The Last Great Rom-Com? Sep 1, 2009
Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan in "When Harry Met Sally." ... Billy Crystal was a real-life Harry: Men basically act like stray dogs in front of a supermarket ... The idea for the film had emerged over a lunch at the Russian Tea Room in New York in 1984, springing from the banter between Reiner, then filming "This Is Spinal Tap" (featuring cameos from Billy Crystal and Bruno Kirby, who plays Harry s best friend Jess), and the screenplay writer Nora Ephron, then best known for Silkwood. (Fox News)
Time-travel movies: past and present Aug 9, 2009
Think of it as When Leopold Met Kate, only Jackman s a lot better looking than Billy Crystal and there s no deli scene. THE LAKE HOUSE The only time-travel movie in which a copy of Jane Austen s Persuasion figures in the plot and the time machine takes the form of a mailbox. (Boston Globe)
The Ugly Truth Aug 8, 2009
It may have been nonsense but it gave Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal something they could use to keep the repartee flowing. But The Ugly Truth, which, oddly enough, is written by three women, gives the jock all the liveliest lines. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Arash MarkaziACTION SPORTS Aug 2, 2009
You recently finished filming a movie with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Ashley Judd, Julie Andrews and Billy Crystal called The Tooth Fairy where you play a hockey player, how did that go. Sheckler: It was amazing. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Harry & Sally Jul 31, 2009
Released 20 years ago this summer, When Harry Met Sally famously pondered whether men or women can be friends without the sex thing getting in the way, as Billy Crystal s Harry so bluntly put it. But looking at all of the romantic comedies that tried to match Rob Reiner s touching and funny 1989 hit, and failed, a better question might be: Will there ever be a mainstream comedy about adult men and women, friendships and sex that rings as smart and true as this one. (The Palm Beach Post)
‘America’s Sweethearts’ available on Encore on Comcast Jul 22, 2009
There are laughs, especially when a nervous publicist played by Billy Crystal dishes out one-liners. But Catherine Zeta-Jones and John Cusack, as feuding headliners, are stuck with one-note characters and the farce never quite zooms into orbit. (Boston Globe)
L.A. police chief puts his home on the market Jul 22, 2009
Steinberg has been involved in the careers of talents including Robin Williams and Billy Crystal. He won a Grammy for producing the "Robin Williams Live at the Met" album. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
HILLARY WATCHERS SAY SHE'S NOT ... Jul 17, 2009
THAT BILLY Crystal solo B'way show I told you about yesterday, "700 Sundays," is doing DC, Philly, Palm Beach, Miami, Atlanta and Dallas. Billy, Prince and Spielberg all saw "West Side Story" Wednesday night. (New York Post -- Gossip)
Elton John, Billy Crystal, Tony Bennett, and Gladys Knight Help Starkey Hearing Foundation Raise More than $5 Million at Annual Fundraiser Jul 15, 2009
July 14 /PRNewswire/ -- An evening of entertainment and fundraising that included performances by Elton John, Billy Crystal, Tony Bennett, and Gladys Knight resulted in Starkey Hearing Foundation, the global leader in delivering the gift of hearing, raising more than $5 million to support its mission of helping the world to hear ... "Elton John. Billy Crystal. Tony Bennett. Gladys Knight. What a line-up, and what a magnificent evening of entertainment, celebration and generosity. The kind of... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Critic's Corner Jul 14, 2009
I think he could be the next Billy Crystal as a host. Robert Bianco: If the Tonys are any guide, I think he'll make a great host. (USA Today -- Life)
Love stories to love Jul 14, 2009
Billy Crystal and Ryan are good friends forever, until they finally hook up. Doesn't go as smoothly as it might, but all's good in the end. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack mentality Jul 11, 2009
I saw Billy Crystal and David Letterman when they were starting out. That was my training ground. (Boston Globe)
Famous and infamous Brunos Jul 5, 2009
Saddle up His best-known role is as Billy Crystal s and Daniel Stern s pal in City Slickers, but surely Bruno Kirby s greatest role is as young Clemenza in The Godfather: Part II.. Mark Feeney can be reached at. (Boston Globe)
BACKSTAGE: Carlsbad band, Ramona singer enter finals for fair's Musicpalooza Jul 2, 2009
