Billy Crystal Net Worth, Early Life, Career, Sports, Books, Assets
Billy Crystal is an accomplished American actor, writer, producer, comedian, and film director, boasting a net worth of $60 million. He first rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s with notable appearances on the television series “Soap” and “Saturday Night Live.” Crystal’s film career features iconic roles in classics such as “When Harry Met Sally,” “City Slickers,” and “Analyze This.”
Additionally, he is well-known for voicing Mike Wazowski in the “Monsters, Inc.” franchise. His career showcases remarkable versatility, allowing him to seamlessly navigate between comedy and drama. Beyond acting, Crystal has hosted the Academy Awards nine times, earning acclaim for his sharp wit and engaging presence.
He also created and starred in the one-man show “700 Sundays,” which won a Tony Award in 2005. His extensive contributions to entertainment have garnered him numerous accolades, including several Emmy Awards and the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
Early Life
William Edwards Crystal was born on March 14, 1948, on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Raised initially in the Bronx, his family moved to Long Island during his early childhood. Growing up in a Jewish household with two brothers, Crystal’s father was a jazz producer who faced business challenges before passing away from a heart attack in 1963. After completing high school in Long Beach, Billy received a baseball scholarship to attend Marshall University in West Virginia.
However, upon arrival, he discovered that the baseball season was suspended. He left college after his sophomore year to return to New York City, where he deepened his relationship with his future wife Janice, and studied acting at HB Studio. During this time, he also attended Nassau Community College before transferring to New York University (NYU).
At NYU, Crystal focused on film and television directing, graduating in 1970 with a BFA from the School of Fine Arts, later known as the Tisch School of Fine Arts. During this period, he had the opportunity to study under renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese, alongside notable peers like Oliver Stone and Christopher Guest.
Career
Billy Crystal’s career began on stage as a comedian in New York City, quickly gaining recognition in local comedy clubs. He made appearances on television shows such as “Saturday Night Live” and “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.” His breakout role came as Jodie Dallas on the hit sitcom “Soap,” where he remained until its conclusion in 1981. Around this time, he starred in the film “Rabbit Test,” which featured a unique storyline about a man who becomes pregnant.
Despite a brief stint with his variety show that was quickly canceled, Crystal continued to establish himself as a prominent TV host. In 1986, he returned to film with a leading role in “Running Scared,” followed by a memorable supporting role in the beloved classic “The Princess Bride” in 1987. Billy Crystal’s star power skyrocketed after his performance alongside Meg Ryan in the 1989 romantic comedy “When Harry Met Sally…”, earning him a Golden Globe nomination and solidifying its status as a cult classic. His subsequent film “City Slickers” also achieved significant box office success and earned him another Golden Globe nomination.
With an established presence in Hollywood, Crystal explored diverse projects throughout the early 1990s by writing, directing, and starring in films like “Mr. Saturday Night,” which showcased his ability to tackle serious roles, and the romantic comedy “Forget Paris.” He later collaborated with Woody Allen on “Deconstructing Harry” and starred alongside Robert De Niro in “Analyze This.”In the early 2000s, Crystal appeared in films such as “America’s Sweethearts,” “Analyze That,” and “61.”*
Although he initially turned down the voice role of Buzz Lightyear in 1995’s “Toy Story,” he eagerly accepted the part of Mike Wazowski in 2001’s “Monsters, Inc.”, continuing his voice acting career with roles in films like the English dub of “Howl’s Moving Castle” (2004) and reprising Mike’s character in “Monsters University” (2013). In 2015, he starred in FX’s series “The Comedians,” which was canceled after one season.
Hosting
Billy Crystal has hosted the Academy Awards nine times between 1990 and 2012—second only to Bob Hope for most hosting gigs. His exceptional hosting skills have earned him two Primetime Emmys for his contributions to the Academy Awards Ceremony.
Books
As of now, Billy Crystal has authored five books, including the acclaimed “700 Sundays,” named after the estimated number of Sundays he spent with his father during his lifetime.
Broadway
Billy Crystal has made significant contributions to stage work as well; he won a Tony Award for his one-act play “700 Sundays,” performed on Broadway in 2005 based on his book of the same name. He toured with this act through 2006 and 2007 before adapting it into a book format. In 2013, he revived the show for another stage performance that HBO filmed for a special broadcast.
Sports
A passionate sports enthusiast, Billy Crystal has been an avid fan of the New York Yankees throughout his life. He famously spent $239,000 at auction for one of Mickey Mantle’s old baseball gloves. As a child, he managed to get Mantle’s autograph after watching him play. Approaching his sixtieth birthday, Crystal was signed by the Yankees for a one-day contract and had the unique opportunity to play during a pre-season training game.
Personal Life
Billy Crystal married Janice Goldfinger in 1970; together they have two daughters, including actress Jennifer Crystal Foley.
Assets
Since 1979, Billy and Janice have resided in LA’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood, often referred to as honorary mayors of their community. Their home—built in 1936—is situated on one of the city’s most desirable streets and is estimated to be worth between $8 million and $10 million today.
