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Billy Crystal’s Dark Turn: 10 Essential Movies And TV Shows, Including His 2024 Psychological Thriller 'Before'

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Few entertainers in Hollywood possess the sheer versatility and enduring charm of Billy Crystal. For decades, he has been a definitive voice in American comedy, known for his quick wit, masterful impressions, and heartfelt dramatic turns. However, as of late 2024, the beloved comedian has taken a dramatic, unexpected pivot, starring in a new psychological thriller series that has redefined his career and captivated audiences with a darker, more intense performance than ever before. This article dives into the full scope of his work, highlighting his most essential movies and television roles, culminating in his must-watch 2024 project.

The latest and most compelling entry in his filmography is the Apple TV+ limited series Before, which premiered on October 25, 2024. This new role sees Crystal step away from his signature comedic persona to play a child psychiatrist dealing with the aftermath of a personal tragedy who then finds himself disturbingly linked to a new patient. This shift from romantic comedy lead and Oscar host to a serious dramatic actor has proven that at 77, Billy Crystal's creative fire remains bright, offering fans a fresh, complex look at his acting depth and topical authority in the prestige television landscape.

The Life and Career of William Edward Crystal: A Complete Biography

William Edward "Billy" Crystal was born on March 14, 1948, in the Bronx, New York, and raised in Long Beach, New York. His family had deep connections to the jazz world, which instilled an early appreciation for performance and timing. His father, Jack Crystal, was a jazz promoter and owned the Commodore Music Shop, and his uncle, Milt Gabler, was a record producer and songwriter.

Crystal attended Marshall University on a baseball scholarship but never played, eventually transferring to New York University where he studied film and television. His early career was built on stand-up comedy and television appearances, leading to two career-defining roles that launched him into the mainstream.

  • Full Name: William Edward Crystal
  • Born: March 14, 1948 (Age 77 as of December 2025)
  • Birthplace: The Bronx, New York City, U.S.
  • Occupation: Comedian, Actor, Writer, Producer, Director, Television Host
  • Spouse: Janice Crystal (m. 1970)
  • Major Television Break: Jodie Dallas on the sitcom Soap (1977–1981), where he played one of the first openly gay characters on American television.
  • Major Comedy Break: Cast member on Saturday Night Live (1984–1985), where his character Fernando Lamas and catchphrase "You look mahvelous!" became iconic.
  • Key Awards & Accolades:
    • Six Primetime Emmy Awards (out of 14 nominations), including multiple wins for his work on the Academy Awards broadcasts.
    • Tony Award for his one-man show, 700 Sundays.
    • Drama Desk Award.
    • Three Golden Globe Award nominations.
  • Oscar Hosting: He has hosted the Academy Awards nine times, second only to Bob Hope.

The Definitive List: 10 Essential Billy Crystal Movies and TV Shows

From his early television roles to his box-office smashes and recent dramatic work, Billy Crystal has created a rich tapestry of unforgettable performances. These ten entries represent the essential viewing for any fan looking to understand his impact on Hollywood.

  1. Before (2024) - The Dark, New Chapter (TV Series)

    This is the most critical entry for an up-to-date look at his career. Before is a psychological thriller that showcases Crystal's ability to handle intense, character-driven drama. He stars as Eli, a child psychiatrist who is still reeling from the sudden death of his wife when he takes on a new, troubled patient. The series, which premiered on Apple TV+, is a significant departure from his usual fare and has generated buzz for its serious tone, proving his depth as a dramatic actor.

  2. When Harry Met Sally... (1989) - The Romantic Comedy Benchmark (Movie)

    Arguably his most iconic film role, Crystal's portrayal of Harry Burns, opposite Meg Ryan's Sally Albright, defined the modern romantic comedy. Directed by Rob Reiner, the film is a masterclass in witty dialogue and explores the timeless question: "Can men and women ever just be friends?" It remains a highly quotable, critically acclaimed classic.