"700 Sundays," the Tony Award-winning solo show by actor/comedian Billy Crystal that had its world premiere at La Jolla Playhouse in 2004, will hit the road this September in a national tour. The show will visit six East Coast cities on its four-month tour. (North County Times)
Most indispensable Falcon? Jun 24, 2009
It has Mandy Patankin, Wallace Shawn, Christopher Guest, Chris Sarandon, Billy Crystal, Carol Kane, and an outstanding performance by Andre the Giant. PLUS - Fred Savage and Peter Falk as the frame part of this frame story. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Names in the game Jun 24, 2009
Lowrey keeps in shape on what he calls a "fun box,'' a set of ramps in his family's back yard.- ROBB LUEHR, Journal TimesRACINIAN TAKES ON THE WORLDWhen Team USA heads to Raleigh-Durham, N.C. this weekend, one Racine athlete will be going along for the ride.Bob Despins, a distance runner, is one of 56 members of the Wisconsin team that is scheduled to begin competition Sunday in what will be the largest sporting event in the world in 1999, the Special Olympics World Summer Games. More than 7,000... (Racine Journal Times, WI)
"Year One" Jun 19, 2009
A mob bigwig who works out his insecurities on the shrink's couch (), a husband who clones himself with absurd and disastrous results ("Multiplicity"): These are ideas that give good actors (in the first instance, Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal, and in the second, Michael Keaton) something to run with. And even if Ramis had directed no movie other than "Groundhog Day," with Bill Murray as a TV weatherman doomed to live the same day over and over again, he'd still be able to claim the honor of... (Salon)
Leno gets set to leave the `most wonderful job' May 30, 2009
On Thursday's show, Billy Crystal, Leno's first "Tonight" guest 17 years ago, returned to salute him with a musical medley akin to Crystal's Oscar ceremony opening numbers. "Mustangs and Mazdas and shiny Mercedes, Model T Fords that he steals from old ladies," sang Crystal, to the tune of "My Favorite Things.". (FOX 11, AZ)
Ranking Pixar's Movies May 27, 2009
Starring John Goodman as Sulley and Billy Crystal as Mike, a couple of working-class monsters, the film finds its inspiration in the familiar area that Toy Story did, giving reality and weight to childhood fantasies as we learn that, yes, Virginia, there are monsters in your closet. And yet, Monsters, Inc. pales in comparison to the Toy Story films. (IGN FilmForce)
Leno ends 'Tonight' run May 26, 2009
Guests for Leno's final week:- Tonight: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dwight Yoakam- Wednesday: Wanda Sykes and Sarah McLachlan- Thursday: Billy Crystal and Prince- Friday: Conan O'Brien. Jay Leno easily could have used his status as host of NBC's "The Tonight Show" to demand long vacations. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Best bets: Go Up, up, and away, at the movies May 26, 2009
Leno's final guests this week will include Prince, Mel Gibson, Billy Crystal and, in a neat bit of synergy, O'Brien himself. ("The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" finale, May 29, 11:30 p.m., NBC.). (MSNBC -- News)
Leno ready to pass torch to O'Brien May 25, 2009
First guest: Billy Crystal, May 25, 1992. Memorable moment: Crystal's homage to Midler's performance for Carson -- "You made me first guest, I didn't want to do it, I didn't want to do it.". (Erie Times-News, PA)
Entertainment Weekly's Picks of the Week May 25, 2009
Leading up to his farewell, the week's parade of scheduled big guests include Mel Gibson (his first TV appearance since his divorce became watercooler fodder) and musical guest Lyle Lovett on Monday; California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dwight Yoakam on Tuesday; Wanda Sykes and Sarah McLachlan on Wednesday; and Billy Crystal (the first guest when Leno took over as "Tonight Show" host in 1992) and Prince on Thursday. James Taylor will be the musical guest on Friday. (CNN -- Showbiz)
Top 10 Pixar Characters May 24, 2009
Memorably voiced by comic actor Billy Crystal, Mike works with his buddy Sulley to scare children and capture their screams which are used to power the monster realm. Mike is initially hesitant to approach the cute little human girl, Boo, who has wandered into their world, although he ultimately warms up to her and makes it possible for Sulley to find her again in the end. (IGN FilmForce)
In best supporting actor, anything goes May 21, 2009
