Crystal Pretends to Choke as He Calls Donald Trump" President-Elect, "Says" We're in This Together "".The Hollywood Reporter.November 18, 2016.
  76. ^"Billy Crystal Repeatedly Skewers Donald Trump at Hillary Clinton's Broadway Fundraiser".Billboard.
  77. ^"Billy Crystal to sign contract with Yankees".Yahoo. March 10, 2008. Archived fromthe originalon March 16, 2008.RetrievedSeptember 8,2014.
  78. ^Chris Girandola."Crystal strikes out in only at-bat".Major League Baseball. Archived fromthe originalon February 12, 2012.RetrievedMay 4,2012.
  79. ^"Yankees release Billy Crystal on 60th birthday – Baseball".MSNBC. March 14, 2008. Archived fromthe originalon October 26, 2008.RetrievedNovember 3,2008.
  80. ^Crystal, Billy (April 19, 2009)."Feeling Lonely Behind the Facade".The New York Times.RetrievedMarch 26,2010.
  81. ^"Billy Crystal Strikes Out in New Career".The Insider. March 14, 2008.RetrievedDecember 6,2009.[permanent dead link]
  82. ^"Billy Crystal Talks About Being a Loyal Clipper Fan".December 19, 2012.Archivedfrom the original on November 23, 2021 – via YouTube.
  83. ^"Billy Crystal on Twitter".Twitter.
  84. ^Staff report."Billy Crystal loves the Clippers, and Jamal Crawford's dribbling".Sporting News.Archived fromthe originalon January 21, 2015.RetrievedNovember 26,2014.
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