Billy Crystal

NAME Billy Crystal

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Stand-up comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, and nine-time host of the Academy Awards.

BIRTH Billy Crystal was born on March 14, 1948, in Manhattan, New York City, and raised in Long Beach, New York.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Billy Crystal’s father, Jack Crystal, owned and operated the Commodore record store and was also a concert promoter who booked prominent jazz acts. Among these artists was the legendary Billie Holiday, who not only became a family friend but also babysat Billy and his siblings. Billy’s deep appreciation for jazz and music was heavily influenced by his father’s connections to the jazz world.

Jack Crystal (right) with Milt Gabler, Herbie Hill and Lou Blum at the Commodore Music Store (1947)

His mother, Helen (née Gabler), was a housewife

Billy had two older brothers: Joel, who became an art teacher and Richard (nicknamed Rip), who later became a television producer

CHILDHOOD Growing up in Long Beach, Billy Crystal was exposed to a vibrant cultural environment, often mingling with jazz legends through his father’s work. Jazz artists like Arvell Shaw, Pee Wee Russell, Eddie Condon, and Billie Holiday were often guests in their home This early exposure to show business and performance ignited his passion for entertainment. Billy and his brothers would entertain family and friends by performing comedy routines they heard on records their father brought home. He was particularly influenced by the comedic styles of Sid Caesar, Ernie Kovacs, and Jonathan Winters.

Tragically, in 1963, when Billy was 15, his father lost his business due to the decline of Dixieland jazz and the rise of discount record stores. Jack Crystal passed away later that year at the age of 54 from a heart attack

EDUCATION Billy Crystal's educational journey was diverse. He graduated from Long Beach High School in 1965. He then briefly attended Marshall University on a baseball scholarship, but the program was suspended during his freshman year.

Following this, Crystal enrolled at Nassau Community College, where he pursued his interest in theater. He later transferred to New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, graduating in 1970 with a BFA in film and television directing. At NYU, he had the privilege of studying under the renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese and counted Oliver Stone and Christopher Guest among his classmates.

Throughout his education, Crystal's passion for comedy and performing steadily grew. He formed a comedy trio with fellow Nassau Community College students and began performing at small venues. This experience laid the foundation for his successful solo stand-up career, propelling him into the spotlight and ultimately shaping his illustrious entertainment career.

CAREER RECORD Billy Crystal’s career spans several decades and mediums:

Stand-up comedian: Developed a successful stand-up career, known for observational humor and comedic impressions.

Television: He gained fame playing Jodie Dallas on the sitcom Soap (1977-1981) and on Saturday Night Live in the 1980s, particularly for his impressions and comedic sketches.

Film: He starred in iconic movies like When Harry Met Sally..., City Slickers, and Analyze This.

Voice Work: Crystal is well-known as the voice of Mike Wazowski in Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. franchise.

Award Shows: His witty and charming hosting of the Oscars is a defining feature of his career.

Broadway: His one-man show, 700 Sundays, earned a Tony Award.

APPEARANCE Billy Crystal has a warm, approachable appearance, characterized by his expressive eyes, mischievous grin, and signature dimples. His curly hair was a defining feature in his younger years, though he later adopted a shorter, sleeker style.

Billy Crystal stands at approximately 5 feet 6¼ inches (168.3 cm) tall. He has maintained a youthful appearance throughout much of his career, often playing characters younger than his actual age. 

In his youth, Crystal was known for his athletic build, as seen in films like Running Scared (1986)

As he's aged, Crystal has embraced his mature look, though he has occasionally used makeup or special effects to appear older or younger for certain roles. For example, in the 1992 film Mr. Saturday Night, he wore extensive prosthetics to play an older version of his character

Crystal in 2018 By Gage Skidmore

FASHION Crystal’s fashion reflects his polished yet relaxed personality. On red carpets, he opts for classic suits and tuxedos, often with a playful flair. Offstage, he favors casual, comfortable clothing, aligning with his relatable image.

CHARACTER Billy Crystal is renowned for his quick wit, intelligence, and deep sense of humanity. He is a natural storyteller with a keen ability to blend humor with heartfelt emotion, endearing him to audiences across generations.

SPEAKING VOICE Crystal’s speaking voice is instantly recognizable, marked by a smooth yet animated tone. He speaks with a distinctive New York accent, reflecting his Long Island upbringing His comedic timing and delivery make his voice a perfect fit for both stand-up comedy and animated characters.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Billy Crystal is celebrated for his quick wit, sharp observational comedy, and ability to blend humor with heartfelt emotion. His comedic timing has been showcased in everything from stand-up routines to his memorable movie roles. His humor often includes self-deprecating jokes and clever insights into human nature.

During one of his stand-up routines, Crystal performed as the character "Buddy Young Jr.," a fictional comedian known for his corny jokes. As Buddy, Crystal delivered this line about a meal he ate in Hawaii:"The waiter says it's called 'poi.' So I says, 'Then throw it in the 'poilet!'"

The humor lies in the wordplay between "poi" (a traditional Hawaiian food) and "toilet," delivered in the exaggerated style of an old-school comedian.

RELATIONSHIPS Billy Crystal married his high school sweetheart, Janice Goldfinger, on June 4, 1970. The couple met as teenagers in Long Beach, New York, in the summer of 1966. They've remained married since 1970, a rare feat in Hollywood.  Crystal often credits their enduring relationship to factors such as respect, humor, honesty, and enjoying their time together. (1)

The couple has two daughters, Jennifer and Lindsay, and a strong family bond. 

