What Happened to Billy Crystal?

Billy Crystal's career spans over five decades, establishing him as a multifaceted talent in comedy, film, television, and theater. He first gained widespread recognition for his groundbreaking role as Jodie Dallas, one of television's first openly gay characters, on the ABC sitcom 'Soap' from 1977 to 1981. His tenure on 'Saturday Night Live' in the mid-1980s further cemented his comedic prowess, leading to iconic film roles in the late 1980s and 1990s, including 'When Harry Met Sally...' (1989), 'City Slickers' (1991), and 'Analyze This' (1999). Crystal also became synonymous with the Academy Awards, hosting the ceremony nine times and earning multiple Emmy Awards for his critically praised performances.

In the 2000s, Crystal continued to diversify his work, notably lending his voice to the beloved character Mike Wazowski in Pixar's 'Monsters, Inc.' (2001) and its subsequent projects. He made a triumphant Broadway debut in 2004 with his one-man show '700 Sundays,' which earned him a Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event. His contributions to American humor were recognized with the Mark Twain Prize in 2007.

More recently, Crystal has continued to engage in various projects. In 2020, he starred in the friendship comedy 'Standing Up, Falling Down', followed by 'Here Today' in 2021, which he also co-wrote, directed, and produced alongside Tiffany Haddish. He reprised his voice role as Mike Wazowski for the Disney+ series 'Monsters at Work' in 2021. In 2022, Crystal returned to Broadway with 'Mr. Saturday Night,' a musical adaptation of his 1992 film, receiving five Tony nominations, including one for his leading performance. That same year, he was honored with the Critics' Choice Lifetime Achievement Award. His enduring impact on the arts was further recognized in 2023 when he received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors.

In 2024, Crystal took on a significant dramatic role in the Apple TV+ limited psychological thriller series 'Before,' which premiered on October 25, 2024. This marked a notable departure from his typical comedic roles, showcasing his range as an actor. He also made a special appearance at the Musial Awards in November 2024, conducting an on-stage conversation with Bob Costas. In March 2025, Crystal served as a presenter for Best Picture at the 97th Academy Awards alongside Meg Ryan, participating in a tribute to the late Rob Reiner.

A pivotal personal event in 2025 saw Crystal lose his home of 46 years in the devastating Palisades fires in Los Angeles. This profound experience became the inspiration for his latest Broadway endeavor, a new one-man show titled '860,' named after his former street address. Previews for '860' began on October 1, 2026, at the Imperial Theatre, with the official opening set for October 21, 2026. Directed by Scott Ellis, the show is described as a hilarious and intimate story about family, friendship, love, luck, and loss, reflecting on how laughter can help overcome difficult times. Crystal continues to reside in Los Angeles and New York with his wife, Janice Goldfinger, with whom he has been married since 1970.