Billy Crystal Biography:- William Edward Crystal, born March 14, 1948, is an American actor, comedian, and filmmaker celebrated for his stand-up comedy and roles in film and theater. He has received numerous accolades, including six Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award, along with nominations for three Grammy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards. In 1991, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and he received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2007, the Critics’ Choice Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022, and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2023. Crystal rose to fame for his television role as Jodie Dallas on the ABC sitcom “Soap,” which aired from 1977 to 1981. He was also a cast member and frequent host of “Saturday Night Live” between 1984 and 1985. His notable film credits include “Running Scared” (1986).
Billy Crystal Biography
Billy Crystal was born on March 14, 1948, in Manhattan, New York, and grew up on Long Island. He is the youngest of three sons of Helen (Gabler) and Jack Crystal. His father was a well-known concert promoter and co-founder of Commodore Records, while his mother was a homemaker. The family has Jewish roots, with ancestors from Russia, Austria, and Lithuania. Growing up in a musical household, Billy had the opportunity to meet many legendary performers, including Billie Holiday, Pee Wee Russell, and Eddie Condon, who often visited their home. At the age of 15, Billy faced a personal tragedy when his father passed away from a heart attack at 54. This experience deepened Billy’s appreciation for his father’s accomplishments and his mother’s strength in holding the family together. Despite the loss, he maintained a cheerful disposition and a natural talent for making people laugh.
Billy Crystal Biography 2024 Details
| Birth name | William Edward Crystal |
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| Born | March 14, 1948 (age 76)
New York City, U.S. |
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| Medium | - Stand-up
- film
- television
- theatre
- books
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| Alma mater | New York University (BFA) |
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| Years active | 1975–present |
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| Genres | - Observational comedy
- musical comedy
- sketch comedy
- surreal humor
- sarcasm
- satire
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| Subject(s) | - American culture
- American politics
- current events
- pop culture
- everyday life
- social awkwardness
- human sexuality
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| Spouse | |
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| Children | 2, including Jennifer Crystal Foley |
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| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Billy Crystal
William Edward Crystal is an American actor, comedian, and filmmaker. He is known as a standup comedian and for his film and stage roles. Crystal has received numerous accolades, including six Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award as well as nominations for three Grammy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards.
- Born: 14 March 1948 (age 76 years), Doctors Hospital
- Spouse: Janice Crystal (m. 1970)
- Height: 1.7 m
- Children: Jennifer Crystal Foley, Lindsay Crystal
- Parents: Jack Crystal, Helen Crystal
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Early Life and Education
William Edward Crystal was born at Doctors Hospital on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and was initially raised in the Bronx. As a toddler, he moved with his family to Long Beach, New York. He grew up with his two older brothers, Joel, an art teacher, and Richard, nicknamed Rip. Their parents were Helen, a housewife, and Jack Crystal, who ran the Commodore Music Store, a business founded by Crystal’s grandfather, Julius Gabler. Jack Crystal was also involved in jazz promotion and worked as an executive for Commodore Records, a jazz label founded by Crystal’s uncle, Milt Gabler.
Crystal is of Jewish descent, with ancestors from Austria, Russia, and Lithuania. He grew up attending Temple Emanu-El in Long Beach, where he celebrated his bar mitzvah. The three brothers often entertained each other by mimicking comedy routines from records by Bob Newhart, Rich Little, and Sid Caesar, which their father would bring home. Their household frequently hosted jazz musicians like Arvell Shaw, Pee Wee Russell, Eddie Condon, and Billie Holiday.
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Billy Crystal Net Worth
Billy Crystal, the accomplished American actor, writer, producer, comedian, and film director, has an estimated net worth of $60 million. He rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s with his roles in the TV series “Soap” and “Saturday Night Live.
Born | March 14, 1948 |
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Hometown | New York City, New York, United States |
Net worth | $60 million |
Height | 5’6″ (1.683m) |
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Career
Billy Crystal started his career performing in comedy clubs in New York City, eventually appearing on shows like “Saturday Night Live” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” His breakout role came as Jodie Dallas on the sitcom “Soap,” which he played until 1981. He later starred in “Rabbit Test” and gained further recognition with films like “Running Scared” and “The Princess Bride.”
His leading role in the 1989 classic “When Harry Met Sally…” earned him a Golden Globe nomination and solidified his status as a star. This was followed by the successful “City Slickers,” which also received critical acclaim. Crystal showcased his versatility by writing, directing, and starring in films such as “Mr. Saturday Night” and “Forget Paris.” In the late 1990s, he appeared in Woody Allen’s “Deconstructing Harry” and partnered with Robert De Niro in “Analyze This.”
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Hosting and Other Work
Crystal has hosted the Academy Awards nine times from 1990 to 2012, second only to Bob Hope in terms of total appearances. His hosting talents earned him two Primetime Emmys. Additionally, he has published five books, including “700 Sundays,” which inspired his acclaimed Broadway show of the same name.
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Personal Life
Billy married Janice Goldfinger in 1970, and they have two daughters, one of whom is actress Jennifer Crystal Foley. The couple has resided in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, since 1979, and their home, built in 1936, is estimated to be worth between $8 million and $10 million today. Crystal is a passionate sports fan, particularly of the New York Yankees, and has had memorable experiences tied to the team throughout his life.
