Billy Crystal
Billy Crystal is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer known for When Harry Met Sally... and for hosting the Academy Awards.
When Harry Met Sally...: A 1989 romantic comedy film directed by Rob Reiner and starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. Crystal’s performance as Harry made this film his signature screen role.
Rob Reiner: An American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter whose films include When Harry Met Sally... and The Princess Bride. Reiner directed two films closely associated with Crystal’s screen career.
Long Beach, New York: A city on Long Island, New York, situated along the Atlantic Ocean. Crystal grew up in Long Beach in a family closely connected to music and entertainment.
Oscar hosting: The role of guiding and entertaining an audience during the annual Academy Awards ceremony. Crystal helped define a familiar model of the Oscars host through musical openings and film parodies.
City Slickers: A 1991 comedy film in which three friends seek adventure on a cattle drive. Crystal starred as Mitch Robbins and co-wrote the film.
Meg Ryan: An American actor known for romantic comedies including When Harry Met Sally... and Sleepless in Seattle. Ryan co-starred with Crystal in the film that became his signature romantic comedy.
Stand-up comedy: A live comic performance in which a performer addresses an audience directly, usually with jokes and stories. Crystal began his career performing stand-up before gaining prominence on television and film.
The 64th Academy Awards: The 1992 Academy Awards ceremony, hosted by Billy Crystal. Its opening number, with Crystal inserted into nominated films, became a signature hosting format.
The Princess Bride: A 1987 fantasy adventure film directed by Rob Reiner. Crystal played Miracle Max in a celebrated comic supporting role.
Whoopi Goldberg: An American actor, comedian, and television host who has hosted the Academy Awards. Like Crystal, Goldberg is known for hosting the Oscars as a performer with comic timing.