80s

Billy Crystal

Show-business was in Billy Crystal’s blood. His father was a jazz music promoter in New York and Billy and his two brothers developed their own comedy routines as teenagers living on Long Island. Billy himself studied film at New York University School of Fine Arts and began his career by performing standup comedy in local coffee shops.

By 1977 he had landed a part in the US television soap-opera spoof Soap. He then met film director Rob Reiner and appeared in the 1984 ‘rockumentary’ Spinal Tap, an affectionate satire on the world of heavy-metal music. Reiner was also the director of the 1989 film which made Billy Crystal’s name When Harry Met Sally, co-starring Meg Ryan.

His career went from strength to strength throughout the 90s, as he released comedy records, appeared on Broadway, hosted the Oscars ceremony no less than nine times, and alongside his friend Robin Williams, hosted the US TV version of Comic Relief. He was devastated by Williams’ death in 2014 and paid a moving tribute to his best friend and fellow fund raiser, calling him “the greatest friend you could ever imagine” and “the brightest star in the comedy galaxy.”

Billy has been married to his High School sweetheart, Janice, since 1970. The couple have two daughters and two grandchildren.