Billy Crystal Selected as Kennedy Center Honoree
Comedian Billy Crystal has spent half a century in the entertainment world. Renowned as a nine-time Oscars host and for his roles in classics like "The Princess Bride," "When Harry Met Sally..." and "Analyze This." Crystal was chosen to be among the 46th annual Kennedy Center Honorees, along with Renée Fleming, Barry Gibb, Queen Latifah, and Dionne Warwick.
"I'm on Cloud 12. You can see nine from there," Crystal told "CBS Mornings."
The event was not only a professional milestone but also a personal one, as he shared the joy of the moment with his family.
"This is what I felt, because looking, I'm wearing the (Kennedy Center Honors) medallion at the dinner. They just put it around your neck. And now, officially being this person, you're an honoree. And I look out and there's my two beautiful daughters, Jenny and Lindsay," said Crystal.
"I always wanted them to know that if I had to be away it was because I was doing what I had to do, and something that made me happy, and that the lesson for your life is whatever you're doing, be happy in what you're doing," said Crystal.
From Home Performances to Comedy Clubs: The Journey of Billy Crystal
His love for performing began at a young age, as the youngest of three boys. Crystal's passion for improv started when he was just 5 years old, often putting on shows with his brothers.
"I was fearless. That's why the Kennedy thing hit me so hard, because it takes me back to the beginning. How did I get here?" Crystal reflected.
In the 1970s, Crystal began his career in the comedy clubs of New York City. However, he faced a major setback when he was cut from "NBC's Saturday Night" (now known as "Saturday Night Live") before its premiere.
"It devastated me. I had been a part of everything leading up to it," Crystal shared.
Persistence Pays Off: Billy Crystal's Return to SNL
Despite the setback, Crystal's persistence and talent eventually brought him back to the SNL stage, a turning point in his career.
"It was where I wanted to be nine years earlier," Crystal recalled. "I was lucky because I was prepared. This time, I was ready."
Crystal's breakthrough moment came with his role in "Soap," where he portrayed an openly gay character. This groundbreaking move was unheard of in television at the time.
According to an unnamed source, the decision to participate in the show was driven by the desire to portray a real, charming, funny, and honest character, something that had never been done before. It took time, but eventually, they were able to achieve that goal.
The individual in question appeared on the television show "Soap" for a total of four seasons. However, it was an encounter with director Rob Reiner that would ultimately lead to their breakthrough in the film industry, starring in movies such as "The Princess Bride" and "When Harry Met Sally...".
In the eyes of the source, Reiner was the perfect director because he allowed them to be inventive.
They said, "He let us play. We added so much stuff as we went on."
The individual's improvisational skills and chemistry with co-star Meg Ryan were instrumental in creating memorable scenes that continue to resonate with audiences, such as the famous Katz's Deli scene from "When Harry Met Sally...".
Reflecting on the movie's impact, the source said, "It's an amazing phenomenon that this has touched people, and this little piece of history here in New York City — you know, the movie was 1989."
They also mentioned that "When Harry Met Sally..." holds a special place in their heart due to its meaning, making it one of their most memorable movies to date.
"Every day, people continue to experience the ups and downs of love. They fall in love, they fall out of love, they find each other, and they lose each other. And with each passing generation, 'When Harry Met Sally...' continues to captivate and resonate. It remains timeless, representing the experiences and emotions of the audience," shared Crystal.
Tune in to CBS at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Wednesday, Dec. 27 to watch the prestigious 2023 Kennedy Center Honors. You can also stream it on Paramount+.
Make sure to catch the profiles of this year's honorees all week on "CBS Mornings."