  3. City Slickers (1991) - The Mid-Life Crisis Classic (Movie)

    Crystal's role as Mitch Robbins, a man struggling with a mid-life crisis who finds purpose on a cattle drive, struck a chord with audiences worldwide. The film blended his comedic timing with genuine heart and earned Jack Palance an Oscar for his role as Curly. This movie solidified Crystal's status as a leading man capable of both humor and pathos.

  4. Monsters, Inc. (2001) and Monsters University (2013) - The Voice of a Generation (Movie Franchise)

    As the voice of the one-eyed, wisecracking Mike Wazowski, Crystal found a massive new audience in the world of Pixar animation. His chemistry with John Goodman (Sully) is legendary, making the films beloved by families and critics alike. He reprised the role in the 2021 Disney+ series Monsters at Work.

  5. Soap (1977–1981) - The Groundbreaking TV Role (TV Series)

    Long before his film stardom, Crystal was a pioneer on television as Jodie Dallas, the first openly gay, regular character on an American sitcom. This role was groundbreaking and controversial for its time, showcasing Crystal's early willingness to take on complex, non-traditional characters.

  1. The Princess Bride (1987) - The Cult Favorite Cameo (Movie)

    Though a small role, his performance as Miracle Max is one of the film's most memorable and frequently quoted moments. His brief, hysterical scene with Carol Kane perfectly demonstrates his stand-up comedian's timing and ability to steal a movie with just a few minutes of screen time.

  2. Analyze This (1999) - The Mobster-Meets-Therapist Comedy (Movie)

    Partnering with Robert De Niro, Crystal played psychiatrist Ben Sobel, who is forced to treat a mob boss suffering from panic attacks. The film was a major box-office success, blending high-stakes drama with sharp, improvised comedy, a perfect vehicle for Crystal's comedic sensibilities.

  3. Saturday Night Live (1984–1985) - The Sketch Comedy Powerhouse (TV Series)

    Crystal's single season as a cast member on SNL was a period of revitalization for the show. His celebrity impressions and original characters like Fernando Lamas were immediate hits, proving his mastery of live sketch comedy and cementing his place among the comedy elite.

  4. 700 Sundays (2004, 2013) - The Personal Triumph (Stage/HBO Special)

    This critically acclaimed, one-man Broadway show, which also became an HBO special, is perhaps Crystal's most personal work. It is a poignant, humorous memoir about his childhood and the relationship with his father, culminating in his Tony Award win for Special Theatrical Event. It is essential viewing for understanding the man behind the jokes.

  5. Here Today (2021) - The Late-Career Dramedy (Movie)

    Co-written, directed, and starring Crystal, this film is a gentler, more nostalgic look at a comedy writer (Charlie Burnz) in the early stages of dementia who forms an unlikely friendship with a young singer (Tiffany Haddish). It serves as a beautiful, mature bridge between his classic comedy work and the darker themes explored in his 2024 series, Before.

The Evolution of a Comedic Icon: From SNL to Psychological Thrillers

Billy Crystal's career is a testament to the power of reinvention and the enduring appeal of genuine talent. His early work on Soap and Saturday Night Live established him as a comedian with range, but his transition to film in the late 1980s is what made him a global superstar. Films like When Harry Met Sally... and City Slickers allowed him to explore the complexities of adult relationships and the anxiety of modern life, always grounding the humor in relatable, human experiences.

His nine turns as the host of the Academy Awards are another crucial aspect of his legacy. His ability to seamlessly blend song, dance, and razor-sharp topical humor made him the gold standard for awards show hosting, earning him multiple Emmy Awards and setting a benchmark that few have been able to match.

What makes his latest work, Before, so compelling is its willingness to challenge audience expectations. After decades of making people laugh, Crystal is using his gravitas and experience to delve into the intense world of the psychological thriller. This late-career shift is not just a curiosity; it's a powerful statement that a great actor's desire to explore new territory never fades. By embracing this darker, more serious role, Billy Crystal ensures his relevance and continues to build on a filmography that is both deeply entertaining and surprisingly profound.

billy crystal movies and tv shows
billy crystal movies and tv shows

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