Billy Crystal

Billy Crystal is an Emmy-winning actor, comedian, writer and producer known for his stand-up comedy, film roles and longtime presence on television and awards shows. Crystal spent his childhood in Long Beach, New York, and later attended Marshall University on a baseball scholarship. He went on to transfer to Nassau Community College and then New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1970.

Crystal began performing stand-up comedy in New York City in the early 1970s and gained national attention through television appearances. His breakout role came in 1977 when he starred as Jodie Dallas on the ABC sitcom Soap, one of the first openly gay characters on American television. The role made him a household name and opened the door to film and hosting opportunities.

Over the years, Crystal starred in films including When Harry Met Sally… (1989), City Slickers (1991), Analyze This (1999) and Parental Guidance (2012). He has done extensive voice work, including in Monsters Inc. (2001), Cars (2006) and Luca (2021). He was a cast member on Saturday Night Live during the 1984–1985 season and has hosted the Academy Awards nine times. Crystal has won multiple Emmy Awards and was awarded the Tony Award for Best Theatrical Event for his Broadway one-man show 700 Sundays.

Crystal married Janice Goldfinger in 1970. The couple share two daughters, Jennifer Crystal Foley (born in 1974) and Lindsay Crystal (born in 1977).