Personal details
Born:
- Birthday: 1948-03-14
- Born Place: Long Beach, Long Island, New York, USA
Also Known As:
Bill Crystal, Γουίλιαμ Έντουαρντ Κρίσταλ, بیلی کریستال
Billy Crystal
William Edward "Billy" Crystal (born March 14, 1948) is a highly acclaimed American comedian, actor, writer, director, and producer, celebrated for his quick wit, versatile performances, and warm, engaging style. He emerged from a family deeply involved in music and entertainment, and after studying film and television at New York University, he began his career in stand-up comedy.Crystal first gained national prominence for his role as Jodie Dallas on the groundbreaking ABC sitcom "Soap" (1977-1981), portraying one of television's first openly gay characters. He further cemented his comedic reputation as a cast member and frequent host on "Saturday Night Live" (1984-1985), where his impressions and characters, such as the smarmy talk show host Fernando, became instant classics.His film career truly blossomed in the late 1980s and 1990s. He starred in several iconic comedies, including the romantic comedy classic "When Harry Met Sally..." (1989) opposite Meg Ryan, for which he earned a Golden Globe nomination, and the Western comedy "City Slickers" (1991), which saw him win an American Comedy Award. Other notable film roles include "Throw Momma from the Train" (1987), "Analyze This" (1999) and its sequel "Analyze That" (2002) with Robert De Niro, and "The Princess Bride" (1987) as Miracle Max.Beyond live-action, Crystal is widely recognized as the voice of the lovable, one-eyed green monster Mike Wazowski in Pixar's "Monsters, Inc." (2001) and its prequel "Monsters University" (2013), a role he has reprised in various spin-offs and shorts, including the Disney+ series "Monsters at Work."Crystal is also famous for his numerous turns as the host of the Academy Awards, a role he undertook nine times between 1990 and 2012, earning multiple Emmy Awards for his comedic and engaging opening monologues and musical numbers. He has also hosted the Grammy Awards.In addition to his screen work, Crystal has had a successful stage career. His one-man autobiographical show, "700 Sundays," won a Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event in 2005. He also wrote and starred in the Broadway musical "Mr. Saturday Night" (2022), based on his 1992 film, earning Tony nominations for Best Actor and Best Book of a Musical.Throughout his career, Billy Crystal has been celebrated for his versatility, sharp comedic timing, and ability to connect with audiences. He has received numerous accolades, including six Primetime Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2007, and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2023, solidifying his status as a true entertainment legend.