Cuba Gooding, Jr.s show me the money role in Jerry Maguire, Jack Palance torturing Billy Crystal in City Slickers, Walter Matthaus crooked lawyer in The Fortune Cookie all of these comic performances have earned Oscar gold. Had Johnny Depps role in last years Pirates of the Caribbean been a supporting rather than a lead role, he would have had a much better shot at winning. (MSNBC -- Academy Awards)
The Aviator picks up 11 Oscar nods May 21, 2009
Chris Rock is the shows host, the first time since 1996 that either Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg or Steve Martin has not been master of ceremonies. 2009 The Associated Press. (MSNBC -- Academy Awards)
Family roots run deep May 21, 2009
It was about the time of the release of the movie "61" that was directed by Billy Crystal and starred Barry Pepper as Roger Maris. It centered around the 1961 season and Maris' run at Babe Ruth's record, him receiving death threats and hate mail and his relationship with teammate Mickey Mantle. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Rock's not sanitized for your protection May 21, 2009
Entertainment Weekly named him the nations funniest person in 2004, and it isnt as if Billy Crystal can keep coming back to distract attention from some of the other less successful hosts of recent years ... With the exception of David Letterman's historically disastrous 1995 appearance, the only people who have hosted the show since 1990 are Billy Crystal, Steve Martin and Whoopi Goldberg ... Billy Crystal came to prominence playing one of television's first gay characters on Soap,... (MSNBC -- Academy Awards)
Oscar hopes to avoid another ratings slide May 21, 2009
A piece of the RockAfter a decade under the safely comfortable hand of such masters of ceremonies as Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg and Steve Martin, the Oscars this time feature Chris Rock as host. Rock already has mouthed off that awards shows are "idiotic," though he has hinted he will play nice during the show. (MSNBC -- Academy Awards)
Leno's last 'Tonight' guest is Conan O'Brien May 15, 2009
The big names making the cut for Leno's final week of Tonight include Mel Gibson, Prince and Billy Crystal who was Leno's first guest when he took the show over from Johnny Carson in 1992. The handover to O'Brien represents a peaceful transition of power, unlike when Leno and David Letterman jockeyed to succeed Carson. (USA Today)
Lenos final Tonight guest? Conan! May 15, 2009
The big names making the cut for Lenos final week of Tonight include Mel Gibson, Prince and Billy Crystal who was Lenos first guest when he took the show over from Johnny Carson in 1992. Slideshow. (MSNBC -- Television)
5 Things You Didn't Know: SNL Apr 16, 2009
" Frustrated that the name they wanted had been taken, SNL began under the title NBC's Saturday Night, but they took a shot at Cosell's show by calling their own cast the "Not Ready for Prime Time Players. Forget the thread count and minibar, the view is what makes these suites spectacular vacation spots. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Cable TV Upfronts 2009: Hallmark Movie Channel Positive About Original Shorts Apr 11, 2009
Speaking at the event, Henry Schleiff, president and CEO of Crown Media, the parent of the services, listed such other notable Tisch graduates as Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee, Billy Crystal and Phillip Seymour Hoffman, as potential judges. Hallmark Movie Channel offers a combination of theatricals, "Hallmark Hall of Fame" presentations, Hallmark Channel telefilms, plus miniseries and other event programming. (Multichannel News)
Top comedy honour for Bill Cosby Apr 4, 2009
Richard Pryor was the first to get the prize in 1998 while recent recipients include Steve Martin and Billy Crystal. Beloved. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Bill Cosby to receive Mark Twain humor award Apr 2, 2009
Past honorees have also included Billy Crystal, Steve Martin and Whoopi Goldberg. The first honoree was Richard Pryor in 1998. (MSNBC -- Lifestyle)
Folksy, controversial Cosby wins Twain prize Apr 2, 2009
He was named the recipient of the 2009 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, joining an elite few such as Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Billy Crystal and Steve Martin. "After bathing us, dressing us in fresh pajamas, and setting us into the crib together, read to my brother James and me 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer', and later, 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,' " Mr. Cosby recalled in a press release from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, adding that he'd "like to apologize... (Insight on the News)
