Billy Crystal

Billy Crystal is a multifaceted entertainer renowned for his work as a comedian, actor, voice artist, director, producer, and writer. After his significant breakthrough as Jodie Dallas, an openly gay character, in the popular sitcom Soap, which ran for four seasons starting in 1977, Billy Crystal established himself as a multifaceted entertainer. His television career had commenced with a guest appearance on All in the Family in 1976. Following Soap’s conclusion in 1981, Crystal continued his stand-up comedy and hosted The Billy Crystal Comedy Hour.

In 1984, he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live, where his memorable Fernando Lamas impression, delivering the catchphrase ‘You look mahvellous!’, garnered widespread popularity and marked his transition into feature films, including Running Scared (1986) and Throw Momma from the Train (1987). The late 1980s and early 1990s were pivotal in Crystal’s career, cementing his status as a prominent Hollywood actor with leading roles in critical and commercial successes such as When Harry Met Sally… (1989) and City Slickers (1991). During this period, he also began his celebrated tenure as host of the Academy Awards, a role he undertook nine times, commencing in 1990.

More recently, Crystal released his autobiographical memoir Still Foolin’ Em in 2013, offering insights into his extensive career. In 2022, he starred in the Broadway musical adaptation of Mr. Saturday Night, further solidifying his enduring presence on stage. His significant contributions to American humor and entertainment have been widely recognized through numerous accolades, including the esteemed Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2007, the Critics’ Choice Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022, and most recently, the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors in 2023, celebrating his profound impact across comedy, film, and theater.