Crystal, Billy (1947-…), is a popular American comedian and motion-picture star. Crystal first gained recognition as a stand-up comic, and then expanded his career into television and the movies. He became a popular leading man in films with his performance in the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally… (1989).
William Edward Crystal was born on March 14, 1947, in New York City, New York. He grew up in Long Beach, California. Crystal began performing comedy in coffee houses and on college campuses as a teenager. He got his major break in the television comedy series “Soap” (1977-1981). Crystal further advanced his career as a regular on the popular TV comedy show “Saturday Night Live” in 1984 and 1985. He earned special praise for creating a vivid gallery of comic characters on the program.
Crystal made his motion-picture debut in Rabbit Test (1978). His other movies from the late 1900’s include This Is Spinal Tap (1984); The Princess Bride and Throw Momma from the Train (both 1987); City Slickers (1991) and City Slickers 2: The Legend of Curly’s Gold (1994); Mr. Saturday Night (1992); Forget Paris (1995); Father’s Day (1997); and Analyze This (1999). Crystal also appeared in Analyze That (2002); Parental Guidance (2012); and Standing Up, Falling Down (2019). He provided his voice for the animated feature films Monsters, Inc. (2001) and Monsters University (2013). In addition, Crystal has written, directed, and produced a number of movies.
Crystal has hosted several Grammy Award and Academy Award telecasts. In 2015, he starred in the cable television series “The Comedians.”
Crystal wrote the memoirs Absolutely Mahvelous (1986), 700 Sundays (2005), and Still Foolin’ ‘Em (2013). He also wrote the children’s picture books I Already Know I Love You (2004) and Grandpa’s Little One (2006).
Crystal has won many awards, including several Emmy Awards, for his work. In 2007, he won the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. And in 2023, he became a Kennedy Center honoree. The Kennedy Center Honors are awarded for contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