FOX411: Hugh Jackman Makes Magic in NYC Mar 27, 2009
Can anyone say, "Billy Crystal". Whatever he s doing involving chains, water tanks, or straitjackets, Jackman looks no worse for the wear. (Fox News)
Today in History Mar 14, 2009
Comedian Billy Crystal is 61. Country singer Jann Browne is 55. (Yahoo News)
Deserted ... After Being In Acoma Mar 8, 2009
Gallup was the town mentioned throughout the Billy Crystal movie, My Giant, where former NBA player Georghe Muresan, at 7-foot-7, is the co-star. Guess who plays the giant. (Cleveland, TheInsiders.com)
The Sooner ... Or Later State Of Mind Mar 7, 2009
Ever see the Billy Crystal movie Forget Paris. If so, you know to never say, piece of cake. (Cleveland, TheInsiders.com)
'Spinal Tap' Stars: Where Are They Now? Mar 5, 2009
The crop of cameos and small roles in the film includes the likes of Billy Crystal, Dana Carvey and Paul Shaffer. Fran Drescher had a role in the film, too, years before she hit sitcom gold with "The Nanny.". (KFOXTV.com, TX)
Scary Skinny and Sad Mar 3, 2009
So far Borat is leading the race, with fans willing to spend over $500 on the customized message, but also lending their star-powered voices to the cause by just for you are Isla Fisher, Jennifer Garner, Ben Affleck, Chris Rock, Cindy Crawford, Brooke Shields, Elizabeth Banks and Billy Crystal. Spotted or Snapped a Star. (Fox News)
City Beat (14) Mar 1, 2009
Episodes will air at 8 p.m. and repeat Saturday, through Jan. 31, at 9 p.m. Featuring interviews with 90 comedians including Judd Apatow, Sid Caesar, George Carlin and Billy Crystal. This week s episodes are themed Never Give a Sucker an Even Break: Wiseguys and Smart-Alecks and Sock It to Me. (Cleveland Jewish News, OH)
Oscars: some delights, some groans Feb 25, 2009
It was nice to see Jackman strutting through a low-tech opening musical number, the best musical opening since the days when Billy Crystal hosted. Anne Hathaway showed, when she was pulled on stage for a "Frost/Nixon" musical number, that she should have co-hosted the show. (Fresno Bee)
Crystal for Jackman's Job Feb 25, 2009
com - Oscar's Next Host: Billy Crystal ... Oscar's Next Host: Billy Crystal ... Billy Crystal is seen with Miley Cyrus on 'American Idol Gives Back. (Fox News)
AP's Bob Thomas takes in the Oscars for 64th time Feb 24, 2009
If he cares to come back, he could rank with Bob Hope, Johnny Carson and Billy Crystal as a great all-time Oscar host. The 81st Academy Awards went pretty much according to predictions. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Are the Oscars recession-proof? (95) Feb 24, 2009
Hugh Jackman is no Billy Crystal, and it felt forced. I agree with the Memorial tribute. (Salon)
Live blogging backstage at the Oscars Feb 23, 2009
Brings back memories of Billy Crystal. 5:33pm Hugh Jackman singing "It's alright to be gay." Priceless. (Variety)
SHOWTIME: Compare past Oscar shows Feb 23, 2009
Taking a page out of the Billy Crystal handbook, Jackman sings odes to nominated pictures, but with cheesy visuals, a swept-onstage Anne Hathaway filling in as Tricky Dicky in Frost/Nixon and an interpretative dance to The Reader ... Billy Crystal for the seventh time; his first since 2000. (USA Today -- Life)
Jackman on song Feb 23, 2009
The first was exactly the sort of thing Billy Crystal used to open the show with, except that in a nod to these credit crunched times, the expensive CGI Crystal used to use to insert himself into the nominated films was replaced by deliberately junky-looking sets. And the second number, in which Jackman and Beyonce Knowles performed a medley of hits from Oscar-winning musicals put together by Baz Luhrmann, was spectacular - and fully deserving of its standing ovation. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Awards show's hits and misses Feb 23, 2009
It's not that Jackman's exuberant routine was all bad -- it began as cringe-worthy but improved somewhat after he dragged a faux embarrassed/really game Anne Hathaway on stage for a chemistry-filled duet -- but Jackman naturally invited comparisons to past host Billy Crystal, who was more successful connecting with average viewers. A later Jackman-fronted medley of movie musical melodies -- with guest stars Beyonce, Zac Efron, etc. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Nominees for improving TV viewership Feb 22, 2009
And his song-and-dance act has to be better than the once-cool-but-now-tired version Billy Crystal trots out when he hosts. Beyond that, what's new. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
This is the guy who writes the Oscars? Feb 21, 2009
