Along with being an actor and comedian, Billy Crystal is most known for his affable hosting abilities, a groundbreaking role on television, and his impressions. One of the few to make a successful career from standup comedy to the movies, Crystal has hosted the Academy Awards six times and the Comic Relief festivals (which he also co-directed) since 1986. He has been nominated 12 times for an Emmy and has won three of them.
In 1976, Crystal was cast in the recurring role as Rob Reiner's Meathead's best friend on All in the Family. He made history when he was cast as the first gay character to appear on television on Soap, Jodie Dallas. Although he established himself on Soap, it was the 1985 season of Saturday Night Live that made him famous. Once he debuted his "You Look Mahvelous!" impression of Fernando Lamas, Crystal's name became a household word. He later put out a recording, simply entitled "(You Look) Mahvelous!" The 12" single, believe it or not, became a club favorite. Alas disco is not his forte and the novelty song was his only hit. |
