| Full Name | William Edward Crystal |
| Age | 75 |
| Birthday | March 14, 1948 |
| Born | United States |
| Relationship | Married to Janice Crystal |
| Height | 5‘ 7" |
| Net Worth | $60 million |
| Social | Twitter | Instagram |
William Edward Crystal — actor, comedian, filmmaker. Gained prominence 1970s-1980s TV roles.
Early Life and Influences
Billy Crystal was born in Long Beach, New York in 1948. His father ran a record store, exposing Crystal to music legends like Billie Holiday. As a child, Crystal would stay up late watching Johnny Carson, captivated by the world of comedy and late night television.
In high school, Crystal landed the lead role in his school production of Hamlet, discovering his passion for performing. After a brief stint at NYU, he began taking the stage at local clubs and coffeehouses, developing his standup act. Early influences included conventional comedians like Alan King as well as boundary-pushing comics like Lenny Bruce and George Carlin.
Rise to Fame
Crystal got his big television break in 1977, joining the cast of the sitcom Soap. He became widely known for his impersonations of Muhammad Ali, Sammy Davis Jr., Howard Cosell, and other celebrities.
In 1984, Crystal joined Saturday Night Live during its popular revival era. He created signature characters like Fernando ("You look mahvelous!") and brought energy and improvisation to the program. He won his first Emmy for his SNL performance in 1985.
The late 80s marked Crystal‘s Hollywood film breakthrough. With When Harry Met Sally (1989), he displayed tremendeous comedic chemistry with Meg Ryan. Other hits like City Slickers (1991) and Analyze This (1999) soon followed.
Oscar Legacy
Crystal is best known for his unparalleled work hosting the Academy Awards. He hosted the Oscars nine times between 1990 and 2012, using his quick wit and satire to skewer Hollywood pomposity. Famous Oscar moments include his entrance on Hannibal Lecter‘s mask in 1992 and his "I See Dead People" spoof in 1998.
Crystal has set the standard for modern Oscar hosting. His ease on live television, star impressions, and ability to poke fun while celebrating cinema make him a beloved Oscars icon.
Later Projects
Even in his 70s, Crystal continues to take on new creative challenges. Recent roles include an aging comic on the series The Comedians (2015) and a voice part in the animated film Standing Up, Falling Down (2020).
In 2022, Crystal reprised his standup show 700 Sundays for a successful Broadway run. The deeply personal show about his Long Island childhood displays Crystal‘s undiminished storytelling skills.
Legacy as a Comedy Pioneer
For over 50 years, Billy Crystal has used his humor, impersonations, and physical comedy to become one of America‘s most admired entertainers. He led the standup scene in the 70s and 80s with an observational style. Iconic film roles like Harry Burns and Mitch Robbins highlight his talents on the big screen.
As an Oscar host, Crystal elevated the awards show by combining A-List celebrities with vaudeville charm. Approaching 75, the comedy legend continues to grow his career and solidify his pioneering influence on American comedy.