It was a funny moment and host Billy Crystal riffed on the 73-year-old's virility for the remainder of the broadcast. Those riffs were written in the wings where writer Bruce Vilanch, Billy Crystal and their team tossed jokes around frantically during the live spectacle -- a feat that earned them an Emmy ... I was looking at previous ceremonies online and realized I had forgotten the Robert Altman presentation that Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin did, and the year Billy Crystal came on as Hannibal... (Salon)
He revived Tony, now Jackman tackles Oscar Feb 20, 2009
" Jackman is keeping his plans for the Oscars secret, although one report has him performing a musical number with Beyonce, High School Musical lovebirds Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, and Mamma Mia! stars Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper. Luhrmann is rumoured to be directing the musical number. Giving a little insight into what to expect, Jackman has spoken in glowing terms of two past Oscar hosts loved by the Academy and applauded by critics and TV audiences - Billy Crystal and 1970s and 80s... (The Age)
Your oscar countdown quiz Feb 20, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009. Published: February 20. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Harlem Globetrotters "Spinning the Globe" Tour Shattering Box Office Records Across North America Feb 18, 2009
Al Pacino, Billy Crystal, Neal McDonough, Martin Lawrence, chef Gordon Ramsay, and radio personality Adam Carolla were among the celebrities enjoying the family fun at Los Angeles Staples Center on Feb. 15, as the team set an all-time Globetrotters record for the highest number of single-game paid tickets for any and all shows in the historic 83 years of the Globetrotters franchise. Other entertainment and sports icons took in the Globetrotters during the record-breaking Presidents Day... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
@ The Movies: 10 Romantic Film Favorites Feb 14, 2009
Image: MGM/UAMeg Ryan and Billy Crystal in 'When Harry Met Sally ... That's the burning question of director Rob Reiner and writer Nora Ephron's classic romantic tale, starring a picture perfect couple of friends (Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan) whose 10-year friendship becomes muddied by one night of passion. (KIRO TV, WA)
Enjoy Harry, Sally and Paprikash Feb 13, 2009
When it comes to romantic comedies, or as they say in the biz "romcoms," it doesn't get any better than "When Harry Met Sally." Billy Crystal ... In the lunch scene, Billy Crystal, for some reason, launches into this vaguely European accent, saying "Vaiter, there is too much pepper in my paprikash." He tries to get Meg Ryan to say it the same way he does. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Hits and Misses Feb 11, 2009
STEVE MARTIN 2001 With Billy Crystal unavailable, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences turned to Martin, but his quick wit could not save a tedious ceremony. High point: "Hosting the Oscars is like making love to a beautiful woman. It's something I only get to do when Billy Crystal is out of town." Low point: an attempted joke about Russell Crowe hitting on his co-stars, which drew a gasp from the crowd and a scowl from the actor ... BILLY CRYSTAL, 2004 After an absence of three... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Pucko: Plan for Cutbacks Now Feb 10, 2009
Actor Billy Crystal keeps a Mickey Mantle card in his wallet. Countless sons attended countless games at Yankee Stadium with their fathers. (R News)
Pew: Many Recognize Media's Pro-Obama Bias, Democrats Prefer CNN Feb 8, 2009
"Why the hell was Billy Crystal on Letterman talking about 'Soap the Complete Series' now available on DVD?". 4. (MediaResearch.org)
The rules according to Chickmovietopia Feb 7, 2009
An instant dislike say, how obnoxious Meg Ryan finds Billy Crystal on their cross-country trip in When Harry Met Sally is almost as good as an instant attraction. Because you can always flip the direction later. (MSNBC -- Movies)
Did we get film list right? Feb 7, 2009
Forget Paris with Billy Crystal and Debra Winger ... Anything with Billy Crystal in it is immediately not manly. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Chris Rock hip-hops into Oscar gig Feb 7, 2009
Hip-hopping into the traditional footsteps of such Oscar emcees as Billy Crystal and the late Johnny Carson appealed to Rock, although he revealed he turned down the chance to host the Oscarcast several times before, believing it was an old mans gig. . (MSNBC -- Academy Awards)