His friendships in the industry, such as with Robin Williams and Whoopi Goldberg during their Comic Relief collaborations, are legendary.

MONEY AND FAME Crystal has achieved significant success in his career, amassing wealth and fame through his acting, voice work, and hosting gigs. Despite his stardom, he remains grounded, often emphasizing his love for his family and his work rather than material wealth. He once joked that turning down the role of Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story was "the biggest mistake of [his] career," a choice that ultimately went to Tim Allen.

FOOD AND DRINK Billy Crystal enjoys simple, comforting food, often reflecting his New York upbringing. He has expressed his love for traditional deli sandwiches and classic American fare. 

Billy Crystal's career and personal life have been associated with several food and drink items.

He is often seen enjoying Martinis in films such as Deconstructing Harry and Fathers' Day. Crystal also appeared in numerous Diet Pepsi commercials throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

In the movie City Slickers, his character, Mitch Robbins, enjoys Jack Daniel's whiskey. The film also features a memorable scene at Aunt Meg's where enormous slabs of charred steak are served with eggs, mashed potatoes, and gravy.

Finally, in the iconic diner scene from When Harry Met Sally, Crystal's character, Harry, orders a pastrami sandwich at Katz's Deli in New York City.

MUSIC AND ARTS Growing up in a household filled with jazz, thanks to his father’s record store and connections, Billy developed a deep appreciation for music. Billie Holiday, a family friend and even a babysitter for him, left a lasting impression on his understanding of artistry. His own work in the arts spans acting, directing, and producing, making him a multi-talented figure in Hollywood.

In the classic romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally, Crystal’s character Harry delivers a hilariously neurotic monologue about the meaning of "Auld Lang Syne" after professing his love for Sally. The scene, filled with witty banter, perfectly encapsulates his comedic style.

LITERATURE Billy Crystal is a lover of storytelling, whether through movies, stand-up, or writing. He’s also an author, penning the memoir Still Foolin’ ’Em: Where I’ve Been, Where I’m Going, and Where the Hell Are My Keys?, which showcases his humor and personal reflections.

NATURE  Billy Crystal occasionally references the importance of relaxation and connecting with the world around him, often aligning with his easygoing and reflective personality.

PETS Crystal has spoken fondly of pets in interviews, showing his love for animals and how they contribute to a family’s joy. 

He participated in Broadway Barks, a pet adoption event featuring Broadway stars and adoptable animals.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS An avid baseball fan, Billy Crystal’s love for the sport has been a lifelong passion. He’s a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and even fulfilled a dream by playing in a spring training game with the team in 2008. 

He’s also known for his talent in golf and enjoys playing in celebrity tournaments. 

Beyond sports, Crystal engages in several other hobbies such as collecting miniature furniture and gardening. 

For his role in City Slickers, Crystal underwent training in horseback riding and roping.

He maintains a disciplined approach to physical fitness, engaging in strength training, cardiovascular endurance training, and joint flexibility improvement

SCIENCE AND MATHS Crystal's comedic material often reflects a sharp intellect and an understanding of human behavior, occasionally incorporating humor related to logic, reasoning, and problem-solving. Though not directly associated with science or mathematics, his observational humor often touches on the absurdities of daily life, making complex topics relatable.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Billy Crystal’s work often explores profound themes of love, friendship, and the human condition, blending humor with deeper philosophical insights. His performances, such as in When Harry Met Sally..., reflect a curiosity about relationships and life’s meaning. While not overtly theological, Crystal has spoken about his Jewish heritage and how it informs his values and sense of humor.

POLITICS Crystal has used his platform to support charitable causes and voice opinions on social and political issues. A longtime advocate for humanitarian efforts, he co-hosted Comic Relief alongside Robin Williams and Whoopi Goldberg, raising funds for the homeless. 

Politically, Crystal leans toward progressive views but generally keeps his activism subtle and focused on unifying themes.

SCANDAL Billy Crystal has maintained a remarkably scandal-free career, earning a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most respected and admired figures. His professionalism and strong moral compass have kept his name untarnished in an industry often rife with controversy.

MILITARY RECORD Billy Crystal has expressed deep respect for veterans and has participated in events supporting the armed forces, reflecting his gratitude for their service.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Crystal has often joked about aging in his stand-up routines and memoirs, tackling the topic with humor and honesty. He emphasizes staying active, and his participation in sports like baseball and golf showcases his interest in physical fitness. While he’s experienced some age-related health challenges, Crystal maintains a vibrant energy in his performances and personal life.

HOMES Billy Crystal has lived in several impressive homes over the years, reflecting his successful career. He primarily resides in Los Angeles, California, in a luxurious yet understated property that reflects his family-oriented nature. His home often serves as a retreat where he writes, reflects, and spends time with loved ones.

TRAVEL Crystal’s career has taken him around the world, from film sets to live performances. He has traveled extensively for charity events, movie premieres, and promotional tours. His love for baseball has also led him to various ballparks, both domestically and internationally.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Billy Crystal has made numerous film, television, and stage appearances.

ACHIEVEMENTS Six Primetime Emmy Awards

A Tony Award

Nominations for three Grammy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards

Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

Kennedy Center Honors

Sources (1) People magazine